Make Us A Family

Chapter 1

Rachel

I’m in the middle of creating a project plan for one of my clients when the ringing of my cell phone breaks my concentration.

I steal a quick glance and notice it’s an unknown number. I almost decide to let it go to voicemail, but my curiosity gets the better of me and I slide the answer button at the last second. It might be someone needing my services.

“Rachel Goodman, IT Consultant,” I answer. “How may I help you?”

Yes, I’m Rachel Goodman. One of the youngest, but sought after IT Consultants this side of the town. After I got my college degree and had my daughter, I decided to do freelance work so that I can concentrate on taking care of her. Over the years, I’ve built my client base and now I have the luxury of choosing who to accept while working on my own pace.

“Good day Ms. Goodman, this is Sheldon White. I’m your late grandfather’s lawyer,” he introduces himself.

Wait. Did he just say late grandfather?

“Hold on a minute. Can you backtrack a little bit? Did you say my grandfather’s already dead?” I clarify.

“That’s correct Ms. Goodman. He died yesterday morning in his sleep, we don’t know the exact cause yet,” he answers.

“Why hasn’t anyone called me earlier?” I exclaim.

"I do apologize for that, I thought one of your cousins have already informed you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather was a good man," he mentions. 

“Yes, indeed,” I agree. “So why are you calling me?”

"Ah yes. You're named as one of the heirs in your grandfather's last will. The reading will be in three days. I need you to come here to Harper's Cove and be present during that time, as instructed by your grandfather," he explains.

I'm not surprised that my grandfather left me something, I've always been one of his favorite grandchildren. But the fact that I need to go back to Harper's Cove leaves a bad taste in my mouth. 

“So shall I be expecting you here?” Mr. White asks me.

“Of course,” I confirm. “I’ll be there soon.”

I end the call, and the reality of the situation hits me as I settle down on my chair.

My grandfather is dead. Tears fall down my cheeks uncontrollably. It makes me regret not visiting him when I had the chance. He would have loved to see my daughter, Susie, and play with her. 

I close my eyes and reminisce about the summers that I spent with my grandfather. Those were some of the best days of my life that I looked forward too when I was younger. I remember the trees in the orchard and the river where we used to swim. Also, I recall how my grandfather spoiled me whenever I was staying with him.  

I wonder if Luke’s still living there. He’s one of my childhood friends that I’ve lost touch with as I grew up.

I wipe the tears away and open my eyes. I drag one of my small suitcases and start to pack. I don’t expect that we’ll be staying long, so I just pack a few essentials for me and my daughter.

***

After a few hours of driving, Susie and I arrive at Harper’s Cove. Mr. White’s been so kind and prepared a bedroom for us at my grandfather’s house so that we can stay there while we’re in town. He meets us at the gate.

“Welcome back to Harper’s Cove,” he greets us.

He helps us with some of our bags and shows us to the room. Unknown to him, this is the same room that I stayed in as a child whenever I was her. Everything’s so nostalgic.

“The reading of the will be at 2 PM tomorrow, at your grandfather’s study,” he reminds me.

I nod in acknowledgment. 

“Who else is going to be there?” I ask.

“Well, some of the servants of the house, the caretaker and your cousin, Gabriella,” he enumerates.

Great. Gabriella the Grinch.

Gabriella's my cousin. My mother and her mother are sisters. We don't see eye to eye and I think she despises me growing up in the city. I never really knew where her dislike for me came from, but I didn't bother asking.

I'm so not looking forward to seeing her once again tomorrow. 

***

Everyone’s gathered at the office, waiting for Atty. White. He arrives a few minutes before 2 PM. He checks to see if everyone’s present and proceeds with the reading.

The first few parts of the will give grants to those who were part of his household. The helpers and caretakers who were loyal to him are given a fair amount that would give them a better life. Some items were donated to charities and museums. 

“To my granddaughter, Rachel Goodman, I leave Pop’s Diner and the cottage situated at the back of the property. I hope that she makes good use of it,” he reads. “But there’s one condition.”

What condition?

“In order to inherit the property, Rachel must live at the cottage for at least a year. She must be joined by a man to which she’s happily married to. If this is not met, the property will then be transferred to Gabriella Bleak,” he continues.

Damn it! Those are tough!

I don’t show any emotion during the reading but my mind is already whirring with the things that I need to do to ensure that that property will go to me. Once it’s mine, I can do whatever I want with it.

I decide to visit the diner to check how it is. I bring along Susie so that we can also have our dinner there. Much to my surprise, I see Luke Pearson there. I approach him and we exchange greetings.

“How are you?” I ask him. “It’s been so long since we last talked to each other. What have you been up to.”

"Well, I run my own construction company here in Harper's Cove. In fact, before he died, your grandfather hired me to do some renovations to the diner and the cottage at the back. That's why I'm here, I'm checking on the worker's progress," he explains. 

“Oh. Well, I’m the new owner of the diner and the cottage, technically speaking. But I don’t think we’ll be needing your services anymore,” I say.

Luke appears to be shocked.

“Why is that? Will you be hiring a new contractor?” He inquires.

“No, no, no. That’s not it,” I answer. “When the property’s titles are legally transferred to my name, I intend to sell the place, as is. So we won’t be needing any more renovations.”

Sadness clouds Luke’s eyes but he just nods in understanding.