“I’m sorry, Dad,” Collin whispered.
I tried to compose myself the best I could. “I need to go get your mom and we need to get over to Grandma’s house right away.”
“Do you want us to come with you?” Julia asked.
“No. I need the two of you here. I’ll call you when I know more.” I kissed both of them. “I love you both very much.”
“We love you too, Dad,” they both replied.
I walked out and told Laurinda what had happened and that I’d be out of the office for a period of time.
Ellery was waiting outside the apartment building when Ralph pulled up. She flung open the door, climbed in, and wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight.
“I’m so sorry, Connor.”
“I know, baby. I am too.”
“Did Jenny say what happened?”
“No. I told her we’d be there as quick as possible. I need to be strong for her, Elle.”
“You will be, baby. We all will be.”
The limo pulled up in front of the house and I saw Cassidy standing at the door. The minute we got out, I ran to her and pulled her into an embrace. She was sobbing.
“I can’t believe it, Connor. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
“I know, sis. Where’s Mom?”
“She’s inside, sitting on the couch. I think she’s in shock.”
Walking inside, I made my way to the living room where I found my mom lying down.
“Connor,” she spoke as she sat up.
Sitting down beside her, I pulled her into me and comforted her. “How did he die?”
“Heart attack. When he got out of bed this morning, he was irritable and not feeling well. He went into the bathroom and when he came out, he was clutching his chest and telling me to call 911. He passed away before they arrived. I screamed for the staff and Juan tried to give him CPR, but it was too late.”
Ellery sat down on the other side of her and held her hand.
“Don’t worry, Mom. We’ll take care of everything.”
“No need, Connor. Your father and I took care of all the arrangements a couple of years ago. Cassidy already called the funeral home. The viewing will take place the day after tomorrow and the funeral will be the next day. After that, all family and guests will come back here to the house for a luncheon.”
I got up from the couch and walked over to the bar, pouring myself a scotch. First Denny and now my father. He hadn’t been sick but maybe twice in his life.
“I want my family here for dinner tonight at six o’clock. Call the kids and make sure they cancel whatever plans they may have. This is a time when we all need to be together.”
“I’ll call them, Connor,” Ellery spoke.
“I’ll do it, baby.” I pulled my phone from my pocket and did a three-way call with Julia and Collin.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hi, Dad.”
“Your grandmother wants the family together for dinner tonight. Make sure you’re here at six o’clock.”
“How is she?” Julia asked.
“She’s in shock right now.”
“We’ll be there, Dad. See you later,” Collin spoke.
Finishing my drink, I walked back over to the couch and sat down.
“The newspapers have already been called and they’re going to do a feature article on your father for tomorrow’s paper.” She got up and walked into the kitchen.
I looked at Ellery as she grabbed my hand and pressed her lips against it. “Are you okay?”
I sighed. “I don’t know. Don’t you think she looked a little robotic?”
“She’s probably still in shock and it hasn’t hit her yet.”
“I guess.” I put my arm around her and pulled her into me as I softly stroked her hair.
“Damn it,” I yelled as I struggled with my tie.
Ellery walked over and took my tie in her hands. “Here. Let me help you.”
“I’m sorry, Elle.”
“Don’t apologize, sweetheart. This is very difficult for all of us.”
She tied my tie and reached up and kissed my lips.
I pulled her into an embrace and held her for a few moments. “I’m still mourning the loss of Denny and now my father.” I broke our embrace and placed my hands on each side of her face. “I’m so happy to have you to go through this with. You’re such a strong woman. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.”
Pursing her lips together, which gave way to a small smile, she spoke, “You’re not going to lose me, Connor.” Her lips softly brushed against mine. “We have to go or we’re going to be late.”
I put on my suitcoat, grabbed my wallet, and we climbed into the limo and headed to the funeral. After the service at the church, where many tears were shed, we went to the cemetery and watched as they lowered my father’s casket into the ground. Sadness overwhelmed me as I held on tight to Ellery and my mother, while my children stood close, wiping the tears that fell from their eyes. As people walked up to us and gave their condolences, my eye caught the attention of a young man standing over by a tree a few feet away. He was the same man whom I saw lurking around the funeral home yesterday and the same man I saw sitting in the back of the church this morning. He stared straight at me for a few moments and then turned and walked away. An uneasiness settled inside me and I didn’t know why.
“Dad, what’s wrong?” Collin asked as he came up next to me.
“See that guy over there walking away?”
“Yeah. Who is he?”
“I don’t know. I saw him at the funeral home yesterday, but he didn’t talk to anyone. Just like he didn’t talk to anyone here.” I started to go after him. “Hey,” I yelled as I got closer. He kept walking and didn’t turn around. “Excuse me. Did you know my father?”
He stopped dead in his tracks and lowered his head. I stopped behind him and waited for him to turn around, but he didn’t. He slowly turned his head to the side and, without looking at me, he spoke, “I met him once and I’m sorry for your loss. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere I have to be.” He continued to walk away.
“Connor, what are you doing? Come on; we have to get to your mom’s house.”
“I’m coming,” I spoke as I continued to stare at the man who said he’d met my father once.
Chapter 13
Collin
People were scattered throughout the first level of the house and outside in the back where my grandmother had set up fancy tables, centerpieces, and tents throughout her massive backyard.
“Is this a funeral luncheon or a party?” Amelia asked as we looked around outside.
“My grandmother goes over the top with everything. Obviously, funeral luncheons aren’t any different.”
We walked around and visited with some of the guests that showed up, including Ashley and Ariel Braxton.
“Wow. Your grandmother sure knows how to put on a funeral luncheon.” Ariel smiled as she gave me a light hug.
“We were just talking about that. I know I already sent you my congratulations, but now that you’re here, I can give you a real one.” I reached over and gave Ashley a hug. “You looked amazing on the cover of Elle Magazine.”