Chapter Thirty-One

Heath had spent the evening more worked up than he was letting on to everyone. Earlier, over drinks in the Front Parlor everyone had been admiring the Christmas tree. The brothers, along with Olaf and Simon had gone out early that morning to find a Christmas tree. It was Olaf who insisted that Simon needed to come along, as the Christmas tree cutting was very important in Sweden.

Heath had listened as Olaf had told about Christmas' long ago, when he and Erick – sometimes with other family members - had gone to find the tree. To Heath it all sounded warm, comforting, and loving; he laughed as Olaf told some of the pranks he and his brothers would play on each other and their family.

Christmas was already different at the Big House because Maud was baking some specialty Scandinavian treats. Further, she did not contain her efforts to just desserts, but also had gone down to the fish market on the wharves and one night put together a platter of what she called smorgasbord.

It was a lavish spread of smoked fish, cured meats, and cheeses, all served with horseradish, mustard, and crusty French bread. The fish market was in fact an open-air market that operated every day. Stockton was a major port on the San Joaquin River, and the valley was home to many nationalities. The offerings were always fresh and varied.

Maud had also drawn Silas into all the preparations, including icing the vodka to go along with the smorgasbord. Everyone in the family was impressed when Silas wheeled in a tray that featured three different vodkas, including two that had been infused with herbs, all served over ice.

There was also the Advent wreath in the front hall, another new tradition for the family. Simon had asked, several weeks before Christmas about an Advent wreath, which was a puzzlement to the family. In talking to Simon, they found out that his mother had done one every year, and it was a tradition of her upbringing. Reverend Peterson and Elspeth, when asked had both heard that it was common in Germanic countries.

Heath decided that if Simon wanted an Advent wreath the family would have one. He and Simon had gone out to gather evergreen branches, and they had built a wooden frame to put them on. Victoria had taken care of the candles, and the wreath was displayed on the table in the hall. Each Sunday evening, the family would gather around the wreath, light the appropriate candles, and say a prayer.

It was over drinks that Olaf had indicated that he and Maud wanted to talk to the family about Simon. He suggested after dinner, in the study, which everyone had agreed with. For Heath, knowing the announcement that was coming – Simon would be going to Sweden after the first of the year, had a pall cast on his evening. He managed to eat dinner, but it was tasteless as far as he was concerned.

"I would like to start off by expressing how grateful Maud" Olaf paused to look over at his wife who smiled in return. "How grateful Maud and I are for the kindness and care you have taken with Simon. Over the last fortnight we have seen the concern, care, and how welcoming you have been to him. We feel so fortunate that our grandson has people like you in his life." He raised his snifter and brandy and toasted the family.

Olaf and Maud were sitting on the settee, while Nick and Priscilla were on the love seat opposite. Jarrod was in one of the chairs by the fireplace, with Victoria in the other one; Heath was standing by her chair.

"Thank you, Heath, for being willing to take Simon in – a number of men would not have done so. We feel bad for the disruption it has caused in your home life." Olaf's expression was serious. "My son and his wife spoke highly of you, just so you are aware." Heath was glad that the couple had acknowledged his place in Simon's life.

"Priscilla, my wife and I want to say a very special thank you to you and Elspeth, for all you have done with Simon's education. In Sweden education is prized above all else in our society. We can see all the work both of you have done with Simon. I am sorry that Elspeth couldn't be here, but I will definitely let her know how grateful we are."

"We also want to say thank you to you, Victoria, along with Jarrod, for how you have treated Simon as a family member." Olaf paused and raised his glass again, in Victoria's direction. "Your family are kind and generous people, and it is because of your influence Victoria. Not only do we prize education in Sweden, but we prize motherhood also." The man's eyes twinkled happily.

"Nick, I understand what Simon's arrival has done to your household, especially as you were welcoming a new baby. However, from what Simon has told me you have treated him exactly like one of your boys" Olaf smiled warmly before going on. "I'm planning on getting a small sailboat to teach Simon how to sail, but I'm not sure if it will equal the pony you gave him."

Heath noticed that Nick look gratified and happy, as Olaf praised Priscilla and him. It was true that Nick and Priscilla had been most impacted by Simon's arrival, because of the ending of his marriage. Right now though all he could think about was Olaf's comment I'm planning on getting a small sailboat to teach Simon how to sail. Of course, Simon would learn to sail living in Sweden; he now had confirmation of his worst fears.

