Chapter 4

Later that evening, the family sat at the dining room table, going over the inventory they made of Lee's belongings.

Dotty drummed the pencil she held against the tablet of paper as she read from her list. "Okay, so we decided your record collection would go downstairs in the family room along with your couch, coffee table, and wingback chair. A majority of your artifacts will go in your office, and the fish will go on the main floor by the stairs. You don't want to keep anything from your kitchen, so those items will go in the garage sale."

"Mother, if you truly want a garage sale, it's going to have to happen sooner rather than later. The nice weather isn't going to stick around much longer," Amanda acknowledged.

"I thought of that, but I still think we can get everything ready and still have it by the middle of the month. That gives us about three weeks to get ready. We can set tables up in the garage and start organizing. That way, all we have to do is move the tables."

"Ladies," Lee interjected. "Can I make a suggestion? Why don't we just donate the stuff we don't want? There's no reason to have a garage sale when we don't have time to get everything done. It just seems like a lot of extra work, with not much return."

Dotty glared at Lee, which scared him tremendously, but he continued with his idea. "I'm sorry if I'm stepping on anyone's toes here, but IFF is always looking for items like this. You know, actual props they can use when they have to stage something for a film." He peeked over to Amanda, pleading to her with his eyes for help.

Recognizing his plea, Amanda quickly jumped in. "You know, Mother. I think Lee has a good idea. IFF does use household items to help stage areas that need a little more. And that would solve the time issue we have with getting a garage sale together."

"Amanda, what does staging have to do with documentaries?" Dotty inquired.

"That's an excellent question, Mother." She stared at Lee with a panicked expression on her face. Lee gave her a slight shrug. "We never know what kind of projects are going to come up. I mean, look at all the strange films we've done so far. It's always great to be prepared for the unexpected."

Dotty didn't know if she believed her or not, but she shrugged her shoulders and answered, "Well, it's always good to be ready for anything."

"Plus, the donations can be a tax write-off since you're donating to a government company," Lee added.

Dotty held up her hands and responded, "Okay, okay. You two have made your point. We won't have a garage sale." She glanced down at her list as she held the pencil to her lips. "The only thing I see left on our list is your bedroom set. What did you want to do with it?"

"Well, Amanda and I agreed. Everything in our bedroom is going to be new. We wanted to start our new life together with items that are ours, not mixed with hers and mine. So, to answer your question, we can use it for one of the spare bedrooms or donate my set," Lee answered.

"Hey! I want a new bed!" Philip exclaimed. "I'm tired of that twin bed. Why can't I get a new bed as well?"

"If he gets a new bed, I get one too!" Jamie insisted.

"Fella's, that's enough. Unfortunately, we can't get new furniture for the entire house. That's going to be way too expensive," Amanda asserted.

"Ah, come on, Mom! Please!" the boys implored.

Lee suggested, "How about we compromise? You can get new beds, but everything else has to move over. If your mom approves."

Both boys anxiously awaited their mom's answer. Amanda scanned back and forth between the boys and couldn't help but smile. "Okay, I agree with new beds." She raised her finger and pointed at both boys. "But that's it. You got it?"

"Yes!" Both boys enthusiastically high-fived. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Pops."

"You're welcome!" Lee glanced down at his watch. "Well, it's getting late. I should be getting home if I'm going to be back here first thing in the morning."

"Why don't you just stay?" Philip asked.

"Yeah, It's silly for you to drive all the way over to your apartment when you'll be back here in just a few hours. Please stay, Pops," Jamie begged.

"Boys, I would love to stay, but what kind of example would I be setting if I stayed? Your mom and I aren't married yet."

Jamie spoke first, "We understand what you're trying to teach us, Pops. Really, we do! But we like it when you stay. It already feels like we're a family. A piece of paper isn't going to change that. Please stay!"

Lee raised from his chair and knelt between Jamie and Philip. He placed his hand on Jamie's shoulder. "Jamie, you don't know how much that means to me." His eyes bounced between them, and he shook his head with disappointment. "Guys, I can't. I'm sorry. It's just not right."

