Page 53 of Her Counterfeit Christmas
“Were you happy?”Will I be happy married to Spencer? It’s a question she can’t answer, but if anyone could give me a glimpse into my future, it would be Rheta.
She sighs. “Yes, and no. I had everything I could want in a material sense, but Charles was a force. I was young when we married, only twenty. My father was much the same, and I’d learned never to question either of them. I didn’t speak up for myself or my family like I should have. It made for a lonely life.”
It’s not much different from what I expected her to say, but not what I want to hear.
“I miss Charles, but now that he’s gone, I’m left with regrets over all the things I should have done differently. I tell myself the past is behind me and I can’t change what’s been. I’m trying to do better going forward. Not an easy feat for a woman my age.”
“It seems to me you’re succeeding. Everyone in York knows and loves you.”
A joyful smile spreads across her wrinkly cheeks. “It’s lovely to feel like I have a community. Dorian wants me to move to Utah so he can monitor me, but this is where I belong.”
“You have a wonderful family.” I feel I have to say so, but I don’t disagree with it. Just because half of them are workaholics doesn’t mean they aren’t wonderful.
She pats my hand. “Yes, I do. Though I worry they spend too much time at work, just like their father. The most important thing in life is family.”
“Agreed.”
Its obvious family is Owen’s priority. He reminds me of Opa. Opa was one hundred percent involved with any zany idea Nana came up with, even the made-up German pickle tradition. His complaining about the pickle was half the fun every year. If he were alive, he would’ve been in Owen’s room singing his heart out toThe Muppet Christmas Carolin his German accent I miss so much.
“That is why I’m glad Spencer has you,” Rheta continues. “You’re an excellent influence on him. I’m thrilled you’re here, and I hope you’ll stay much longer than one week as part of the family.”
Right.
Spencer.
NOT Owen.
I wish I could have both men smooshed into one. What a terrible thing to think, even just in my head. I fall against the chair back, accepting that I’m a horrible person and not sure what to do about it.
“Tell me about your family,” Rheta says. “Are they having a big Christmas celebration?”
Rheta has been honest and open with me. I want to give her the same in return.
“No. I only have my grandma still living. She has dementia and doesn’t remember me half the time. She doesn’t even know it’s Christmas.”
Being with Rheta makes me miss Nana even more than I already do.
Her expression sobers. “I’m sorry you’re going through that. Neither of your parents are still with you?”
“I never knew my dad. He left my mom when she was pregnant with me. When I was ten, my mom was diagnosedwith colon cancer. She hung on for a few years, but died when I was in middle school. Grandpa died six years ago. Heart attack. I’m the only one left.”
Those last few words hollow me out. I haven’t thought of my situation in that way before now:the only one left. What’s even more depressing is that once married to Spencer, I’ll still be the one that’s left. He’ll be off doing his work, and I’ll be at the house alone. Wealthy. Able to pay for Nana’s care. But still alone. How did Rheta say it?A lonely life.
“A heart attack is how my Charles left us,” Rheta said. “It’s difficult to lose those we love, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”
Rheta has a way of listening that loosens my tongue. She reminds me of Owen. The more I get to know her, the more I respect and admire her. This might be the only chance to warn her of Dorian’s plans.
“Your children aren’t happy with the changes you’ve made to your will. Ellory and Dorian want to take control of your estate.”
She brushes her hand in the air. “Oh, I know. They are talented lawyers, but I was married to an exceptional lawyer for sixty years. I’ve picked up a few things in my time, and my lawyer is just as smart as they are.” She leans her head back and looks at the moon. “I hope they don’t waste their time coming after me. I invited them here for Christmas so we could be a family. I realize it isn’t working out the way I hoped, but I don’t want to fight over money and land. Charles’ focus in life was accumulating as much as possible. Now he’s gone, and it does him no good.”
She sighs, long and deep. When she speaks again, her voice is soft, as if she’s inviting me into a secret. “This pastmonth when I was sick with the flu, there were days I wanted to die because I felt so horrible. It put my life in perspective. I asked myself if I had missed out on living because I tried so hard to do what was expected of me. I didn’t like the answer I came to. I don’t want my children or grandchildren or even great-grandchildren to wonder the same thing the last hours of their lives. I hope to teach them to find joy in living in the now. Joy isn’t found in accumulating wealth. ”
A noble goal, but she is the one offering twenty million dollars to any grandchild who marries. I’m not sure her plan will have much of an influence on their views on money.
“They won’t get on board easily,” I say.
