Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
CATE
D uring the days following Christmas, Cate and the girls fell into a lazy schedule, sleeping late and eating leftovers. Of course eventually, Izzy had to go back to work. Coffee and Cupcakes was busy between Christmas and New Year’s. Sam and Marlowe were happy to have Holly with them. Cate was delighted to help of course. They even got used to strapping the baby into her carseat and taking her into town. Stopping in Isabel’s shop was such fun. When they ran into some of the people who’d come to the party, they received warm thanks and heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year.
“Why, I almost feel that I belong in Charlevoix.” Cate was delighted. “Having that open house was such a good idea.”
“I feel the same way.” Marlowe was pushing Holly’s stroller at the time. The three of them probably gave the impression of a three-generation family as they strolled Bridge Street. “And it’s different. With the exception of our trips up here for the holidays, we were always the summer people. You know, the folks who headed south once the air turned cool and summer was officially over.”
Sam nodded as if her sister had perfectly captured the change in attitude. “Exactly. It’s subtle but that attitude toward the summer folks was definitely there years ago. And now?” Sam took a deep breath. “In Oak Brook, I’ve become that divorcee.”
“How ridiculous.” Cate was appalled and Marlowe turned to study her sister with concern. It was interesting how the younger sister now seemed to look out for Samantha. Over the past week Marlowe had developed a protective attitude toward her older sister.
Samantha’s comment gave Cate a lot to think about. Had she become “Monty’s widow”? Was that her identity now?
In the evenings they popped corn and watched family movies. While the winter wind howled outside, the fireplace kept them feeling cozy. The Christmas tree still dominated the living room, its presence a constant symbol of cheer and goodwill. No one talked about taking the tree down. Not yet, and the creche set still sat on top of the bookshelf. Isabel had attached a bright star to the top of the stable.
Cate’s sister had always kept her Christmas decorations up until Epiphany, so the extended holiday felt right. Anyway, she was in no hurry to have New Year’s Day come. After that they would all go home. Part of her hated leaving Isabel and Holly here alone, although Cate sensed that Skipper and the others at work would watch over her niece and that beautiful baby. He’d been so sweet about quietly fixing the dishwasher.
So they watched movies and teased each other and ate way too much of Cate’s holiday stash but she certainly didn’t want all the sausages, dips and macaroons to go to waste.
“Wasn’t that perfect?” Izzy said a couple of nights after Christmas. They were watching one of their family films. “Everything was perfect. So happy, Mom and Dad.”
Sometimes the girls’ inflated idea of perfection about their parents irritated Cate. “You know, it’s too bad people don’t make movies of the times when they are not getting along,” she finally said. “That would be more realistic, although I guess it might not be an incident you’d want to revisit in a family movie.”
All three pairs of eyes were on her. At the time they were huddled in the living room. Her nieces were on the sofa and Cate was quietly munching popcorn in the big lawn-striped chair. Holly had been put to bed and the only sound was the crackling of the fireplace. Cate reached for the popcorn bowl.
“What do you mean?” Sam asked.
Why had Cate gotten into this? Christmas had been so wonderful. “I mean, your parents sometimes argued. I can remember your mom talking to me about it. For example, your father wanted to buy a new car and she didn't think it was necessary. Your mom hit the roof about that one.” She chuckled, remembering.
“I don't remember that.” Marlowe looked around at her sisters and Cate almost laughed at the blank look on her face. “Do you, Sam?”
Samantha’s forehead wrinkled. “No. I don’t think so. But there were times when they disappeared into their room. I mean, after a disagreement would start. They were gone. We would only hear rumbling coming from the room.”
“There you have it.” Cate tapped the popcorn bowl so hard, some kernels flew onto the floor. Piper was on those in a second. Bogart was still nestled under the tree. “They didn’t want to upset you. Jo was good at that.”
“Maybe that’s why I got so nervous when Skipper and I started to argue,” Isabel said, her dear face pensive. “Minor stuff, like could we afford a vacation. But I hated it.”
She turned to Sam. “Did you and Kurt get mad at each other sometimes? I mean, before everything ended?”
Looking a little shocked, Samantha nodded. “Sure we did. Every couple discusses things. You have different points of view and you express them. Maybe things get hot. Mom and Dad may have done that. But I don’t remember any crazy yelling, that kind of thing.”
