Page 104 of Midnight

Nora was in high gear.

She’d just had a video call with her boss, explaining her plans. She hadn’t expected any issues with her job, or having it be impacted by moving to another location. It was one of the perks of working online.

She was congratulated on the news of her upcomingwedding, received sympathy for the stitches in her hand, and compliments on the quick sale of the family home, and then a quick end to the call.

It was an eye-opening conversation. It wasn’t real sympathy. It was just what one stranger said to another when faced with the need to comment. There was no way to compare it to the love and kindness she’d received when she went home to Crossroads.

She got up and walked to the windows of her office overlooking the city. It was a long way down to the street below. Past time to come down from this ivory tower. Way past time to start life over again with Ash.

That’s when she remembered she needed to call Patty about the Jacksons moving into the house early, quickly pulled up the number, and waited for the call to be answered.

“Thomas Realty, Lee speaking.”

“Good morning, Lee, this is Nora Borden. Is Patty in?”

“Yes, just a moment while I transfer the call.”

Nora heard a few clicks, and then Patty picked up.

“Good morning, Nora!”

“Hi, Patty. Has Sonny signed the contract yet?”

“Yes, he was in before closing yesterday and left escrow money until the deed search has been completed and we can do the final signing. Darndest thing. He didn’t just leave the usual percent… He left the entire amount of the house purchase. I told him it wasn’t necessary, but he insisted.”

“I guessed he might,” Nora said, “which is why I’m calling. I’m going to call Sonny this morning and tell him that the Jacksons have my permission to move in right away. We both know it’ll take a month to six weeks for all the deed stuff, and there’s nothing worse than trying to move in the winter, especially in West Texas with snow on the ground and wind cold enough to freeze spit.”

“That’s really kind of you, Nora, and of course, these areyour calls to make. Listen, I’m driving into Crossroads this afternoon to pick up the For Sale sign. How about I bring the keys and drop them off at the Yellow Rose. Pearl’s connection to Sonny and Maggie should make that okay.”

“That would be perfect. Just tell Pearl to give Maggie a call, and she can come get them. You’re the best,” Nora said. “Take care.”

The moment their call ended, she made a call to the ranch. It rang several times, and she was waiting to leave a message when Maggie picked up.

“Hello?”

“Maggie, this is Nora. Hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”

Maggie laughed. “I was working on a portrait, and trying to get enough paint off my hands to pick up the phone.”

Nora chuckled. “Sorry to interrupt genius happening, but I have a bit of news I think Chris and Ellen Jackson will like. I’ve already spoken to Patty Thomas about this. I’m giving Chris and Ellen permission to move in immediately while we’re all waiting for the deed search to be finished.”

“Oh my God! Nora! How wonderful.”

“Well, I kept thinking of how awful it would be trying to move house in the middle of winter. It’s setting empty; there’s no reason for them not to be there.”

“I can’t wait to tell Sonny,” Maggie said. “You are such a thoughtful, loving person. Chris and Ellen are going to be so excited. What a wonderful Christmas you are giving them!”

“The other thing… Patty is coming to Crossroads this afternoon to pick up her For Sale sign. She is going to leave the house keys with Pearl, at the Rose, so you might want to give Pearl a heads up about that. This way you won’t have to drive all the way to Amarillo to get them.”

“Even better!” Maggie said. “Blessings to you, Nora. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome,” Nora said, and disconnected, then checked that off of her list of things to do.

* * *

Sonny came in the back door just as Maggie was hanging up. When she saw him, she went running. “You will never guess!”

He put his hands on her shoulders and closed his eyes. Saw Chris and Ellen moving into the new house and then opened his eyes.