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Me:My heart goes out to both of you and your grandmother. When you can, let me know what I can do to help with your homes or anything here while you are away. Don’t rush back. Call or text me what needs to get done while you are both away when you have a spare moment. Gwen and I will do whatever needs doing. Hugs and love to you both xx
Jensen:Will do. Thank you. That means a lot. Dad and I will leave our house keys with his neighbor. I’ll get in touch soon with the details. And Aussie, Tucker is one lucky guy. Take care. Your friend. <3
My thumbs hover over the keyboard of my phone, but there is nothing I can say to make it better for the father and son.
Jensen and Hank losing their grandfather and father will be emotionally tough. I have never asked about his extended family because I hid from bringing any of those types of questions to the foreground that would need answers about my own. I constantly changed the topic or jokingly responded when Jensen got close to the subject.
The ache in my heart for the loss of my family resurfaces. I blink rapidly like the shutter speed on a camera, taking a succession of fast action shots.
“Everything okay, Ophelia?” Angus’s body slides in beside mine, where I am leaning on the counter.
I stand up, surprising him by hooking my elbow through his and perfecting the art of playing poker to win, facing him with a look that hides my pain.
The MacDougall brothers have made this day fun for me; I will not offload on them. Shamus was a one-time thing earlier. I will wait until I hear more from Jensen and Hank out of respect for their privacy before spilling their news, and I’ll tell my BFF once the guests have left.
“How would you like to oversee the eat-the-Aussie-pie-floater race while I get the barbie cooking,” I suggest.
He searches my face for answers, then sighs. “I’ve got yer back. Whatever ye need from us today, we will deliver.”
“Thank you. You are a good friend.”
“I know. I’m one of the best.”
“And so humble.”
“And don’t forget a rock god.”
Insert eye roll.
Fifty-Four
MY LADY SPEAKETH FROM THE HEART
Tucker
Still January 26th
It is a little after eighto’clock in the evening when my burner phone pings on the bedside table. I am in bed watching a movie on my laptop because I’m taking the earlier shift of sleep, and I’ll be up at five in the morning for Hazard to get some shut-eye.
Shamus is letting me know to check the secure email account I set up for this job. Something we’ve only used a couple of times.
Pausing the movie, I move until I sit with my back against the headboard, a pillow tucked behind my head, and open the email account only Shamus is privy to.
The subject line has my heart thrashing against my ribcage with premature excitement. I click on it.
Well,hello,Hamlet.
And hello, attachments.
I start with the document. It is a letter from Ophelia.
Thank you for the sunflowers, the delicious rum and raisin ice cream, and your funny and honest words. The flowers are in a few vases brightening up my home with their happy vibes. I shared the rum and raisin with Gwendoline earlier because I could not, in good conscience, hog the lot, although it was tempting.
My afternoon was a lot of fun spent with friends and guests. Thank you for organizing the sunshine on this day and bringing Shamus home with your sisters.
Well, not home-home, but here to share this day with us Aussie sheilas—as Angus would say.
Thank you for the gift of the MacDougall unofficial band. Oh, my gosh!! How talented are the MacDougall brothers and Paisley… AND Alice! They tore the house down with their talent.
