“I was just trying to help out.”
“I appreciate that, but our reputation is at stake here, and right now, that is far more important than a few dollars. Get that train out of here and in a hurry. Put on two engineers if needed. We cannot miss our scheduled delivery date. It only takes one mistake to make a client take his business elsewhere.”
He nodded, looking a little nervous. “I’ll do it.”
“Next time, call me if you have an idea like that. In theory, it’s great but only if you know for sure you can make it happen. It’s too risky.”
“I understand,” he muttered.
I left the office and headed back out front. Vida was smiling at me. “Did you get him straightened out?”
“I don’t understand why you aren’t the foreman out here,” I told her.
“Because I’m old and cranky. I would fire every one of these young bucks just because they pissed me off one time. I’m not management material.”
I leaned forward. “But we all know you run this place.”
She winked. “Yes, we do, but that’s our little secret.”
“It’s the worst-kept secret, but I get your drift.”
“How are you doing over there in the big office?” she asked, her brown eyes softening. “I can’t imagine it’s easy to be back where it happened.”
“It’s a very somber environment right now. It’s going to take some time.”
“Are you stepping into the old man’s shoes?”
“Hell no,” I answered immediately. “I am not ready for that. Not yet. Maybe one day.”
“Sometimes, you aren’t ready for what life throws at you. You just have to suck it up and do the best you can.”
“It won’t be me,” I assured her.
“Well, if it is you, I will support you.”
“If it is me, you better believe I’m making you foreman out here.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You wouldn’t dare! That’s not a nice thing to say.”
I laughed and walked out into the hot, humid day. Vida had been around nearly as long as Beau. She always said she didn’t want the responsibility of being the boss. I completely understood. I didn’t really want it either.
Chapter 6
Cora
Oakley and I walked into the conference room of the prestigious law firm that handled all my father’s business, including the handling of his estate. Today was the reading of the will. I really wished there didn’t have to be such a big song and dance about it. I hated having to hear my father’s last words being read by someone else. It felt wrong.
“You okay?” Oakley asked me for what was probably the tenth time that morning.
“I’m good. I just want to get this over.”
We sat down and waited for the attorney. He came in, shaking each of our hands before using a remote to turn on a big-screen television mounted on the wall.
“What’s going on?” Oakley asked.
“Your father wanted a video record of his will,” the attorney answered.
My stomach flipflopped. I wasn’t sure I was ready to see him. It didn’t matter if I was ready because his face filled the screen. He was sitting in his study at home. Tears sprang to my eyes as I stared at his image. He looked so vibrant and alive.
“Hi, Cora and Oakley. I guess if you are watching this, the good Lord saw fit to bring me home. I hate that you guys are going through this, but I know you are strong enough to handle it. Oakley, you make sure you take care of your sister.”
Oakley looked away from the screen. I knew he was struggling to keep it together. I didn’t bother trying to fight it. I was falling apart. A box of tissues materialized in front of me. I quickly snatched one and dabbed at my eyes. Oakley took my hand and gave it a good squeeze as my father continued to talk.
“You guys have made me a very proud father. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple of kids. Together, you two will be invincible. Before I get to the boring stuff, I want to tell you both to chase your dreams. I want you both to be happy. I don’t care what you do as long as it brings you joy. Your mother and I both want that for you.”
Hearing him talk about my mother stirred up more emotions. I grabbed another tissue and blinked several times. I wanted clear eyes to see my father’s face. I was committing every detail to memory. I was focusing on the inflection in his voice and imagining him being in the room with us.
“As you probably figured out, I’m giving you both the estate. Divide it equally. Oakley, I’m guessing you are probably still out in California living the life you have always wanted. Don’t think you need to give that up to come home. Do come back and visit though. Your little sister is going to need you.”
Oakley was nodding as if he was having an actual conversation with my father. I smiled through the tears, knowing my big brother would absolutely do as our father instructed.
“Cora, my sweet, sweet Cora. Honey, I want you to take over my place at the company. I don’t know how long you will have been working at the company when you watch this. Hopefully, I’ve already groomed you to take over. If I had to leave before that happened, then please rely on Beau. That man will not steer you wrong. Use your instincts but never hesitate to ask Beau for advice. He has never led me astray. I wouldn’t have made that company into what it was today without him. He’s always been my go-to and I hope he can be yours while you learn the ropes.”
Oakley looked at me and smiled. I could see the relief on his face as well. I knew he did not want to take over the company. He would have done it if our father asked, but he would have hated it.
“I can do it,” I whispered, making sure he knew he was off the hook.
“Rogan is another one you can count on to help you through the transition. He’s the guy who gets things done. He can talk to the crews and they will listen to him. They respect him and I have always counted on his opinion as well. He has a knack for knowing when something is good and when something should be avoided. Use him. I know he will give you all the help you need.”
I blew out a breath, trying to take it all in. It was a lot. I didn’t want to think about the company. I knew I only had a few precious minutes with him and I wanted to give him my full attention—even if it was a video.
“Guys, I’m sorry. Boy, am I sorry to leave you, but know I died a happy man. You two made me so happy. Even after I lost your mother, I never felt too sad. I had the two of you and I thanked God every day for giving me such great kids. I want you two to keep going. Keep our family legacy alive. I don’t know if I’m leaving behind any grandchildren. I doubt it because I would have done another video. I’ll make a little confession. I update this almost every year. I never want to risk leaving anything unsaid. Go on with your lives. Don’t mourn me. Celebrate all the good things you have. Celebrate life. Travel and see the world. You have the financial security to do anything you want. I trust you guys will do the right thing with the house. If you don’t want it, sell it. I’d love for it to be passed down to your children one day, but I also know what it’s like to live with a ghost. You do what feels right.”