Page 6 of Dimitri
"I cannot thank you enough for doing this."
"Nonsense." Elizabeth waved a delicately shaped hand in dismissal. Alvin had volunteered to give Jaime the tour and to collect his things from the car. "You know Alvin and I love to help." She eyed the lovely young woman and felt the familiar pang. Her daughter was gone forever, and outliving one's child was not something a parent ever gets over. She had known Allison for several years now, ever since she inherited the property a few miles away from them and started living there. Not only was she lovely, but she was also intelligent and compassionate. Her crusade to get children off the streets had gained Elizabeth's profound admiration and affection. "We need the extra help."
Allison sent her an amused look. "We both know you have more than enough people working for you."
"It's a big farm." Green eyes twinkled. "And getting even bigger." Putting her cup down, she folded her hands in front of her. "I have news."
"Yes?"
"My grandson is coming to live with us."
"Oh?" Allison knew the tragic story of how they had lost their only child. "You must be very excited."
The older woman sighed and pressed her fists against her chest. "I'm trying not to get all giddy. I'm afraid the staff are frustrated with all the changes I insist on making. I want to make him comfortable. Dimitri hasn't been here for a very long time. I keep wondering if he's going to take one look at the place and turn around. I want him to stay so badly."
"I'm sure he will want to stay." She had seen photos of both grandsons scattered around the rooms. They did not look anything like their grandparents, but Elizabeth had told her that they favored their father.
"I miss Angela every day of my life," she murmured.
"I know you do."
The woman nodded and rose gracefully to go look out the window. "We're planning a party as soon as he arrives." She turned to look at Allison, a speculative look in her eyes. "You have to come of course."
Squelching the urge to find some excuse not to attend, Allison smiled. "Of course."
"Good." Clapping her hands in a lightning change of mood, Elizabeth came to sit back down. "Now darling, tell me about the young man."
*****
He couldn't contain his excitement and insisted that Allison tour his living accommodations. She had brought several boys here before and knew that the McKenzies provided the best living space. There were several cottages and cabins on the grounds to house their employees who did not have anywhere else to go. That included married couples with children.
A large greenhouse had been added that offered organic fruits and vegetables. For several miles, there stretched fruit trees such as apples, oranges, lemon, peach and pecan. In yet anotherenclosed area, there was a flower garden rioting with colors. Elizabeth specialized in hybrid roses, ones that had won several awards over the years.
"I have my own room." Jaime's blue eyes shone, his thin face animated. "I share the place with an old man who's a real cowboy. Alvin," he slid her a challenging glance, "he said I could call him that."
"All right." They were at the corral watching a hand put the horses through their paces. Allison loved to ride, and the offer to do so whenever she wanted to had been issued by the couple. She was going to have to find the time to take them up on it. "What will you be doing?" Turning her attention from the excellent animals, she glanced at him.
"Mucking out stalls," he grimaced. "Bouncing from one place to the next." He straightened his thin shoulders. "I want to learn everything." The sincerity in his tone warmed her heart. She could almost wager that Alvin had given him a pep talk, without it seeming to be one.
"Looks like you've found your calling." With a friendly grin, she cuffed him on the shoulder. "In almost no time, you're going to develop some muscles."
He looked startled at that as if it had not occurred to him.
"Think so?"
"Know so." She glanced at her watch. "Now, I have to go. I've stayed longer than anticipated. Need anything?"
He shook his head and shuffled his feet.
"Thanks. For you know, everything."
"You're most welcome. You can prove your appreciation by not disappointing me."
"I won't."
With a wave, she made her way to her car.
In the large living room with the fire at her back, Elizabeth gazed out at the scene.
