Page 45 of Alistair

“I can’t thank you boys enough,” she said when they finished. “I’ll sleep better knowing that the chores are done. Thank you.”

“It was our honor, Iris. Thank you for making this place feel like home for a few days. We have to head out tomorrow, but if you need anything at all, you call us,” said Alistair. She hugged all of them and went upstairs to bed as most of the men followed. Alistair looked at Dan and Leif, nodding toward the front porch.

“Where’d you go?” asked Leif, staring at Garr.

“For a walk.”

“You wanna tell us why the mention of Macie’s name sent you running?” asked Alistair.

“Nope.”

“Garr, she’s a grown woman now, not some kid in middle school.” He turned sharply, staring at his friend. “Yeah. I know. She’s twenty-seven years old, brother.”

“She’s still just a kid,” he growled. Dan just laughed, shaking his head.

“Nope. Not even close.”

“I don’t know how she feels,” he said quietly.

“Find out,” said Alistair. “Isn’t that what you all told me when I was falling for Clark? You won’t know until you ask her.”

“She’s coming home for the holidays,” said Dan. “She’ll be finished with her last exam the first week of December, and then she’ll be home ready to start at G.R.I.P. Seems like the perfect time to let her know how you feel.”

“I don’t. Maybe,” he said, shaking his head. “I need to do this right and speak with Sam first. If he doesn’t want me near her, I’ll stay away.”

“He won’t care as long as you’re good to her, Garr. You’re one of the best men I know. Sam won’t have issue with you dating his daughter. Neither will Mia.”

“I’m just not sure. I want to be sure before I say anything or do anything.”

“Well, you’ve got time to think about it. Maybe you should go visit her at university. See if she feels the same about you. I mean, it’s football season. Use the excuse that you want to go up there for a game. I’ll bet she’d love to have you there,” said Leif.

“I’ll think about it. Thanks.”

After talking about mindless topics a while longer, the men turned in, ready for a restful night’s sleep. As they packed the car, Tailor went inside to say goodbye to Iris. It was 0430, so he didn’t expect her to be awake yet, but he didn’t want to leave without letting her know.

“Iris?” he said, knocking on her door. He knocked again. “Iris? It’s Tailor. We’re leaving.”

“Damn,” said Alec. “Open the door.”

She was lying on her back, looking as if she were sleeping peacefully. Her hand was cold, and they knew that she was gone. Beside her were the photos of her sons and husband.

“Well, she got her wish. She went in her sleep,” frowned Tailor. “I’ll call the coroner.”

“I’ll get her will,” said Alec.

Postponing their departure for a day, they waited for everyone to show up to take Iris away. Tailor and Alec made sure that her burial preparations were handled and that she would lie beside her family. When they gave the will to her attorney, he nodded at the men.

“She was a feisty one,” he grinned. “That woman knew what she wanted, and there was no changing her mind. She was a force.”

“We know someone just like her,” said Alec with a sad smile. “I’m glad she’s with her boys now.”

“Same, son. To think she’s left this house and the property to be used for good, well, that’s just how Iris was. You boys can go now. If I need anything, I’ll let you know.”

“Will there be people at her funeral? I don’t want her buried alone,” said Tailor.

“Son, there will be a whole damn community at her funeral.”

“Good. That’s good,” he nodded. “Thank you for taking care of this.” The attorney nodded, moving to speak with the coroner and other authorities. Taking one last look at the inn, the men loaded into the SUVs and drove away. Alistair stared at the men in the vehicle.

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