"Our lives have been turned upside with Erick and Magda's death, and Simon being orphaned. It has caused us to completely rearrange our life, so we can take care of Simon." Olaf paused, and Heath felt a great sadness coming over him as he waited for the statement that Simon would be leaving.

"A big part of rearranging our lives has concerned my employment. As I have previously shared, I am a ship designer. I grew up on the sea – my father was an Admiral of the fleet, and one of my brother's is on track to eventually assume the position." Olaf folded his hands in his lap and looked somber. "Unfortunately, because of a serious illness when I was young, I could not pass the physical exam to enter the Navy. However, I had always been good at drawing and building things, and because of my background I was drawn to boats."

"Over the years I have achieved great success and been awarded honors for my work. I have had lots of very lucrative offers from other shipyards to work for them. While I have been flattered, I have seen no reason to go from being an employee of one yard, to be an employee of another yard." The man looked around at the men in the room, all knew what he meant.

"Just over three years ago an American came to visit the shipyard in Sweden I was working at. He was touring shipyards all over Europe, and my employer had asked me to show him around." Olaf chuckled and then said, "my employer was very bias against America, and wanted nothing to do with the man."

"Long story short, we became friends, and have kept in touch with each other over the years. I have long admired America, for the opportunities it offers to people who are not afraid to follow their dreams. It is very different than Europe, where for the most part what social level you are born into you will stay there." Everyone in the room nodded their heads; all with the exception of Heath had been to Europe. Heath though, having experienced how the old Spanish Grandees had treated him had no problem understanding what Olaf was saying.

"When we received the sad news about Erick and Magda, before we left Sweden I reached out to my friend." He turned and looked directly at Heath "we knew the circumstances of Simon's birth, and the directives that our son and his wife had left. I knew we would go to Mexico first, and then onto California. I had always wanted to see America, but I wished it weren't under the sad conditions."

"Just so you know, we have been aware of the two weeks you spent in San Francisco before coming to Stockton." Victoria announced, and Heath could see that she wanted to let the couple know that the family was in the dark about their activities.

"I also have no doubt that your esteemed lawyer son has had us thoroughly investigated by – I think your private police force is the Pinkerton's?" Olaf smirked at Jarrod, and Heath saw that Olaf had been aware of everything going on. He suddenly felt very afraid that Olaf would know about his trip to San Francisco, where he followed the man.

"Not that I blame you all, as if the situation had been reversed, I would have done the same thing. Maud and I knew that you were only thinking of Simon's best interests." Olaf added with reassurance.

"To get back to my story, because of the changes in my employment I need to request a favor of you all. I will apologize for asking, but we don't want Simon's life uprooted any more than it has already been." Olaf set his hands on his knees and looked around at the family.

Heath could see that everyone was as confused as he was, about the reference to Olaf's employment. What did it matter where he was employed, because it would be in Sweden, he thought to himself?

"I have accepted a partnership offer, from my American friend, to join his shipyard. They have just been awarded a large contract from your navy, for new warships. Not only will I get to do what I love, but I will have a share of the business, something that would never happen in Sweden." Olaf finished talking and reached out to take Maud's hand.

"You aren't taking Simon back to Sweden?" Heath was stunned at what he was hearing, and he felt hope welling up inside him.

"No, we are relocating to San Francisco this summer. However, we need to go back to Sweden, to get everything ready for our move." Olaf explained. "The favor we would like to request is that Simon could stay here until we return. Nick and Priscilla, we are aware of the extra work this will be and would be happy to pay additional wages to your nanny. Elspeth had shared with me that you were looking at sending Simon to the school in town after Christmas and we think it is a good plan."

"What are your plans for Simon after you get back?" Victoria asked slowly, as she gave Heath a concerned look. She was not sure it was a good idea for Simon to stay longer at the ranch. Yes, it would give Heath more time with the boy, but it could make saying goodbye even harder.

"When we return this summer, we will purchase a house, and then have Simon come live with us. While I was in the city, I received several good recommendations for day schools, that Simon could attend." Olaf stated, and then turned to Nick and Priscilla. "Maud and I hope that once we get settled you would let your boys come stay with us for a bit. We have seen how close they all are, and it is good for Simon to have the company of other children."

