Page 124 of Loving Kai

“That’s what the bluff the house sits on used to be called. It was a long time ago. Not many left who remember it.” He drank some bourbon. “Drink up, young fella. You just bought yourself a little piece of paradise.”

It was hard keeping such a big secret from Maggie, but Abe didn’t want to tell her until escrow closed. The day after it closed, when the place was officially theirs, was their day off. Abe packed Kai into the car and drove to Maggie’s place. He’d told her he had a surprise and to be ready to go when he got there.

When he arrived at the house, he tooted the horn. Maggie didn’t come out, so he honked again. He looked back at Kai. “Where the hell is your future mother?”

He got out of the car, removed Kai from his car seat, then went to the front door and opened it. “Maggie? I’m here. Are you okay?”

As he stepped into the house, Maggie came from the bedroom, wiping her eyes. She released a sob, then went to him and hugged him.

“What’s this? What’s wrong?”

She sobbed into his shirt, and Kai patted her head. “Mama sad.”

She looked at Kai, then stepped back. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to upset him.”

“What’s going on?”

She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes with a tissue. “It’s Mr. Mayhew.”

“What about him?”

“He…died last night.”

“Oh…wow. Damn. I’m sorry.”

“I should’ve gone to see him more often. I knew he didn’t have much time left.” She wiped her eyes again. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to his property now.” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my gosh. I’m a terrible person.”

“You’re not.”

She blew her nose. “I’m okay now. I don’t want to ruin our day.” She moved close again and kissed Kai. “I’m okay, honey.”

“Do you feel like leaving the house?”

“Um…sure. I just need a minute to pull myself together.”

“Take your time. I’ll let Kai run around out front.”

Abe took Kai outside, and Maggie came out ten minutes later, looking better, but still sad. She managed a smile. “So, where to?”

“I thought we could drive by the Mayhew place.”

“Oh, I couldn’t.”

“You can give him a proper goodbye there. It’s where you knew him best. The good memories.”

“I suppose.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

They put Kai in his seat then got into the car. Maggie sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Jeez.” Abe started the car, and they drove five miles out of town to the faded sign that read ‘The Mayhews.’ Abe slowed, then pulled into the driveway. “Let’s drive to the house.”

“We won’t get in trouble for trespassing?”

“Who’s going to complain?”