In Cooper’s concentration when he shuffled cards.
In Paisley’s love of strawberries.
In me.
Especially in me.
That evening, I called everyone into the living room.
The children were building something from playing cards on the coffee table.
“This is not a serious family meeting,” I told them.
Paisley looked relieved.
“What’s a serious family meeting?”
“The kind where adults use too many words.”
Gregory laughed.
“Accurate.”
I sat in Robert’s old chair.
“I’ve made a decision about the house.”
Brenda’s expression tightened.
Then she caught herself and waited.
“I’m not selling.”
Cooper cheered.
Paisley clapped.
Douglas smiled.
Brenda simply closed her eyes for a second.
“But,” I continued, and everyone looked at me again, “things are going to change.”
I explained the rental idea.
I would keep certain weeks for myself.
Some weeks for the family.
Other weeks would be rented.
I would hire local management rather than expecting anyone in the family to maintain the place.
