Page 44 of Ultimate Freedom

“Oh, I’ve met Elsie. She’s got a good sense of humor. Lefty and his jokes don’t always get a laugh, but she seemed to like his teasing.”

“Then you know who I’m talking about. She’s been working in Hyder for twenty years and just had her seventieth birthday. Unfortunately, the woman is worn out, Harold. Lexie caught her more than once sleeping on the job. It’s become obvious she needs to retire.”

Harold looked sad. “That day comes to all of us eventually.”

Demi’s nod showed her agreement. “Problem is, she lives in the nurse’s trailer behind the clinic. Lexie needs her to move out so she can fix it up for the new nurse they’ll need to hire to replace her.”

“Ahh, I see where you’re going with this.”

“Would you let her move in here with you?”

“She’d be willing?”

“I don’t think she’d have much choice. Seems like she has no other family. Poor dear lost her husband over twenty years ago to a long illness and has used every penny she’s made to pay off those bills. Elsie is broke and homeless.”

Harold’s gaze lifted to hers. “Would shewantto live in the same house as an old fart like me? I can’t do much to help around here. Lefty took over the kitchen chores, but Icanmake simple meals. And I’m feeling much stronger than I did when I lived in Vancouver. I put it down to the clean air here in the Alaskan mountains… that and seeing you every day.”

Demi grinned at his last comment. “We’ll ask her, but she might need some convincing from you. Would you be up to talking to her about the move? There are three bedrooms in the place and plenty of space in the rest of the house. If you’d prefer to stay separated, we could set up another sitting room for you.”

“Nah. That’s not necessary. I’m happy to do whatever she wants, but I don’t see why we can’t share the kitchen and living room. I do have the bedroom with its own TV and the ensuite, so if you think she’d be happier there, I can move.”

“No, Harold. Her bedroom is just a few steps away from the guest bathroom. I’m sure you’ll both be comfortable as long as you’re willing to have a roomie.”

“Yes. Of course. It’ll be company. I know Lefty’s been itching to get back to the city and his business. Can’t blame him. I’d been thinking to put him out of his misery and agree to goback on the weekend. Now, I won’t have to. You’ve made an old man very happy knowing I can stay where I want to be.”

“And your house in Vancouver?”

“We closed it up pretty tight before we left. Besides, the only thing I care about in that place, I brought with me.” He pointed at his wedding picture with Gloria in his arms. His expression became pensive and then he spoke his thoughts out loud. “Lefty’s son, Joe, is looking for a small house for him and his wife and baby and trust me the rental rates in Vancouver are shocking. If Lefty doesn’t mind cleaning out my personal stuff and locking it away in the garage, then for a very reasonable price, I’d be willing to let his family move in for now. I could relax, knowing they’d look after it.”

Sensing that Harold had made up his mind and was thrilled about the arrangements, Demi kissed his cheek before standing to leave. “Then it’s all settled.”

“Except for one thing. What about Whit?”

“What about him?”

“It’s his mother’s house. His home. Are you sure he’s okay with this arrangement?”

Feeling shy, Demi admitted, “I asked him the same thing when he suggested it. And… he said that after we’re married, he wanted to build a big house on my property so we can stay there permanently. I love the idea. That place has become home to me. I never want to leave.”

“See… I truly understand how you feel. You have to know I’m thrilled for you both. I hope I live long enough to see it happen.”

“And I pray you’re here to walk me down the aisle.”

They hugged, both a little shaky but wearing huge grins.

Chapter Twenty-seven

Whit felt like a magician and a prince all rolled up into the happiest man in the world. The way Demi looked at him now, openly showing her love, made him shiver with constant thoughts of getting her alone. He’d begun to feel like a pervert, with his mind always on the frenzied love making they shared behind closed doors.

As the days passed and things settled into place, he spent time assisting Elsie with her move, making sure she had everything she wanted from the trailer. He’d never known a more appreciative soul. In fact, on the day they took the final load, he found her sitting at the kitchen table and staring into space. Not sure if he should interrupt her moment, the choice got taken out of his control when she spoke, sensing him behind her.

“Whit, I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve sat here this last year fretting… terrified I’d have to leave and have nowhere to go. I even made calls to a few of the ladies I know who live in Stewart about places to live. None could help. One told me she’d been in the same boat and was only saved because her daughter allowed her to live with them. Another dreads the time coming when her family will force her to move into a home.

There’re just no spots to rent anymore, I mean livable places. And when you get to my age, living alone isn’t all that great either. Meeting Harold and knowing he’s happy to have me with him… well, it’s the best news I’ve had in a very long time. And… it’s all because of you. Your generosity. Giving me free rent as my payment to help out with Harold. How can I ever thank you?” She looked up into his face then, hers a picture of sincere gratitude.

“Just be happy. Relax and enjoy this period in your life, you’ve earned it. And let Demi and me be there when you need us. We’re young and strong and very willing to step in whenever you call.”

“I will. Thank you. I’ve been too shy to ask, but is Harold Demi’s father? She calls him by his first name, but they’re so close. It’s made me wonder.”

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