Page 21 of Fools Rush Flynn

“It’s been my wish your entire life that you’d find someone who saw you for the special girl you are. Lord knows your parents never did; God rest their souls.” She takes a sip of water, her hand shaking as it lifts the glass, then returns it. “Your cousin has been trying to convince me that your marriage is a sham.”

I open my mouth to respond, but she shakes her head.

“Hush, let me say my piece before my mind slips. I never know when it’s going to happen.”

I nod, wiping at my eyes because I can’t even imagine how it must feel to know your memory is fading.

“I’ve instructed Stephens to put you back as executor of my estate. I know you will follow my wishes. Allowing me to live the rest of my days here in this house that I love so much. When I am gone, you can do what you want with it.”

The tears are coming stronger now, but I just let them fall. Grief works its way out of your body one way or another; it’s futile to try to fight it.

“The marriage thing was just my way to make sure you and Richard had lives. That you’d love and be loved in return. I’ve seen the way Flynn looks at you, and I have no doubt that he wholeheartedly loves you.”

I want to argue. To tell her he doesn’t, but that I hope someday he might. But she continues talking.

“Go and live with your husband. Build your life. Start your own family. Come back here and see me now and again. But I am at peace knowing no one is going to take my home away from me while I’m still physically on this Earth.”

“Never,” I say. “Are you sure you don’t want me to move back here until…” I let my words fade, unable to speak the rest of my question.

“Absolutely not. Flynn told me all about that dog sanctuary he and his Army friends are running. What a marvelous thing. And you have always been charmed by the idea of small-town life. That is where you belong. That is the life you’re meant to have. At that man’s side. Go and live it.”

I lean forward and wrap my arms around my grandmother’s frail frame. “I love you, Grandma.”

“I know you do, sweet girl. I also instructed Stephens to send immediate funds to the dog sanctuary. That kind of endeavor deserves to be a success.”

“Thank you. I know Flynn and the rest of the guys will truly appreciate it.”

“It is my pleasure. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ring for my nurse. I’m feeling tired and need to rest up before the party this evening.”

“Of course.”

chapter

fourteen

Flynn

The birthday party is over. Temple’s grandmother was lucid enough to enjoy about an hour before she became too tired and went to bed.

My girl had returned to me from breakfast, teary-eyed, but happy. Clearly sad at the fact that her grandmother doesn’t have a lot of time left, but relieved to once again be executor of the estate. Knowing that her cousin can’t displace their grandmother gave Temple so much peace.

Temple is somewhere finalizing last minute payment issues with the caterer, so I’m left to my own devices. I wander around the backyard, which frankly looks like something out of a fairy tale book. Shaped topiaries and perfectly trimmed hedges line the walkways. Every now and then there will be a sculpture or statue you’d swear came from a museum.

To say the Thornes have money would be an understatement. I’ve never asked where the money comes from, but if I had to guess I’d say old oil. That kind of fortune is the most common in this part of Houston.

“There you are,” a woman’s voice purrs from behind me. Talon-like nails scrape over my bicep. “I was looking for you.”

I turn to face Rick the Dick’s wife, Lotus.

I take a step backwards to remove her hands from my body. “Why are you looking for me?”

“Well, now that we’re family, I thought we could get to know each other a little better.”

I chuckle. “I don’t see any reason we need to get to know each other better.”

She smiles. “I knew it. You won’t be sticking around with frumpy, hot-mess Temple. I can be very discreet, you know.”

I shake my head. “Not what I meant at all.”