AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey baby, I was getting worried,” I say with relief, immediately going over to greet her. I pull her into my arms, inhaling the floral scent of her hair.
“Sorry, I had a lot of stops to make after seeing Cedric and Richard,” she explains wearily. “Fitz’s office, the hospital, Mom’s memorial . . .” Well, that explains why her eyes are puffy and red-rimmed.
I kiss each eyelid tenderly. “Anything I can do for you right now?”
Before she can reply, Cora comes barreling over. “Ame!” she cries joyfully.
Ameline squats and hugs Cora tightly. “Hey, sweetheart. That tiara looks so pretty on you.”
“Gama and I made it,” Cora says proudly.
Ameline glances over at my mom in surprise. “Oh, hi, Pria. Jacob. I didn’t realize you two were visiting.”
“We were just in the neighborhood and wanted to see the kids,” Mom explains warmly. “I hope that’s alright?”
“Of course. You know how much we love your visits,” Ame assures her with a smile. Then she asks no one in particular, “So what’s for dinner tonight?”
“Mac-n-chez,” Cora responds.
“Why am I not surprised?” Ame laughs.
“We also have chicken nuggets,” I add. “And salad, too, apparently.”
Cora holds up three little fingers. “Yeah, salads.”
“Mmm, yummy,” Ame says. She glances at Mom hesitantly. “Would it be okay if I go change real quick while you watch them?”
“Yes, we’re going to start serving soon, but take your time,” Mom gestures toward the stairs.
Once upstairs, behind our closed door, I ask gently, “So how did it go today? What happened?”
As Ameline begins rifling through the closet, she fills me in: Cedric’s place, Richard’s living conditions, his cryptic mention of hidden money. She decided to visit Fitz and figure out if she can have guardianship of Richard so we could be in charge of his future. Also, the status of Izzy’s guardianship is important in case she’s not able to make medical decisions herself.
When she’s done, I offer, “Finn could probably track down any accounts under Richard’s name if you want to find them. And we can look into care facilities, too.”
“If there’s no money, I can’t afford a decent facility for him,” she frets.
“My money is our money now, Ame,” I remind gently. “That’s how marriage works. We share everything—including bank accounts.”
“Would you like my debt?” She smirks. “It’s pretty hefty.”
“Then I’ll pay everything off,” I propose.
She looks uncertain. “It’s hard to . . . I just don’t want you to think that I’m taking your money away. But also, you have to be aware that I won’t be able to contribute to the house,” she warns me. “My salary goes to people who really need it.”
“Because you don’t need it?” I ask, confused.
She shrugs. “I have the basics. A roof, furniture . . . and that’s all that matters.”
“So you mostly run a charity,” I offer. “Then, we’ll run it together.”
She nods. “I do, but I don’t want you to think that I’m taking advantage of you.”
“I’m offering to help,” I state.
“Well, I need another favor.” She gives me a sheepish glance.
“Anything for you,” I offer.
