I print out e-mails that matter to me. As I waited for the phone to ring, I looked over the messages I’d received from Jimmy.
September 5—I was touched that all of them came to Sophia’s memorial. I wasn’t sure they would. The service was on the headland at sunset. She would have been pleased that so many old friends came. Kent brought Heather. As soon as they got home, Rosie and Val went to see her, told her she was the sister they’d dreamed of having. I liked her and she’s right for Kent. They have a dozen ideas for the wedding. Val wants it to be outdoors, says the day will sparkle. Kent’s got a job. Heather’s helping plan a memorial for Evelyn. I wasn’t sure they’d want me there, but they do. Rosie told me they know none of it was my fault or yours.
September 22—You’ll be glad to know Val’s in treatment. Rosie’s taken charge for the family. She asked if I would oversee clearing out the house, putting it up for sale. None of them want it. They’ve taken the keepsakes that matter to them. Rosie chose for Val. I said I would take care of everything. I’m staying in town. I don’t want to be there either.
October 14—I’ve almost finished clearing out the house. I’m not sure what I’m going to do next. I’d like to talk to you. I’ll call in the morning at nine. Will you be there?
I pushed up from my kitchen chair, walked toward the counter. It was two minutes before nine. When the phone rang, I reached out for the receiver. “Hello.”
“Bueno.”
I laughed aloud at the old, familiar salutation from our long-ago years in Mexico City, Richard and I, Jimmy and Margaret. It brought back good days and good times and later years when Jimmy and I had laughed and loved. “Bueno.”
Words tumbled, his and mine: the tribute to Sophia, the progress with the house, the Riordan siblings. “Val’s doing really well. Rosie goes to see her every day. And Rosie’s talking about a wedding too, she and Harry from the cruise. Alex”—Jimmy’s tone was dry—“is wheeling and dealing. It will be interesting to see how fast he can lose a fortune. Of course, Madge may spend it all on Rodeo Drive first. Kent’s coaching Heather’s little brother and has asked him to be best man. That’s one reason I called; Kent told me he and Heather want you to come to the wedding, that it would never have happened except for you.”
“They want me?” I’d thought that seeing me again would be the last thing any of the Riordans would ever want. If it weren’t for me, Evelyn would be alive. Troubled and burdened, but alive.
“They want you.” He took a deep breath. “I want you. Will you come?”
I blinked away tears. “Yes.” One simple word and with it I offered my heart.