–WFI–Chapter 32 Wednesday, September 8

When Bailey picked the kids up from school, she dropped them off at Cynthia and Mitchum's. Logan had a meeting scheduled at the Gilmore-Huntzburger Manor at 6 tonight. Evelyn was preparing some hors d'oeuvres. The kids would spend the night with Cynthia. Bailey was instructed to stay in her apartment.

Karson was nervous. She came home just as soon as school was out. She needed time to decompress. She and Rory sat on the patio with a fan blowing on them, drinking a glass of wine. "I'm going to fix myself and Ricky a sandwich before everyone gets here. The last thing I need is to get drunk. Or Ricky gets drunk and cusses her out."

Rory laughed. "I'm sorry your mom wouldn't come. Logan offered to fly her in on an HPG private jet." Rory said.

"I talked to her last night. I understand why she does not want to be here. She knows that they are going to blame her. She did say she was glad that you would be here." Karson said.

"In my mind, I believe that she would be here if I was facing her alone. I have to believe that." Karson said.

Logan and Ricky came out of the garage together. Karson got up, met Ricky halfway, and kissed him. She took his hand and they went to the pool house.

"You want me to make you a sandwich too?" Karson stopped at the door and asked Rory. She shook her head no and smiled at her.

Logan bent down and kissed Rory. "What was that about?" He asked.

"She is going to make her and Ricky a sandwich so they won't get drunk tonight," Rory said, letting Logan help her up.

"Why don't you jump up like she did, when I come home?" Logan asked while holding Rory tight.

"I used to. But then I got old. Can't jump around like that anymore." She said with a smile.

They went upstairs for Logan to change. She was sitting on the bench at the end of the bed, while Logan was in the closet changing.

"Why not change in front of me?" Rory asked.

Logan stepped out of the closet with a pair of dark jeans riding low on his hips, unbuttoned with a tee-shirt that says 'Best Dad' on the front. A gift from the kids for Father's Day. "I don't know. Maybe it is because when we were younger, we didn't make it out of the bedroom. So I started changing in the closet. Besides, the dirty clothes hamper is in here."

They heard the doorbell ring. "It's showtime," Rory said. She picked up her phone. She texted Karson. 'Doorbell just rang. On our way downstairs. Come over when you want.'

When Rory and Logan made it downstairs. Tristan, Ms. Goodyear, Kimberly, and her husband were all sitting in the living room. Rory could see Evelyn was at the drink cart making the drinks. Logan walked over to her "Thanks, I got it." Logan said.

Evelyn told him what everyone wanted. "I'll bring out hors d'oeuvres," She told Logan.

Logan handed out the drinks then took a seat in his armchair. Rory was already sitting in hers. Logan looked around. He thought that Tristain would introduce everyone, but hasn't as of now. Logan put his drink down and stood up to introduce himself and Rory as Karson and Ricky entered the room from the patio. Ricky went to the drink cart and made him and Karson a drink. Karson went and sat on the love seat.

"I am Logan Huntzburger and this is my wife Rory and this is our home. At the drink cart is Ricky Green and sitting on the love seat is his wife Karson." Logan said. Ricky turned and nodded as did Karson.

Tristan stood, "I'm sorry, not sure where my manners are. To my right is Shela Goodyear and next to her are Kimberly Mansfield and her husband Shawn." Everyone nodded. Tristan sat down.

When Ricky brought Karson her drink and took a seat next to her, Logan began again. "Rory and I met with Katie, Karson's mother this past weekend. She told us about Karson's conception and the events that followed. We have told Karson what we were told. My investigator has looked into this. He can not find fault in what was told to us. Karson, would you like to say anything?" Logan asked.

Karson nodded. "What is it that you want from me?" She asked, looking at her grandmother.

"I or we, just want to get to know you," Sheila said.

"Why now?" Ricky asked. Karson had a hold of his hand.

Shawn spoke up. "We found some unopened mail from Katie. Shelia opened it. That is the first she heard of Katie being pregnant."

Ricky looked at Shawn, he looked a couple of years older than him. Kimberly looked at Rory's age. "You just happened to find an unopened letter?" Ricky asked.

Shawn went to say something else, but Sheila stopped him. "Ricky I am sure you are just trying to protect Karson, but if I may, I will explain what happened." Karson and Ricky both nodded their heads.

"I have moved to an assisted living faculty. I am giving my house to Kimberly and Shawn. I have kept Austin's room, just like he left it. Kimberly and Shawn are decluttering. They found several letters from Katie unopened, or if he opened them, he sealed them back. When they showed me the letters, I asked Kimberly to get in touch with Tristian. Tristan always calls and checks on me. He's a good boy." Sheila said. She put her hand in her lap. You could see the tears falling from her cheeks.

Everyone sat there for a moment. Karson spoke up. "Are you convinced I am your granddaughter or are you looking for proof?" Karson asked.

Shawn started speaking. "I think it is only fair…"

Sheila cut him off. "No, I don't need proof. You have Austin's eyes. I noticed you at the club a couple of months ago." She said smiling.

"I will be glad to give you a cheek swab. I don't want anything from you other than a complete medical history." Karson said.

Shelia nodded. "If you would like, I would like to get to know you. If you would rather not, that is fine too." Karson said.

"I would love to sit with you sometimes and you tell me about your life. I understand you are a school teacher." Shelia asked. Karson nodded. "Your handsome husband, where did you meet him?" Shelia asked.

Karson smiled. "That will be a story for another day. It could take days to explain it." Karson laughed and smiled.

"How would you like to have lunch with me Saturday at the club? You could invite your mother if you would like." Sheila asked.

Karson looked at Rory, then back to Sheila. "I would love to, but could we make it Sunday? I already have plans for Saturday." Karson said. Sheila nodded her head. "My mom won't come, I will ask her, but I am sure she won't, but if it is okay with you, I will bring Rory?"

Shelia smiled, "Yes, that would be wonderful."

"Momma, I think it is time for us to go. If we don't get you back in time for your medicine, we will get fused at." Kimberly said standing up.

Shawn stood up and offered his hand to Ricky. Ricky shook it. "Nice to meet you," Ricky said.

"Likewise," Shawn said. Ricky and Karson walked them to the door.

After the door was closed, Karson turned to face Rory and Logan. "There is no reason for that lady to ever know that Austin raped my mom. It would break her heart. I just don't see the good in telling anyone." Karson said.

Ricky kissed her temple. "If that is what you want, just do me a favor. Never be alone with Shawn. I am afraid he is worried that you are going to take what money Kimberly is supposed to get."

Logan walked toward the office. "I have her financials in my office. Dillon included it in his report." Logan said. Everyone followed Logan to the office. He was standing at his desk looking over the file. "Looks like her net worth is a couple of million plus the house," Logan said.

"I want her to know that I do not want to lay claim on any of her money. I am doing just fine." Karson said.

Ricky agreed. "How about I get Collin to write up some legal mumbo jumbo saying that you stake no claim on the estate. You sign it, She signs it. Then you both can just enjoy the remaining time she has left."

While they were talking someone was ringing the doorbell. It sounded like someone pressed the button and it got stuck. Rory turned to see what was going on when Honor almost knocked her down. "Honor, What is wrong?" Logan heard this and came out of the office. He still had his cell phone to his ear. He was talking with Collin about Karson. Honor was trying to catch her breath. When she finally could breathe. "Mom was killed today in a mugging." Honor said.

There will be one more chapter, probably not a very long chapter, then the epilogue.

Thank you so much for reading.