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“Yes. And I like your proposal better than mine.” Jethro stood, lifting her in his arms, kissing her as the room exploded with laughter, cheers, and the scurrying feet rushing to plan their wedding.
“First, we call your parents and share the good news,” he smiled.
“No. First, we claim my trust and inheritance,” said Aurora. She looked at Ham and the others. “I think I need a ride into New Orleans. The bank is on Magazine and for some strange reason, I truly believe I’m going to need some support.”
“Then let’s give the lady some support,” smiled Kev.
The bank was more than agreeable. They’d been expecting her to arrive much sooner and were surprised when she said she knew nothing of her trust and inheritance.
“Your grandfather wrote a letter and explanation of everything included,” said the bank president. “It includes cash assets, but also real estate, including the house in the Garden District.”
“Wait, my parents home is mine?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” he grinned. “It and all the contents belong to you. Your grandfather also set aside one million dollars for your education. I believe your folks only gave you five-hundred thousand.”
“That’s right,” she nodded, seething internally. “Are you able to help me assign a beneficiary to this should something happen to me?”
“We can assign someone who will have access to the account in the unlikelihood of your death,” he said.
“Good. I want to assign two people. Jethro Lyons and Jean Robicheaux.” Jethro stared at her, shaking his head. “Yes. You and Jean could decide where it would be used best. If it all goes to charity, that’s fine with me. If you use it for the fire department, that’s okay too. But I want people I can trust. I would want Margie and the others to get some.”
“We can talk about it later,” said Jethro. “You’re not going anywhere, anytime soon.”
They left with a stack of documents, including a document of transfer to another bank, away from her parents’ prying eyes. By the time they’d returned to Belle Fleur, the wedding was ready to begin.
Aurora changed into the simple white silk dress, while Keegan and Winter gave a classic updo and simple make-up. The ceremony was fast and as always, observed by the resident spirits who made sure love continued to grow at Belle Fleur.
“The feast is ready,” smiled Sara. “Everyone head over to the grove and the cafeteria.”
“First, we call my parents,” said Aurora. She dialed her father’s phone number and there was no answer. She then dialed her mother’s phone number and when she picked up, they could tell she sounded frustrated.
“What, Aurora? Are you calling to apologize and beg to come home?” she scoffed.
“Hello to you too, Mother. No. I’m not apologizing. In fact, I’m calling to give you some wonderful news. Wonderful for me anyway. I’ve just married.” There was an echo of gasps on the other end of the line. “Oh, I assume you’re with Dustin or Lawrence, or perhaps both. So sorry you sick bastards. I married a real man. A wonderful man.”
“You did this on purpose!” screeched her mother.
“Yes,” she laughed. “I actually did. I love him and he loves me for all my faults and all my trials.”
“You’ve really done it this time, Aurora,” said her father. “I’ll have you declared mentally incapable because of your unfortunate incidents.”
“Unfortunate? I’m saner than you and I have the medical reports to prove it. One more thing. My trust and inheritance have been claimed, moved to a new bank, and my designation of beneficiaries changed. Too bad you couldn’t keep that from me. You can stay in the house until you find something else.” There was dead silence on the other end of the phone. Everyone around Aurora was giving her a thumbs up and a smile.
“I think that’s rather generous of me considering what you were trying to do to me. I should have you arrested for that alone, not to mention the fire in the cannery and the five deaths you’re responsible for.”
“Aurora! You’ve gone too far,” yelled her father. “You’re slandering your mother and I.”
“No, I’m telling the truth and I’m going to prove you were behind it all. I don’t know what I did to make you hate me so much but trust me, I have enough hate built up that I can unleash it all on you.” Again, there was silence and someone whispering in the back about money owed. “I’m sure I’ll see you both soon. I can’t wait to introduce you to my husband.”
The line went dead and Aurora lay the phone down on the table. Her hands were shaking and Jethro clutched them between his own.
“Eyes on me, honey. Just look at me. Look at what’s real. You are now Mrs. Aurora Lyons.” He gave her a big smile and she laughed. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she actually laughed.
“Enough business!” yelled Claudette. “The food is getting cold. Let’s celebrate.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The lobby of the Grande Nashville glowed amber at eleven o'clock on a Thursday night, all marble floors and velvet chairs, while a pianist worked through Patsy Cline for a handful of guests who were not listening.
