Page 42 of Believe

“Those were a long time ago,” she said quietly. “I’m not sure where it happened that my children thought I owed them the world. I don’t claim to be the best mother on the planet but I made sure my children had food, clothing, shelter, and money to do things with other children. I did without for myself to give to them. It’s what a parent does.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Miss Esta. Aunt Irene used to say that some children just grow up thinking the world owes them a living and a life. The truth is you make the living and the life you want.”

“You’re an awfully wise young man, Beau. Some young woman is going to be very lucky to meet you.” Beau laughed, shaking his head as she closed the suitcase. He carried it into the living room as she reached for her coat.

“Before you put your coat on, Miss Esta, I have an early Christmas gift for you.”

“Beau! You didn’t need to buy me a thing!”

“And those packages under the tree with my name on it? Did you need to buy me those?” he smirked. She just chuckled, shaking her head as he handed her the small box. It was wrapped in gold paper with a blue velvet ribbon around it.

Esta sat down, carefully unwrapping the gift. She folded the paper and set beside her on the table, wanting to keep it forever. Opening the box, she gasped.

“You look at it every time you come into the store. I think that cameo will look beautiful with that dress.”

Tears were streaming down her face as she nodded, pinning the beautiful cameo to her dress. It was surrounded by tiny seed pearls and crystals, making it glisten in the light of the tree.

Shaky, she stood and reached for Beau’s hand.

“Beau Couvillion, you are the finest young man I’ve ever known. I didn’t need this brooch but I appreciate that you thought about it and gave it to me. What I value more than anything, what you’ve done for me, Beau, that’s what I treasure this Christmas Eve.

“You’ve changed my life. I was lonely, scared, angry, and there was no sign of that letting up. I knew you were discounting my food and being nice to me when I came in. I never thought it would lead to this odd friendship. I love you, sweet young Beau. Like my own grandson, I love you.”

“Miss Esta,” he smiled, hugging her. “I love you, too. Like you’re my granny but more. You’re my friend, Miss Esta. I’ve learned so much from you and I’m the one that treasures our visits together. I don’t want to miss a day where I see your smiling face.”

“Beau. I know this is a terrible time to talk about this but there will come a day when I won’t be here to smile at you.”

“Miss Esta,” he started.

“No, no. Listen to me. I’ve talked to that fine lawyer at your business, Kat. Beautiful woman, said she used to be a ballerina.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he grinned.

“When my time comes, Beau, the house will be yours to do with as you wish.” He started to speak but she held up her hand. “Don’t argue. I know it ain’t much but you’re the one that’s fixed it up for me, made it warm and beautiful again. When my day comes, in the future, it will be yours to do with as you wish. Maybe by then you’ll find a beautiful girl to share it with.”

“Miss Esta,” he said sniffling, shaking his head. “You’re the finest person I’ve ever met. This house will always be yours and I will think of you every time I walk in the door.”

“Alright, alright,” she said wiping her eyes with her linen handkerchief. Beau smiled at the small act. No one carried linen handkerchiefs any longer. It was always the throwaway tissues. It was one more thing that endeared her to him.

“Come on,” he said holding out his arm, “we can’t be late for mass.”

Once again mamas and their daughters were jealous of an old woman as she walked in on the arm of Beau Couvillion. They sat in the second pew where everyone could see them. When the carols were sung, Miss Esta sang along, smiling and light-hearted.

Others marveled at how the old woman had changed, knowing it had something to do with the young man beside her. After mass, she spoke to several of her old friends, laughing and making plans for tea or coffee the following week. They admired her cameo and she remarked that it was a gift from someone very special.

“Beau Couvillion, God will bless you for what you’ve done for that old woman,” said the priest.

“Father, God blessed me for knowing her. She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever know and I’ve known many. I’m so grateful she was put in my path.” He walked toward her and her friends and held out his arm.

“Miss Esta, we best be gettin’ to dinner. Ladies, lovely seeing you all,” he said smiling.

Esta knew they were jealous that he was her escort but she honestly didn’t care. Christmas Eve and Christmas day would be a memory that would feed her soul for years to come. In the future, one day many years away, she wouldn’t wake up to enjoy the smile of Beau Couvillion.

He would grieve but he would also discover her secret. Not only did she leave her home to him, but she also left millions from a strange and wonderful investment she’d made. Crypto-currency. And it would all belong to Beau.

But that was in the future.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX