The reading of Alex's will that afternoon was brief. Along with the entire family, Roger, Ethan, Bette, Casey and his girlfriend Heather were in attendance. Unlike the last time they read a will at One Ocean Avenue, this one had everyone reaching out to the people around them. Gregory hadn't let Olivia out of his arms for more then a few minutes since his cryptic phone calls that morning. Bette and Roger held hands. Ethan rested his hand on Sean's shoulder, making them look more like siblings. Caitlin sat alone. She liked Alex well enough, but she didn't a see a point in her being present. Casey and Heather had the other couch. Belle lay at Lillian's feet in a beam of sunshine from the patio, taking the time to part ways with her old master.
Lillian took a sip of water, cleared her throat and began to read. "I, Alexandra Mitchum, being of sound mind and judgement, hearafter bequeath what I have acculmulated in life and no longer require to my family and friends. May it serve you until I see you all again."
"My quarter of Liberty, my stock in my publisher, all royalties from my books, present and future- I leave these to my baby boy, Casey. I know you're not used to having a lot of money to manage, so I suggest you ask any of my trusted friends to help you. Roger, Gregory, Ben and Olivia will be more then willing to take you under their wings and teach you everything you need to know."
"My personal savings are to be set aside in trust for my grandchildren."
"She believed there would be several." Lillian noted cooly. Olivia watched the marine biologist, Heather, take Casey's hand and smile. She remembered smiling like that once. Several seemed like a safe bet for Alex.
Alex left much to charities, mostly organizations for children's health. A collection of books on photography, including a copy of every book she had ever written or collaborated on, was donated to the Sunset Beach Public Library. As well as a portion of her stock set aside to form an annual university scholarship for someone deserving. "Dr. Roger Baxter will be adminisitrating the fund. I wish him luck."
She had not owned a house, being too much of a nomad to every settle down, but she did own several vacation properties. "My cabana in Madagascar goes to my dear Roger. Who should be able to find a home for his wild spirit in the jungles there." Bette squeezed his hand a little tighter when the tear escaped down his smiling face.
"The island in the South Pacific is for Casey. It's about time you have your own beach honey." Casey didn't react. Olivia's heart went out to him. Watching him reminded her of Thomas' funeral, so many years ago on the hillside in England. For a moment she felt the biting wind from the past reach for her, and she was deeply grateful for the warmth of Gregory's arm about her shoulders.
Lillian paused to take another drink of water, giving her son a small smile. "My three horses are for you Ethan, I know you'll take care of them." Ethan winked at his mom, and his quiet smile made everyone feel a little brighter.
"My little boat, 'Bonnie', is for you Sean. Every doctor needs a yacht, even if it's just a small one. It's a start." Sean moved in his chair, surprised at the gift. He'd been on 'Mo Chuisle' hundreds of times, but that was his father's boat. This one would be for him.
"The last thing I have to settle is a surprise. I was saving it for a special occasion, and I guess this will have to do." Olivia bit her lip, forcing the sob to stay in her throat.
"Esquire, you've been my partner-in-crime for me years then I'd care to admit." Gregory's fingers tightened on her arm, but no outward sign of emotion made it to his face. "I hope you'll think of me when you're looking down over the ocean. I expect you to have Olivia with you and I expect that you'll take care of each other." Olivia's hand rested open-palmed over Gregory's heart, feeling the pulse in his chest calmed her.
"My cottage in Italy is for the two of you. I know Italy's always been something special for you, and I hope my little hideaway adds to those memories. Live well, enjoy your lives and each other."
"That goes for all of you, my friends, my dear family. Have a drink for me once in awhile and know I'll see all of you when you come to the end of what I hope, will be long and very fruitful journeys. I expect some beautiful stories when we see each other again."
Lillian watched the faces around her as she folded the will away. Sean's awestuck joy, Gregory's crumbling facade of control as he looked in Olivia's eyes, Roger's openness with both his grief and his happiness, the serene way Bette kept an eye on everyone in the room; all of it was a glimpse into the person Alex must have been. The light she must have brought into a room ws obvious in Heather's silent sympathy, Olivia's tearful acceptance, and even Casey's struggle to find himself again now that his mother was gone.
As she stood up she remembered the addendum the publishing company had called to inform her of that very morning. "Excuse me please, I have one more thing to add." The little group went silent immediately. "Alex's last book will be published in February, each of her subjects will recieve a special edition, she intended to autograph them- but unfortunately there wasn't time. A note of her appreciate will be printed on the inside cover. Thank you all for your time."
As Lillian straightened her case and prepared to leave, Bette turned to Roger in her chair. "She didn't even mention Caitlin."
Roger looked across the room to the young blonde sitting between the two young men. "I think that may have been deliberate." Confinding softly, he leaned in towards her shoulder. "Alex hasn't trusted the girl lately."
Bette could smell the expensive aftershave he wore as his face got closer to hers. "So that's why I got the cryptic deathbed warning. What exactly has Beauty done to earn Alex's distrust?"
Taking her hand, Roger shook his head. "Not here. Come, we'll get a coffee at the Waffle Shop and I'll explain what I know." They said their goodbyes, explaining they still had things to arrange for the service.
After a polite goodbye, Casey and Heather went home. Casey was still having trouble speaking in sentances of more then a few words. Heather was much better off. "We'll see all of you tomorrow."
