The morning of the funeral, it rained. It was like the whole world felt what Kate felt and cried with her. Hank stared up at the gray sky, the clouds billowing like large flumes of cotton above, blocking out all the rays of sun before entering the huge church in the center of the French Quarter. Hundreds of people showed up to pay their respects at the St. Louis Cathedral where the service was held. Despite the sad situation, Hank could not help but feel some form of contentment and pride as he watched his angelic Kate give a heartfelt eulogy at the podium. She dabbed her eyes from under her black veil that hung from a large hat, but then gave a small, sad smile. Hank looked around and noticed that Bobby had taken to playing his video game. He smacked at him and motioned to Kate who sniffled and wiped her eyes again.

"Although, I did not know my parents as well as some, what I do know is that they were wonderful, strong, generous people, who did everything they could to help this community rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. My father worked tirelessly to rescue families from flood waters. He helped people rebuild their homes with his bare hands. My mother worked days on end giving out free food and water as well as housed people in shelters that she purchased. They donated money to the reconstruction of many important centers such as the Superdome and the Convention Center and assisted the needy at any opportunity they had. Even before the harsh destruction of the storm, they contributed money to help families in need and employees of J.D Devereaux Incorporated, and Devereaux Towers. And even though their compassion and kindness will surely be missed, I would like to take a moment to assure you, loyal employees, my friends, my family, you will always have a place within the Devereaux Companies. I intend to carry on the rich legacy that my mother and father so graciously bestowed upon me. With me at the helm I will continue their life's work…" She finished and stepped down, allowing the priest to take his place at the altar to finish his sermon.

Many people shook her hand that day and Hank noticed that this was just not a loss for her, but for thousands of people and an entire community. Men and women alike cried and kissed the closed coffins. Gifts were left around pictures of the J.D. and Elizabeth at the front of the church. He had never seen such an outpour of sadness for two people before. The Devereaux's seemed to be philanthropists; however, the one person they did not aid and nurture was their own daughter. She was sent to another home while they followed their pursuits. He didn't understand how good people could forget the main reason of their life. Their children.

"Your mother and father spoke only of you. They were very proud of all that you accomplished, Katherine," Said a tall, thin, blonde woman with a strange accent who called her by her full name. Kate smiled and shook the woman's hand.

"Thank you for telling me. I appreciate it,"

"Your father was a great man with great vision and I can see him in you. Don't lose your fire because their own flames were extinguished. Burn brighter than ever, sweet Katherine," She kissed Kate's cheek softly and then shook Hank's hand before turning the corner and disappearing.

"She's right, you know," Hank whispered as a few more people hugged and shook Kate's hand. Kate looked at him and nodded her approval.

"I know." She said as she smoothed her dress and straightened her hat.

"Kate," An unfamiliar voice pierced the silence that had formed between Hank and Kate. Kate turned and grinned. An older man with silvery white wispy hair and a short trimmed beard scooped her into his arms. "How you doing, baby?"

"Hubie!" Hank stepped back as the two hugged tighter. "Well, I've been better, but I think I'll survive."

"Yeah, that's cause you are a fighta! I haven't seen you in… What's it been? Two years?" The strange man with the pelican necklace squeezed Kate's faced lovingly.

"I know, I went away for a little while to do some teaching abroad," She said honestly.

"Well, you've gotten prettier since the last time I saw you. Those eyes, baby! Those eyes!" He was loud and on the obnoxious side, but Hank noticed that most of these people were much the same as he. Everything was bigger in Texas except personalities. Louisiana had them beat by far. Kate blushed feverishly before he pummeled her with kisses. "Look, if you need anything, you and me can talk. I'm just right around the corner. Same place as the last time we were together," He said with a shrill voice.

Together? Hank thought. Surely he didn't mean together, together, he hoped.

"Yes, I remember. I knew you'd never leave that place," She chuckled. "Not much has changed."

"No way. Change is for da birds!" He laughed. Hubie looked up and caught eyes with Hank who did not look amused with the behavior of this man. "Oh, but I think you may have changed something." He motioned to Hank.

"Hubie, this is Hank," She said sweetly. Hank walked forward and put his hand out for the strange man to shake, but was immediately pulled into a hug.

"Hank, you see this girl," He pointed to Kate. "This is the sweetest thing you will ever find. Take care of her!"

"Hmm. I plan to," He said as Hubie patted him roughly on the back.

"If you don't I'll have to crack ya jaw! Alright baby, I'm gettin' outta here. Call me up if ya eva need anything!"

"Love you, Hubes!" She called after him.

"Love you too, lil momma!"

Hank stood in somewhat of a shock. He wasn't sure what had just happened, but he felt dirty.

That evening they returned to the Devereaux Estate after her mother and father were laid to rest in a private cemetery. Hank and Kate sat on the stairs outside as the sun faded the distance. She was quiet as she held her black heels in her hand gazing into the backyard of her childhood home. Hank rolled up his sleeves and propped himself up on his elbows.
"What's on your mind?" he asked. She sighed heavily and dropped her shoes next to her.

"Well, what am I supposed to do?" She asked. "I am so overwhelmed. I know my parents wanted me to be involved in the company, but I don't know if I can handle the pressure," She groaned and let her head plop on his shoulder. "I am not a business woman. I really have no clue as to what they even did. I'm a teacher. I'm an educator. I don't know how a company or multiple companies work," She looked to Hank for advice, but to be honest he didn't really have an easy answer to the question.

"Kate, I have to say, I don't really know what to tell you right now because I've never been faced with a decision like this. Maybe you should talk to some of the head honchos at the companies just to get an idea of what's going on," Hank looked at the vast greenery of the yard and admired it silently.

"I just don't think I want this to be my life. I mean, my parents barely had time for me because they worked so much and what if one day I want a fam…" She stopped and looked at Hank. "I mean, I know you can't have children, but what if by some miracle we did have children? I would never want them to live the life I lived," Kate sighed loudly. "I know I sound like a whiny kid. Oh poor me, you know. The kid that had the love of an amazing grandmother and the money of her millionaire parents, but to be honest, I would rather to have been poor and known my mother and father."

"Take this as a great chance. I know losing your mother and father is a horrible thing and hard, but imagine what greatness you can achieve with what they left you. You've been blessed with what's happened, now take advantage of it. Go up to the companies, assign your best players to the field, then you coach from the sidelines."

"Do you think I can do it?" She asked a sullen look washed over her pale face.

"I have faith in you."