Chapter 13

"Are you going to pick up the cake?"

"I have Peter doing it. He said he will be back at noon," Spinner said trying to calm his wife.

"Snake and Mom are going to bring Charlotte to The Dot at 12:30 so I can change her into her new dress before the guests arrive."

"We will have everything done by then. Don't worry."

"Hey some guy named Stanley Wright is trying to reach you," Emma said as she checked the voicemail.

"Who?"

"I don't know Spin. Here is his number. I got to go and pick up some more party supplies. Call me if you need anything," she kissed his check as she ran out the door.

Spinner thought to himself. The name sort of sounded familiar, but he did not remembered to whom it belonged. He dialed the number and waited for an answer.

"Hello?" the voice of an older gentleman replied on the other end of the phone.

"This is Gavin Mason. You left a message that you needed to see me."

"Oh, yes. I am glad that you contacted me today."

"Why is that?"

"I'm not sure if you remember, but I am the man who handled your mother's estate last year."

"That's why your name sounded familiar."

"Yes. Normally, I do not conduct business on Saturdays, but I will make an exception for your mother. She was always so nice to me the few times I met with her."

"Ok?" Spinner responded with confusion in his voice.

"Are you having a party for your daughter today?"

"Yes. It's at 1:00 at The Dot. That is my restaurant. Wait, how did you know it was Charlotte's birthday?"

"I know she was born the day before your mother's death. Also, I have some last minute business your mother wanted me to handle on her birthday. Do you mind if I make an appearance at the party?"

"That is fine."

"Great. I will see you then to attend to our business," he said before hanging up the phone.

Spinner was really confused now. What could the possibly be about? He decided to call Emma and let her in on this new development.

"Hey. What's up?"

"I was just leaving the deli. Do you need anything?"

"Well, I called that man. He was my mother's lawyer, he one who took care of her estate. He is coming to Charlotte's party to take care of some business per Mom's request."

"Wow. I wonder what it could be." Emma said with intrigue.

"I have no idea, but I just wanted to let you know there would be an extra guest."

"Thanks. See you in a little bit. Love you"

"I love you, too."

All off the guests at the party could not believe how big Charlotte was. She was walking around smiling and showing off her party dress. She was definitely a princess who loved the spotlight. She got that from her father, who had always thrived on pulling pranks to get attention.

At 1:30, Mr. Wright finally arrived. Charlotte was almost done opening all of her gifts (with her mother's help), when everyone turn to noticed the unfamiliar guest.

"Hello, Mr. Mason. Thank you for allowing me to attend the party on such short notice. However, it was your mother's idea."

"What can I do for you Mr. Wright?"

"Your mother left a present for Charlotte for her first birthday, and I am here to deliver it."

"Attention, everyone. Charlotte has one more gift, and it is from her Grandma Irene," Spinner said trying to get everyone's attention.

Mr. Wright pulled an envelope out of his jacket, opened it, and began to read the paper content out loud, "I, Irene Lansing Mason, give my granddaughter Charlotte Ruth Mason the full amount of the liquidation of my grandmother's art collection. This amount will be announced o her first birthday. However, the funds will be used for her education and given to her upon graduation from high school."

After he read, Mr. Wright began to explain the details, "The art collection did belong to your mother and was in storage. After I had it appraised, it was sold in auction. The trust fund amount will be 1.32 million dollars."

"Your mother was an amazing woman."

"Yes, I know. She had to be the most selfless person I have ever known."

"Charlotte is going to be able to go to whatever university she wants. Heck, we will be able to send anymore children we have to college with that money as well."

Charlotte birthday was a memorable day, not only because it was also the first anniversary of her grandmother's death, but also because the family was reminded of Irene's generosity and love for her family. Charlotte was the newest Mason, and now had the legacy of a strong woman from which to learn. Spinner was going to make sure his daughter knew how great of a woman she truly was, even if she could not interact with her personally.