"We'll be home today if you need anything." Olivia reassured them both as she tried to find the bright young man she knew in Casey's eyes. "Just give us a ring."
"Thanks Mrs. Richards. We will if we think of anything." Heather promised as she lead Casey to the car.
Sean and Ethan were next at the doorway, Caitlin reluctantly following behind. "The regatta's going by." Sean explained as he hugged his mother goodbye. "Ben Evans is in it again for the first time in the last five years."
"It's his big comeback." Ethan explained, dragging Caitlin out into the sunshine.
"Have fun." Gregory called softly as Sean waved back up at the house, Belle prancing at his heels. Olivia watched them go from the patio door as Rose set a fresh pot of coffee on the bar. Getting a cup, Gregory started to fill one for Olivia, but she faltered in the sunshine. Retreating back away from the doorway with on hand over her stomach. She caught the back of the couch with her free hand for support, but she smiled when he looked at her. Trying to look as if nothing had changed.
He subtly checked his watch, observing her in the reflection in the mirror on the wall. When Olivia thought he wasn't looking she sank quickly into the sofa. Swallowing, she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to regain her equilibrium. His watch said it was just past three. It seemed this child was going to let her have mornings. The opposite of Sean.
Catching Rose as she headed back to the kitchen, he made a request. "Could you bring Mrs. Richards some tea, peppermint if we have it, I don't think she's up to coffee at the moment."
Rose nodded efficiently. "Of course, I'll be back in a moment."
"Thank you." Returning to the sofa, he turned to inquire about Olivia's sudden lack of color, but Lillian interrupted.
She had a familiar looking backpack in her hands. "Alex requested that I give this to you personally." Lillian pulled a battered black and silver camera out of the abused leather backpack. "She wanted you to have this. Gregory took it and read the attached note. "So you can find more beauty in life Esquire." He caressed the lines of the camera thoughtfully. "This was her first one. She worked all summer to buy it after she finished college."
"You'll have to take good care of it then." Olivia advised softly, trying not to move her head. Lillian set Alex's pack at her feet, drawing a puzzled look.
"Alex told me someday you will know someone who will get use of it." Lillian explained with a mysterious smile.
Rose set a steaming cup of tea on the small table at Gregory's arm. He reached for it on Olivia's behalf, handing it to her without a word. She looked down at the bag and back at Lillian.
"I don't understand."
Gregory slipped his arm around her back, just as confused as she was. "Alex seemed to think you will. We can't ask her, so we'll just have to wait and see." He wached Olivia set down her tea, struggling again with the nausea she was unwilling to admit. "Thank you again for handling all of this."
The ex-Mrs. Baxter, nodded serenely as she pickedup her case. "It was a pleasure to help. I'm back to London tonight, but Roger tells me he intends to ask you over for Christmas."
Olivia rested her head on Gregory's shoulder to keep it from spinning and smiled up wistfully at Lillian. "I'd love to have Christmas at the Manor."
Gregory smiled in agreement as he got up to show Lillian to the door. Olivia moved to get up as well, but he prevented her with a hand on her shoulder. "Don't get up, Lillian and I can manage. He leaned down, kissing her forehead in apology for his overprotective nature. "Be right back."
Olivia waited, taking small sips of her tea and wondering how he had thought to ask Rose for it. Closing her eyes, she leaned back and tried to remember what peppermint tea reminded her of. She felt Gregory wave his hand gently in front of her face, he was probably wishing she was asleep. Opening her eyes into his concerned ones made her remember. "Sugar cookies." Olivia told him proudly. "I had sugar cookies and-"
"-Mint tea when you were pregnant with Sean." Gregory finished as he knelt down in front of her her, wondering if she'd make the connection. If she did, she wasn't admitting it as she ran her hand through his hair. "Roger and Bette have Alex's service set for tomorrow at ten am." Resting his hand on her knee, he wondered. "Think you'll be feeling better by then?"
Olivia's smile was nervous. "I don't know what you mean."
"Of course not." He looked up into her eyes, watching that guilty looked she hd when she lied to him. "I've some things to do in the study, come keep me company."
Taking her tea with one hand, he started to help her up with the other. Gregory had to set her tea down in a hurry when she swayed on her feet. He caught her arms with both hands, waiting for her to steady herself.
"Vertigo?" He asked playfully as he picked up her tea.
"Just got a little dizzy." She explained weakly as she followed him to the study. "Must have just stood up too quickly." Gregory settled her on the sofa in the study and instead of heading of to his desk, he sat down next to her.
"That must be it." He agreed, joining her denial. He could wait, he knew her history with pregnancy. If his plotting had worked, they'd both know very soon.
When she realized he wasn't leaving, Olivia snuggled into his chest. She was cold, even in the pleasant afternoon sun. "Alex didn't leave Caitlin anything." She remarked after a long pause. "Why do you think she did that?"
"Maybe she didn't have anything appropriate. Cate's always been ladylike and you know Alex." Gregory kissed her head and she almost laughed, throughly comforted by his arms.
"I don't think I remember seeing her in a dress. Even for our wedding."
Gregory played with her rings, sliding her engagement ring on and off her finger. "The only person I remember in a dress at our wedding is you Liv."
Surprised at his sudden sweetness, she sat up to kiss his cheek. "All I remember is you waiting for me. How that aisle went on and on forever, but I knew I was going to get to the end because you were waiting for me."