"It is not a problem for Simon to stay with us" Nick announced after looking at Priscilla. She nodded her head and said that the boys all did well together.

Victoria sighed to herself with resignation, that Simon would be staying. She understood what Olaf had said, about not wanting to uproot Simon any more than they would need too. Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard Maud talking to Heath.

"As I told you the other day Heath, Magda felt awful about excluding you from Simon's life. She did it to protect your reputation, and not upset your life." Maud spoke carefully. "Magda always hoped you would meet someone and build a family of your own. When she and Erick made the provision for Simon to come live with you, in case anything happened to them, she was assuming that you would be married with a family that Simon could join." Her face took on a sorrowful look for a moment, then she looked over at her husband.

"Heath, your life has been completed changed because of Simon." Maud spoke slowly "at this point you don't need the worry about a child to take care of. If your circumstances were not what they are, well we would make a different decision. However, we need to think what is best for our grandson, without imposing anymore on your family. In San Francisco he will meet other children, as well as have a family to be with." Maud rose from her chair and went to stand next to Heath, putting her hand on his arm.

"Please understand that we sympathize with everything that has happened to you. Of course, you will be welcome to visit Simon anytime – I know he will be glad to see you." The words were meant to be reassuring, Heath knew, and it was consolation that Simon would be with them until Summer. There was a part of him though that wished his life were different, so Simon could stay with him.

He pushed that thought aside and smiled at the couple. Heath's years of training in hiding his emotions came to his rescue now. It was an effort, but he joined in the conversation about Olaf's new endeavor with Nick and Jarrod. The women were telling Maud about the shopping and houses in San Francisco.

It was with relief that he watched Olaf and Maud excuse themselves to go to bed, with Nick and Priscilla hard on their heels. The study felt airless and hot, and Heath wanted out of the room badly. Heath had drawn on every ounce of self-control, but now he could finally escape.

"If you all will excuse me, I want some fresh air." Heath announced, to his brother and mother, as she was pouring another glass of brandy. They were not surprised at his quick departure, based on the news that had been shared earlier.

"I think I should go talk to him." Victoria came over to Jarrod, offering him a snifter of brandy. She was upset for Heath, with the decision made about Simon. If she had been consulted, she would have advised that Simon go with his grandparents back to Sweden.

Now Heath would have more time to get attached to Simon, which would make it harder for him down the road. Victoria was sure too, that Heath had been stung by the reference to his living situation. Maud had been extremely polite, but the implication had been clear, and Heath would have heard it. She said as much to Jarrod who threw back his brandy in one gulp.

"Mother, what else could they have done? Heath should be glad Simon will be in California! They could just as easily take him back to Sweden – they are his legal guardians." Jarrod set his crystal snifter down carefully; he had been taken by surprise at Olaf's announcement. He prided himself on being able to read people and situations – it was one of the reasons he was a good lawyer. However, he had not seen this development coming at all.

"I had a talk with him last week, about Sarah's marriage. Heath already knew about it and stated that he was finally reconciled to everything that had happened. He stated he wanted to move forward with his life, which I knew meant moving back to his house." Victoria sighed and sipped her brandy.

"Why don't you go to bed mother? I will talk to Heath, and hopefully I can bring some clarity on the situation." Jarrod in fact was concerned about how tired Victoria looked. He knew that the holiday was always busy, and she had been working on the New Year's Day open house since November.

This year though, with the addition of Simon, the dissolution of Heath's marriage, and surprise house guests – well he was sure that she spent too many nights awake. He knew the soft spot she had in her heart for Heath – yes, he was not her son by blood, but he was the one who most resembled Tom as a young man. Jarrod privately knew that the liaison with Leah had not been Tom's only dalliance. He had never said as much to the family, but honestly, he was surprised that only one illegitimate child had come forward.

"Thank you, Jarrod I think I will. Yes, I am tired and quite frankly I was hoping the New Year would bring peace to the family." Victoria put her arms around Jarrod, and he pulled her close to hug her. He understood what she meant by peace – Simon gone and Heath able to get on with his life. That was not going to happen now, because even after Simon left for San Francisco he would still be in proximity to Heath.

Simon, through no fault of his own would always be a reminder of unhappy memories. Once the boy moved to San Francisco it would be better, but that was not going to happen for six months. Six months that will be hard for Heath, Jarrod mused to himself as he walked out the French doors to find his brother.