Page 12 of Coming Home

“What? Leave the Cove? You’re a native, Clancy. Almost eighty-six years old. What’s in Texas?”

“Myra has twin daughters who both live in the Houston area. They married brothers, as a matter of fact. The girls have five children between them. My lady is tired of the once-a-year visits to see her grandkids. She wants to attend Little League games and piano recitals.” Clancy paused. “She told me she was going with or without me, Jackson. That’s what spurred my wish to retire. In fact, she and I are flying down to Houston this weekend and will look for a place to live. She will be very happy to know you are in town, ready to take over my practice.”

“We had discussed this summer. Do you want to move up that date? And what about a transition period?”

“You’re a smart guy, Jackson. You don’t need much of a transition. Yes, I’d like to spend some time with you, going through the files and updating you on a few matters. But I will be happy for you to take over as soon as we can sign the documents handing over the practice to you.”

He thought about it for a moment. Thought he hadn’t known Clancy would want to step away so quickly, it wasn’t as if Jackson hadn’t had any time off recently. He had reclaimed a bit of himself the past two months while driving through several states and hiking some of the most beautiful land in the country.

“I’m ready to take over whenever you wish, Clancy. Name the date. I’ll make myself available.”

“I’m going to be in Houston all next week. I’ve already informed my clients of this little vacation. I can leave you the keys to the office, and you can come in next week and familiarize yourself with things. Myra and I will be back next weekend, and I can take that Monday—and Tuesday, if needed—to go over any questions you might have. After that? I’d like to go on and head down to Houston with my girl.”

“I can draw up the papers for the transfer while you’re out of town,” Jackson told him. “I suppose you’ll also need to list your house for sale.”

“I had planned on doing so soon. Myra sold hers back in October and moved in with me at that time. She put a few things in storage that she couldn’t part with. Got rid of all the rest. I only have a few pieces of furniture myself that I’m wedded to, including my rolltop desk at home. I was going to ask Rylie Robinson to take on the rest of the furniture. She’s Ainsley’s cousin and runs Antiques and Mystiques. Besides selling antiques, she had a section in the store devoted to consignment furniture.”

A gleam filled the older man’s eyes. “Besides the law practice, would you be in the market for a home? After all, Willow and Dylan will be starting their family soon. I assume you’ll want to do the same. My house is perfect for that. Spacious. A huge backyard. You would need to get Pete Pulaski in to do some updating, though. Myra has complained that too much of my place is hopelessly out of date. She wants us to purchase something brand-new, or close to turnkey, when we buy in Houston.”

Jackson had been to Clancy’s home several times over the years and remembered the house was a large two-story, with mature trees in its front yard and a huge back yard perfect for hosting barbeques.

“I would be very interested.” He chuckled. “Especially because of the short commute.”

The attorney removed his key ring from his pocket and slipped off a key, pushing it across the desk to Jackson.

“Myra has her own house key, so we won’t be locked out. While we’re gone, go over and check out the house. See if you are interested in buying it. If you are, we can complete the paperwork. Shayla Newton won’t be happy. She’s our local realtor, and I was going to list the property with her. This way, though, neither of us will have to pay a commission if you do agree to buy it.”

Clancy pushed himself to his feet. “Enough with business. I say we head over to Sid’s Diner. And you’re buying.” He reached into his drawer and removed a set of keys.

Jackson laughed and followed Clancy out of the office. The older man locked the office door and handed over the key ring.

“Keys to the office. Front and back doors. Also my office and the file room, which has a copy machine and router. Make yourself at home while I’m gone. Nose about a bit. I think you’ll find that I keep a neat office. I’ve never used a secretary. Typed all letters on my own, first on a typewriter and then a computer. Printer’s in my office. I keep my own calendar. Listen to my messages and make appointments accordingly. You’ll have to decide if you’d like an assistant or if you wish to make do on your own.”

They cut across the square and entered Sid’s Diner. Nancy Mayfield, a former teacher and Sid’s widow, greeted them.

“Hello, boys. I’ve got your usual booth waiting, Clancy. Good to see you, Jackson.”

She led them to a booth in the corner, one which looked out over the square. Handing them each a menu, Nancy asked, “Will I need to reserve this same spot in case a new lawyer is coming to town to take over for an old dog?”

Jackson shook his head. “Not much gets by you, Nancy. We’re working out the details now. Nothing’s official. Yet.”

She smiled. “It will be good to have you back in the Cove. Boo would be happy that both Willow and you have returned.”

Tears stung his eyes for a moment, thinking of his beloved grandmother and how proud she had been of the two grandchildren she had raised.

“Boo knows,” he confirmed. “She’s watching over us.”

Jackson knew that the citizens in the Cove would also be watching out for him.

It was good to finally be home.

CHAPTER 5

Ainsley changed clothes. Again. For the fourth time.

“This is getting ridiculous,” she said aloud, glancing in the mirror and removing her blouse in favor of a plum tunic sweater that made her periwinkle eyes pop.

“Finally,” she declared, telling herself to leave on this sweater. It looked fine with the black leggings she already wore.

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