Chapter 15 - Denise Receives Laura’s Last Gift
Robert Hale, Laura’s estate attorney, discovered one final document.
Laura had amended her will six months before she died.
There was a small bequest to Denise.
Enough money to buy the modest house she had rented for years.
Denise refused it.
Richard laughed.
“You can’t refuse everything.”
“I didn’t protect Ethan for money.”
“I know.”
“Then I don’t want it.”
Richard handed her Laura’s handwritten note.
Denise read it.
You cared for my son when you were paid to care for this house. There is
a difference, and I saw it.
Denise sat down.
Then she cried.
She accepted the gift.
Not as payment.
As Laura’s thank-you.
Months later, Denise bought the house.
Ethan helped paint his bedroom there because he planned to sleep over
sometimes.
Richard carried boxes.
At sunset, Denise stood on the porch.
“You know I’m still coming to work Monday.”
Richard laughed.
“You own a house now.”
“And yours is still a mess.”
Ethan giggled.
For the first time, Denise’s role in their lives had a name larger than
housekeeper.
Family.
Not because of blood.
May you like
Because when Ethan had been terrified on a marble floor, she had stepped
between him and danger without knowing what it might cost her.
