AN: OK, this was a school summer reading project and I thought, Why not? So here it is...
Disclaimer: All characters owned by people other than me.
Epilogue:
Two days after his massive stroke, Adam Trask died in his sleep. Lee said it had been peaceful, and with no reason not to, Cal believed him. Adam was laid to rest near Samuel's plot. He left a will, which was read in private. In it, he confessed the secrets of Cathy-as far as he knew them. There was no mention of the inheritance left to Aron, however. The business was left to Cal. Cal quickly realized he needed help to keep it going smoothly.
"Lee," he said early the day after the will was read, "I'll need help settling the finances. You've kept track of that. Can you see to them?"
There was no other way for Lee to reply but to say, "Of course. You should keep up with your schoolwork. For now, I can handle the everyday running of the business."
So, life returned to a normal pattern. Cal finished his schoolwork before asking Lee how the icehouse was going every evening. Lee did keep Cal up to date with the business adventures as the business belonged to Cal. Many nights, Abra joined the pair for supper. They created their own happy family.
Lee watched Cal and Abra carefully. There was no doubt in his mind what the two were planning. He could wait until they told him before speaking of it.
Abra gently shoved Cal into the kitchen. Abra had graduated just a few days ago, so it was time to implement the plan. Cal cleared his throat, "Lee, can we talk."
"Of course, I'll just get some coffee and we can go to the other room," replied Lee.
The two young people took seats as Lee poured coffee. "Well," Lee started, "what did you wish to discuss."
Cal answered, "I've asked Abra to marry me. She accepted; however, her family is…you know her father got into trouble over some missing money? Well, they won't be able to provide a wedding."
"I don't need anything big," interrupted Abra, "nor do I want it."
Lee nodded, "But, your family doesn't want you to marry Cal anyway, Abra. You two want to elope."
Cal and Abra glanced down; it was Abra who continued, "I've never been happy with my parents, Lee. I've told you that. The only people I want at my wedding are you and Cal, of course. That isn't what we want to talk about, however." She nudged Cal.
"Right," picked up Cal, "I'd like to sell the ice business and move back to the ranch. If you would like to keep the business, I can sell it to you at a very reasonable price, or you can move back to the ranch with us."
Lee had already decided what position he would take. "The Pacific Fruit Express is looking to purchase more ice houses. You could sell it to them for a lot of money. I would like to update the ranch some, if you don't mind."
"You can do whatever you want, Lee. I'll need your help picking crops to plant," Cal stated. "Do you know what would be good?"
Abra joined in, "I want a small garden like you have, Lee. I love fresh vegetables. Could we have tomatoes and peppers?"