Page 84 of The Rules We Broke
Her words sent a chill through me.
She didn’t have to tell me twice.
Chapter Fourteen
Therestoftheconversation was a little more pleasant. She told me how George Reed was so in love with her that after they got married, they moved to Auburn so she could finish school.
Aunt Lu was probably the wealthiest coed that school has ever had. She and George traveled the world, but they made Kaysville their home base. They built the mansion she now lived in, and they became the center of attention.
They threw grand, lavish parties. The whole town, with the exception of the Isaac Jackson family, was invited. Even Isaac’s parents came, but that began to divide the town. The Jacksons began to throw their own events, and everyone was forced to make a choice, just like Alabama or Auburn. If you lived in Kaysville, you had to choose a side.
George died a year before I was born, making my aunt and me into the wealthy women we were now. I didn’t know this tidbit, but it was Isaac’s daddy who convinced my aunt to keep her money with Kaysville National. Apparently, he was still quitefond of my aunt. He helped advise her after George’s passing. I could tell, as she talked about him, how much she admired him. I bet that didn’t sit well with Brady’s momma.
We also talked about me entering her life. She’d told me on many occasions that I was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She had always wanted children, but she and George were never able to have any. My aunt had suffered multiple miscarriages during their marriage. She had suffered so much loss in her life, but she never felt sorry for herself. Perhaps she was a little hardened by it, but she had been nothing but tender and loving to me my entire life.
She was also very generous. Many in Kaysville owed their starts to her, and on our trips around the world, we had toured and volunteered in several orphanages and hospitals, and I knew she had donated millions over the years to various causes. She was my hero.
Now, yet again, she was trying to be selfless by putting aside her feelings about the Jackson family so that Brady and I could have a second chance at love. I had no doubt she orchestrated that first meeting of ours at the bank.
By mid-afternoon, we were both exhausted, so we slept for a few hours. You know you’re tired when you can sleep soundly on a couch in a hospital room. When I woke up, my aunt told me to go home and get some real sleep and not to stay out all night again. I had to chuckle at her attempts to parent me still.
I had lots to think about on my drive home. My heart ached for my aunt. I knew how I had felt these last ten years with no answers and no Brady; at least I had never been friends with Amber.
As soon as I stepped through the door, my phone rang.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Hi.”
“I’ve missed you today.”
“Then maybe you should come over.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. I’ll be there in ten.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Doris was still in the kitchen.
“Feel free to head out early,” I told her.
She gave me a knowing smile. “Dinner’s in the oven—and there’s enough for two.”
I smiled, thanked her, and just as she reached the porch, Brady’s truck pulled up.
She beamed at both of us. “Mr. Brady, you better treat our girl right,” she said as she walked off.
“Of course, ma’am,” he replied, tipping his head respectfully.
As soon as the door closed, Brady wrapped me in his arms and kissed me like he was trying to rewrite history. For a moment, I forgot I was an Eaton. And maybe even forgot my first name.
“How was your day, darlin’?”
“Interesting.”
He gave me a curious look.
“I’ll tell you over dinner. How was work? Did you keep my fortune safe?” I teased.
