Let It Be (Butler, Vermont #6) - Marie Force Page 0,62
said. “You came.”
“Hello, Father. You remember my wife, Molly?”
Carlton gave a nod to her before shifting his gaze back to Linc. “You look good.”
“Thank you.”
Carlton pulled at the oxygen mask.
Charlotte helped him remove it. “Just for a few minutes.”
“Thank you for coming,” he said to Linc, his voice soft and his breathing labored. “I wasn’t sure if you would.”
“I was raised to honor my father and mother.”
“Even when they don’t deserve it?”
“Even then.”
A faint smiled played at the older man’s lips. “I’m sorry. That’s all I can say.”
“Thank you for apologizing.”
“I wish… I wish it hadn’t happened.”
“I do, too.”
Char sniffled and dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.
“I brought some people I’d like you to meet,” Linc said.
“He has ten children, Father.”
Carlton’s eyes went wide. “Ten?”
“That’s right. Would you like to meet your grandchildren?”
“Yes, please. I’d like that very much.”
While Linc went to get the others, Char replaced the oxygen mask on his face.
He introduced them all and mentioned the grandchildren who weren’t with them.
Carlton pulled aside the mask. “You have a beautiful family.”
“Thank you.”
“Tell me…” Carlton took a breath. “Tell me about them.”
“They all work in one way or another for the family businesses. Hunter, who’s married to Megan, is the CFO of all our businesses, including the diner his wife, Megan, runs. Megan is also an amazing writer who’s working on her first novel. Hannah was married to Caleb, but we lost him in Iraq. She’s remarried to Nolan, who owns the auto repair garage in our town, and she makes beautiful jewelry that we sell in the store. Their daughter Callie’s full name is Caleb, and she’s going to be a big sister in the new year. Will oversees our Vermont Made line and is married to Cameron. Chase is his son. Ella is engaged to Gavin.”
Gavin raised his hand to wave.
“He’s Caleb’s brother and owns a logging outfit in our area. Ella oversees the sales team in the store, among many other things. Charley, who lives with Tyler, is in charge of the inventory systems and all things technical, and Tyler is a very successful day trader and investor. Wade is our fitness and health guru. He oversees our wellness line, and his wife, Mia, works at the warehouse overseeing shipping and fulfillment. Colton manages our maple syrup operation with Max’s help. Colton’s wife, Lucy, is our webmaster along with Will’s wife, Cameron.”
Carlton seemed to be committing each detail to memory as Lincoln filled him in.
“Lucas and Landon are both lieutenants in the Butler Volunteer Fire Department. Lucas, who’s engaged to Dani, is a master woodworker, and he sells his creations in the store. Dani, who’s Savannah’s mom, runs our warehouse. Landon is in charge of the family Christmas tree farm with Max’s help. Landon is engaged to Amanda, who’s Stella’s mom. Amanda is in charge of our new catalog. Max is our youngest, but he was the first to make us grandparents with Caden, who turned one in November. He’s an awesome single dad to his son, and we’re super proud of him. We’re proud of all of them.” Linc gestured to Elmer to come closer. “This is my father-in-law, Elmer Stillman. His parents founded the business he entrusted to me when he retired.”
Elmer looked directly at Carlton when he said, “Your son is an incredible businessman and an even more incredible husband, father, grandfather and uncle. I’m proud to call him my son-in-law and one of my closest friends.”
Elmer’s sweet words brought Linc’s emotions surging to the surface.
“Thank you all for coming,” Carlton said in a gruff whisper. “Thank you so much.”
“We’ll leave you to visit with your father, Dad,” Hunter said, ushering the others out of the room.
“Impressive family,” Carlton said.
“Thank you.”
“The two boys… They’re twins?”
“Yes, Lucas and Landon are identical twins. Hunter and Hannah, our eldest two, are also twins.”
His father’s eyes filled with tears. “Wish I had known them, that your mother had...”
“I wish that, too.”
“Sorry, Lincoln,” Carlton said as his eyes filled again. “So sorry.”
“I have a question I need to ask, and it may not be the right time…”
His father waved his hand. “You can ask. There’s not much time left.”
“Why, Father? Why did you force me to choose between you and the woman I loved?”
Carlton closed his eyes, and when he did, tears leaked from the corners. “When your brother died…” He opened his eyes and seemed to struggle for air. “That broke something in me. I was so angry at God and the world for taking him.