Philip tried one more time. "Pops, how about we compromise? During the week, you can stay at your apartment, but on the weekends, you stay with us."

Lee grinned at them. "Using my own words against me, huh? How very observant of you." He stood and looked over to see Dotty and Amanda glistening with pride. "Okay, how can I say no to that? If this is truly what you want and it's okay with everyone, I'll stay on the weekends."

"Okay, with me," Dotty stated.

"It's perfectly fine with me, and we already know what the boys' vote is. So it appears like you're staying, sweetheart," Amanda acknowledged. She got up and pointed towards the stairs. "Okay, guys, let's get upstairs and get ready for bed. We've got a busy day tomorrow, and it all starts early with your school's welcome back open house. Let's go."

The boys both moaned as they stood. Each hugged Lee and walked around the table to do the same to their grandmother. "Good night," they chorused.

Amanda smiled and advised, "I'll be right back."

Amanda followed the boys upstairs as Lee and Dotty straightened up the table. Once done, they sat down to wait for Amanda's return. Dotty started the conversation she'd wanted to have for quite a while now. "So, when are you going to start telling me the truth, Son?"

Lee tried to hide his shock at Dotty's question. However, his reaction didn't escape Dotty. "I'm sorry, what did you say?" he responded.

"I asked, when are you going to start telling me the truth?"

"I'm not sure what you're talking about. What is it you think I'm lying about?"

"Well...maybe not lying, but there's something you're not sharing. Now...it is your right if there are things you don't want to share. But if you don't, I'll still be wondering how all of this is happening."

Lee raised an eyebrow in wonder as she continued, "Don't get me wrong, Son. I'm thrilled that you are part of our family. All four of us absolutely love and adore you. And Lord knows, those boys need you in their life. You've been more of a father to them in the last few months than their biological father has been their entire lives. I can already see subtle changes in them they've picked up from you."

Dotty leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, "However, something has been nagging me about our new home. I know how much the house costs. I know what Amanda makes at IFF. I'm also aware you've been there a lot longer than she has, but it still doesn't explain how we can afford this gorgeous home. And now, you've added in all this new furniture. You are keeping something from me."

Lee stared down at his hands and wondered, "Can I ask you one question before I answer yours?" Lee lifted his head to see Dotty nod. "I've noticed you've called me son, three times just today. Why?"

Dotty smiled, "That's simple. Because you are my son. The way you love my daughter is undeniable. From the moment I met you, I knew you loved her with all your heart. The way you two look at each other when you think no one is watching." They shared a knowing glance. "You know, you're a lot like your father."

"Why do you say that?"

"You mean besides the fact that you are the spitting image of him?"

She raised her eyebrow at him and continued, "From what you described about your mom and dad at your apartment, I see a lot of them in you. You always have to be touching Amanda. When you walk, you're either holding hands, or your hand is at the small of her back. When you're watching tv, your arm is always around her shoulders. When you get here, the first thing you do is softly place your hand on her and kiss her. You two are soul mates. You belong together."

She reached across the table, placed her hand on his, and finished. "That is how I know you are my son."

With his free hand, he wiped away the tear that had managed to escape as he expressed, "Thank you for saying everything you just mentioned. It means the world to me...Mom." He squeezed her hand once more. "It will be nice to have a mom again."

Lee tapped her hand and continued, "Now, to answer your question. A few years ago, I found out about something my Mum and Dad left for me. My uncle kept it hidden. My parents set up a trust fund right before they died, with strict instructions to use it for my family. I showed it to Amanda a few weeks ago. We don't want the boys to know about it. Not yet, anyway. We don't want them to expect everything to be handed to them. We were going to tell you. We just haven't found the right time to. Please don't be upset with us!"

"I'm not upset. I'm just glad you told me. Now, I don't have to worry about it anymore."

They grinned at each other while Lee took a cleansing breath of relief. "Thank you! Was there anything else you wanted to know?"

Dotty stood, strolled around the table, leaned in to kiss his cheek as she hugged his shoulders, and headed for the stairs, commenting, "No, I think you answered everything for now. We can talk more about what you and my daughter really do at IFF at another time. Good night."