Page 87 of That Reilly Boy
“Hayden.”
The sharpness in Taylor’s voice tells me it’s not the first time my assistant has tried to get my attention, and I tear my thoughts away from Cara.
“They’re about five minutes out,” she says.
I nod and then inhale deeply, trying to settle my nerves. I don’t usually have anxiety walking into any business situation, but this is different. I’ve wanted this on a personal level for a very long time, and Gin could still change her mind.
And I’m going to see Cara.
Using a car service had been my suggestion, and Cara readily accepted on their behalf. It was almost an hour from Sumac Falls to the office handling the closings, and neither of them drove in cities often. And I didn’t want them getting lost or having a car break down throwing off the timing of the back-to-back closings.
The schedule is set. The first closing, during which Gin sells the Gamble house to Cara and me. After that, I’ll leave since I’ll no longer be necessary, and so my presence won’t tarnish Gin’s excitement for her new house. Taylor will take them out for a celebratory lunch while the first deal is finalized, and then they’ll do the second closing on Gin’s property.
I’ll be heading back to Boston tonight because Penny’s there, and to give the two women some alone time to process the events of the day.
When the black SUV pulls in, I practically jog across the parking lot to meet it. Somehow I got lucky and Cara’s on my side, so I get to help her out while the driver opens Gin’s door.
I grin and pull her in for a tight hug, kissing her neck. “I’ve missed you. That was way too long for us to be apart.”
And not a word of it is a lie.
“Mom’s a little shaky today,” she whispers. “Please be kind, but also give her space.”
“I will.”
Taylor had already been inside, making sure the meeting room was in order. Because I’d spent some time remembering how my mother dug in her heels when I suggested she sell the home she’d shared with her husband and buy something nicer, I do have empathy for Gin. Usually I sit at the head of any table I’m at, but not this time. Gin will be at the head, with the man from the title company and Taylor on her right and Cara on her left. I’ll sit on the other side of Cara and, whenever possible, let her lead.
No matter how much the thought of this moment has driven me over the years, I won’t be rubbing my Reilly roots in her face today. I even hang back when we enter the building because Gin takes Cara’s hand and their interlaced fingers are locked so tightly, their knuckles are pale.
For a moment, I’m tempted to stop it. I could give Cara a divorce settlement that would keep the house going for the rest of Gin’s life, and then Cara could do what she wanted with it.
But Cara needs this. She wanted it enough to marry a man who’d already broken her heart once, and to put up with me causing chaos in their lives. If it was just for me, I don’t know what I would do as we take our seats and Gin sniffles into a tissue.
But for Cara’s sake, I’ll be the bad guy.
The process goes smoothly. I know Taylor has vetted every single document herself, as well as having my team go over them, and there are no surprises. When it comes time for the very last signature, I hold my breath while Gin stares at the paper. Then she looks at Cara and holds her gaze for a long time, until Cara squeezes her hand.
“It’s okay to let go, Mom.”
The breath Gin lets out is almost as shaky as her hand, but she signs her name and it’s done. The Gamble house belongs to me.
“Congratulations,” Taylor says as we all stand. “If you want to go out in the reception area or outside and relax, I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
Gin holds it together until we step out into the sunshine, and then the tears start. Cara holds her tight while I hang back, out of the way and out of Gin’s sightline. Tears stream down Cara’s cheeks, as well, but I tell myself they’re both going to be a lot happier in the future than they were before I set this all in motion.
“Take good care of that house,” Gin says as they disentangle themselves.
“I will, Mom,” Cara says in a hoarse voice before giving me a stricken look.
I can’t hang back anymore. I step forward so I can rest my hand at the small of her back, trying to offer silent support. But before I can think of anything to say that might help the situation, Taylor joins us.
“We’ll have a nice break now,” she says softly, having taken the emotional temperature of the group at a glance. “I found a nice, comfortable spot for lunch. We can relax and then we’ll come back and that pretty little house down the street from your friend will be all yours, Gin. I saw the photos, and I’m so excited for you.”
Gin brightens and moves with Taylor toward the black SUV. Cara follows for a few steps, and then seems to remember I’m not joining them. She turns and hesitates.
I force a smile and lift my hand. “Enjoy your lunch, sweetheart. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I wait until the SUV pulls out of the parking lot before getting into my car. The plan was for me to head straight back to Boston, but I don’t fight the urge to point the car in the direction of Sumac Falls. I can spare the time to savor my victory.
