Reality crisscrossed with never-never land. For three days Adele was convinced her feet did not touch the ground. Each step she took felt as if it landed on a cushion that gently bounded her upward.
She spent hours pouring over the architect’s designs. Fox Meadow staff members teased Adele about her ever-present grin. She had even stopped worrying over Chelsea.
She had shown the plans to Chelsea and Kate, told Naomi about them over the phone. All three began dreaming with her, pointing out possibilities, making suggestions for changes. Kate took notes, already composing a future article for the Times. It would be major news for the area. Senior citizens would be given a lovely option for downsizing.
Now, on Wednesday afternoon, she stood outside Rand Jennings’s room wearing a purple dress he had complimented twice. She twisted her hands together. It had to be him. The anonymous millionaire blessing her with the possibility of seeing her dream come true. He was on his deathbed. She wasn’t about to let him slip away without a thank-you.
Her attorney had explained all the legalities to her that morning. Reality interlocked with never-never land, making them one. It really was true, everything Graham had said and then some.
She went inside the room. Rand was statuelike still, his head to one side. He sat in his wheelchair by the window. The television blared a game show. Although she couldn’t see his eyes behind the thick lenses, she assumed he was dozing.
He appeared to have lost weight since arriving. His already gaunt figure had shrunk even more, causing his nice clothes to hang haphazardly. He still dressed every morning and made gallant efforts to eat, indications that his attitude remained upbeat in spite of the increasing pain. A downy covering of white hair had sprouted, replacing his earlier baldness.
“Heather?” He thought she was the nurse.
“No, Mr. Jennings.” She went to him. “It’s me. Adele.”
“Adele.” He smiled. “Sit down.”
“I don’t want to interrupt your nap.”
“Plenty of time for napping. Will you turn down that noise?”
She found the remote on a table, lowered the television’s volume, and sat on the edge of the bed next to him. “How are you?”
“Fair to middling. How about yourself?”
“Well.” Oh, Lord, please don’t let me cry. “I’ve never been better!”
“Good for you.”
“I didn’t do anything. But I think I know who did.”
“That Graham. You like him, do you? I knew he’d fall for you. I couldn’t wait for you two to meet.”
Typical. He was confusing the timing of the recent past. “No. I mean, well, yes. I do like him. A lot.”
“He’s a good boy. He’s lonely. But I think he loves you. Just too stubborn too admit it.”
She placed a hand lightly on his. “I was talking about you.”
“Yes, I’m stubborn too.”
“About the money. The investment.”
“Money? Do you need some, honey? Talk to Graham. I’ve got plenty to spare. A loan would be no problem.”
The elderly man wasn’t that confused. “You’re trying to get me off track, aren’t you?”
“What track would that be, Addie?”
The old name he sometimes used threw a wrench into her thinking. It took her a moment to refocus. “Rand, I think you’re my anonymous investor for the senior housing complex.”
He grunted.
“I want to thank you.”
“Graham should be here soon.”
“Thank you.”
“What’s for dinner tonight?”
“Rand, I won’t sign the contract unless you accept my thanks.”
At last he looked at her. “Why would you do that?”
Tears stung her eyes. “Because it’s just too magnanimous of a gesture. It’s like I can’t get my mind wrapped around it. I need to express something concrete. I have to try to tell you how grateful I am.”
“You could have told Graham.”
“It wouldn’t be the same. It is you, isn’t it?”
He nodded slightly.
“Thank you,” she whispered and leaned over to kiss his withered face. “You’ve changed my life.”
Again the little nod.
Her tears fell and her voice was unsteady, but she had to ask. “Why did you do it?”
His mouth remained clamped shut.
She waited, wiping her face with a tissue, knowing he wouldn’t answer. “That’s all right. I don’t need to know. You are an amazing man.”
“No, I’m not. Just a rich old coot.”
Smiling, she stood and smoothed her dress. “Well, I’ll go now. I have some papers to sign. Can I get you anything?”
“Will you turn the volume back up?”
“Sure.” She did so and walked to the door.
“I love you, Addie.”
She paused, her hand on the doorjamb, not sure that she heard correctly. She turned.
Rand’s head was tilted again to one side as if he were fast asleep.
Evidently she’d asked the rich old coot enough questions for one day.