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Charlotte stepped inside the house. Shane was coming down the stairs; his hair was still wet from a shower. When he saw Charlotte, he rushed over to her and swept her into his arms, hugging her tightly. “What a damn mess.”
“I’m sorry, Shane,” she murmured. “Such a tragic thing.”
Austin descended the stairs and came over to them. Charlotte put her arms around him. “I’m sorry about your mother.”
Shane and Austin exchanged looks, their expressions sad.
Shane’s face flushed red. “It’s so like my mother to do something like this.”
Austin’s eyes filled. “I talked to her a day ago and told her I couldn’t come to see her because Dad was here. Maybe …”
“We don’t have all the facts,” said Charlotte cutting him off. She wondered if Diana tried to do something for attention, and it got out of control. They’d never know for certain.
“C’mon,” said Shane to Austin. “God knows what’s waiting for us at Mom’s house.”
“Nothing good, I’m sure,” Austin grumbled.
Charlotte walked with them to the Inn.
Henry met them as they entered the dining room and gave each of his sons a hug. “As soon as you’re ready, we’ll head out.”
“Are you sure you want to get mixed up in this?” Shane asked him.
“If I can be of help, I’m willing to go with you,” Henry answered. “Sophia asked me to come.”
“Thanks, Dad,” said Austin. “We appreciate it.”
###
After Henry left with Shane and Austin, Savannah turned to Charlotte. “I think I could use a second cup of coffee. How about you?”
Charlotte emitted a tremulous sigh. “A strong one.”
“Diana had a way of manipulating people, and Henry doesn’t want this event to be tied to Shane and Austin in any blameful way.” Savannah lowered herself into a chair at one of the small tables in the dining room and let out a long sigh.
Charlotte handed her the coffee and sat down opposite her with a cup of coffee of her own. “I feel bad it’s happened like this. Especially with Diana knowing you and Henry and the kids were here.”
Savannah’s lips thinned. “I’m certain that played a part. Do you know she’s been calling Henry and asking if they can meet up? She apparently has an idea that Henry and I aren’t happy. Wishful thinking on her part.”
Charlotte patted her hand. “Anyone can see that you are.” She took a sip of coffee. “What is going to happen to Diana’s house? I can’t believe either Shane or Austin would be interested. It certainly doesn’t hold pleasant memories for them.”
“I imagine they’ll sell it,” said Savannah. “All that remains to be seen.” She shook her head. “I’m sure the estate will be handled professionally. Ricardo would have seen to that.”
“I’m glad Henry will be there to help Sophia,” said Charlotte. “She seemed dedicated to taking care of Diana. No wonder she’s so upset.”
Brent and Emma came into the dining room. “Where’s Dad?” Brent asked. “I want to see if we can rent a boat today.”
“I’m sorry. Dad is with Shane and Austin. Their mother has died, and Dad is taking care of some issues. But we’ll plan something fun to do instead.”
“I heard Eric is coming to the cove today,” said Charlotte. “He owns that beautiful sailboat. He might be interested in taking you out on it. Would you like me to ask?”
Brent’s eyes widened. “Really? That would be awesome.”
“It might not work out, but I’ll check with him.” Charlotte got to her feet and headed into the office, hoping Eric would be open to the suggestion. He loved the opportunity to use his boat.
When she got hold of him on the phone, Charlotte explained the situation. Eric said he’d be glad to take all three if they wanted. Brooke had already agreed to go out with him, but the more, the merrier.
Brooke came into the office. “What’s up? I heard that Shane and Austin and their father left here in a hurry this morning.”
