Page 95 of Dream Mates
And me. Though me acquiescing had been less about getting access to my money and more about the fear of her upending my life like she’d done years ago.
Not to mention the financial plan I’d drawn up to get the foundation started required contributions from both Spencer and I, as well as the pack. While Spencer could fund this foundation himself, given this was going to beourfoundation, he shouldn’t have to.
“I know at the start we’re just trying to cover the outstanding scholarships for the omegas currently enrolled. But when we get situated, there’s something I’d like to do,” Spencer said quietly.
“Of course. I’m sure Riley has lots of ideas.” I grinned. She’d already mentioned getting her school a new computer lab and better art stuff.
He laughed. “Oh, I’m sure.” His look turned wistful. “I’d like to endow some scholarships for betas in the sciences. One at the university Elaris and I attended, and one at Hadley Hall, or some equally prestigious academic institution, such as the one Sonja is dean of. Elaris never got the opportunity to attend a high school like that. I’d like to give others the chance. I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”
Elaris. He so seldom mentioned her. All I knew was that she was smarter than Spencer and had radical ideas.
“That’s a great idea, go for it. Maybe do all three.” I wasn’t about to argue with scholarships. No one in the pack would. It also seemed like a nice tribute to her. I’d never met her but to be both the love of Spencer’s life and to have accomplished everything she had at such a young age, she must have been something.
Mrs. K appeared in the doorway. “He’s here.”
The foundation lawyer came in and the three of us went over everything we needed to do to lay the groundwork for the Thanukos Family Foundation.
“Well, we have our homework,” Spencer stated when the lawyer left.
I looked at the list of action items. “Indeed.”
There’d be lots to talk about at family dinners as we got the logistics ironed out.
“I’ll speak to the headmistress at Finchley to get things going in regards to making sure those students keep their funding. Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” Spencer assured. “We won’t let your mother win.”
My phone rang. My mother. I silenced it. “No, we won’t. Spence, you’re okay with all this? The names and everything?”
That was a very strange dinner conversation. I’d never expected him to offer his name. He’d always been content to be in the background. Not that I’d minded. Though I absolutely didn’t mind him taking over as the face of the pack. I liked being in charge, but I didn’t like being social. Neither did Wes. Something required for a pack of our stature.
Not to mention a drawback to us claiming his last name was that it would catapult our social status. Everyone was going to invite us to everything. Everywhere.No thanks.
Spencer nodded. “Of course. As long as you’re okay with it.”
“I am. I’ll get that process started, too.”
“Can I choose her house?” Spencer’s look went pensive.
That took me a moment. “Grace. You want to choose the house she gets when she joins the pack? Is that what she wants?”
It didn’t need to be a house, it could be any sort of asset. Paintings. Stocks. Jewelry. Money. Horses. It just had to be hers alone.
“It is. Please? If I’m not overstepping. Wes is fine with it.” He looked so earnest.
“Go for it.” I didn’t have time to do it, and Spencer would choose something she’d adore. “But we’re not there yet.”
“I know.” He nodded. “I can get her whatever I’d like?”
“Go for it.” Then I told him about the historical office and what was happening with the estate. “This could get messy.”
“While I generally respect Siobhan, if she crosses lines with my company, I’ll show no mercy,” he stated.
“I appreciate that.” While I believed him, because like me, he was a businessman, I also really wanted to see what him showing no mercy looked like. I seldom saw him as anything but congenial.
“At some point we should talk about how far we want to take this,” he added.
“That’s a good point.” While this was a war I wanted to win, I didn’t want to stoop to her level.
Then again, I’d do anything for my pack–and I wasn’t quite sure my appearance-oriented mother truly understood that.
