more properties first? I mean, yes, this place is full of potential, but maybe you could show her something more move-in ready.”
“I don’t want anything move-in ready,” I tell him. “I love this place. I can totally make it my own. Plus, it’s so darn charming. Look at the light fixtures and crown molding.” I point to a fleur-de-lis pressed-glass dome hanging above our heads and the wide framing along the ceiling. “The details are gorgeous.”
Buck shakes his head. “Okay, but you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you.”
“Since when am I afraid of hard work?” I ask him.
He shakes his head. “Since never. Congratulations, Ash, it looks like your dreams really are coming true.”
I wish more than anything my mom could be here to be part of the process of turning this house into my home. But I know Sammy will be here in her place. Heck, it might even encourage her to get out of Shady Acres, too. Even if she couldn’t afford to buy a place, she might be able to find a nice rental.
Buck tells me, “I’ll help in any way I can.” Then he clarifies, “I’m not offering to pick up a hammer or a paint brush, but I’d be happy to hand over my check book to hire someone else.”
I let out a loud snort. “When did you get so prissy? I want to do as much of the work myself as I can. I want to put my own blood, sweat, and tears into this house. That’s what’s going to make it truly mine.”
“Prissy?” Buck demands. “I am not prissy. I’m refined and don’t you forget it.”
“Okay, big man. Thanks for the offer, but I don’t need you to come to my rescue. I’ve got this.” And I really feel like I do. My love life can wait until I get my house in order, both literally and figuratively.
Chapter Fifty
Davis leaves three messages for me today. All of them inquire after my welfare and all of them ask me to call him back. I don’t.
When I get into work after lunch, I go straight to Mrs. Frothingham’s room. She’s sitting on her bed holding the framed picture that Lee brought in the other day. She looks up at me and says, “This is John. This is the man who comes to see me.”
“Did he come again last night?” I ask.
“I think he comes every night.” She looks confused like she’s trying to remember but the details are fuzzy.
“Did he say anything to you last night?”
She shakes her head. “No, he just sat next to me and held my hand. It was lovely.”
“You were married for over fifty years,” I tell her. “I bet he misses you.”
“I bet I miss him, too,” she says. “I wonder if my mind started going because it was looking for him.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. You two created a whole world together, kids, grandkids …”
“I think he liked frog legs,” she tells me.
“That’s what your grandson Davis told me.” As much as I want to forget about him right now, I still feel grateful that he pulled me into his family life. It’s been a gift getting to spend time with them.
I feel like I can stay friends with his mom, aunt, sister, and cousin, even though I’ve decided nothing more can happen between us. Heck, his brother is my real estate agent. It’s hard to go anywhere in Creek Water without crossing paths with a Frothingham.
In fact, I’m going over to have movie night at Lee’s tonight and I’m really excited about it. Even though Davis won’t be there, I know I’ll still feel like I belong.
“How about if I call your family to see if they can come in for a visit,” I suggest.
“No, honey, I don’t feel up to it. How ’bout you just sit down and tell me a story?”
I settle on the recliner next to her bed and ask, “What kind of a story do you want to hear?”
“Tell me something that’s going on in your life. What are you kids up to these days?”
“I just put an offer in on my first house,” I tell her.
“Are you married?” she asks.
“No, ma’am. I’m not.”
“Good for you for buying your own house. That’s a big accomplishment, isn’t it?”
“Yes, ma’am, I think it is. Maybe someday I can show it to you.” Maybe Lee and Gracie could go with us. There’s no way I’d ask Davis.
Before Mrs. Frothingham can reply, I notice that she’s gone