Isabel had fallen silent and Cate knew they'd struck a nerve. “Isabel, were you thinking that your parents never had their disagreements?”
“You bet your socks I did. They were all smiles and hugs. When Skipper and I would get into an argument about stupid things like what TV show to watch or why we didn't have more money in our food budget, I froze.” Poor Isabel’s face scrunched up, remembering. “That was scary for me.”
“Did you think something was wrong with your marriage because you were arguing?” Cate asked. In the back of her mind she was wondering why she hadn’t become a family therapist. She might be good at listening to other people’s problems.
Pursing her lips, Isabel nodded. “Yes, now that you mention it, I did. I wanted the marriage my parents had. I thought they never fought. They were perfect.”
“I'm not sure that's realistic.” But Marlowe did not seem certain. “Is it?”
“Trust me, it’s not. Of course a couple will have different points of view.” Sam was getting uncomfortable dissecting her own failed marriage.
“Well I'm here to tell you that your uncle and I didn't always agree. But we loved each other and we worked through things. That's the important thing. Marriage is a process.” And Cate didn't want to say any more.
“A learning process?” Isabel asked.
“Yes, I think so. You took a vow and so you’re working through things together.” Time to change the subject. “Marlowe, I don't hear your phone going off lately.” Cate had plenty of questions about that phone because Marlowe had been so secretive. She never mentioned who was calling. Her niece usually looked at the phone and tucked it in her pocket or went upstairs to bed. “Were those all business calls? How’s your assistant doing?”
Obviously uncomfortable, Marlowe tossed her head. “No, they weren't business. That was a…a situation I have to take care of later.”
Although with the other girls Cate may have pressed them, she didn't feel like pressing Marlowe. That middle child could be a puzzle. Marlowe had a very tough exterior. More so than Samantha. And she would probably enlighten them when she was good and ready. But there was one other topic she wanted to talk about now. This might be a good time.
“So how does it feel to be back in the family house?”
“Cozy,” Isabel said with the cute grin. “Especially now when you’re all here.”
“It has been cozy,” Sam agreed. “But sometimes it’s creepy too. Kind of like going back into the past.” She glanced around at all the trappings of Christmas that dated back to their childhood days, despite Cate’s efforts to add some more modern touches.
“It's like we're in a time capsule here.” That was how Marlowe described it.
“But life isn't a time capsule is it?” She’d been thinking about the situation for days and now Cate danced around the subject. But some of her nieces were wise to her.
“Okay, tell us where you're headed with this, Aunt Cate,” Sam said.
“Time marches on and I think we should plan for the future.” But she could see from their faces that she'd scared them and she didn't want to do that. “Relax. Sunnycrest has been full of good memories but it needs some updating.”
“Now you're talking.” Marlowe jumped in because she of course recognized how dated everything was since she sold real estate.
Groaning, Isabel dropped her head into her hands. “Are you thinking that I haven't taken good care of the place?” The poor woman looked miserable, pulling at the length of tinsel still in her hair. Cate had to clear this up fast.
“You really couldn't, and I'm not pointing any fingers.” Maybe she’d try to interject a lighter note. “Sure, every time you got married, your uncle and I had hopes your husband might make some changes. And we were glad to help with that.”
“Then you would kick the guy out, Izzy,” Marlowe added with a grin. “First Skipper and then Chuck. Gone.”
“But this house is a major project,” Sam was quick to add. “I’m surprised they agreed to move in here. I don't think you're talking about paint and wallpaper. Are you, Aunt Cate?”
“No, I'm not. Marlowe, you're the expert on this. If you were updating this house, what would it need?”
Leaning forward on her knees, Marlowe ticked points off on her fingers. “The kitchen is major. New cabinetry, add an island. Maybe get rid of the mud room and take down a wall to expand the space. The appliances all should be swapped out. And then upstairs? The bathrooms. The house needs more bathrooms.”
“Wait a minute.” Isabel's lower lip quivered. “Are you thinking of selling the place?”
The room became so quiet. The sisters looked at each other and then turned their attention back to Cate. Sure, she owned fifty percent of the property but she wanted her nieces to feel that they were partners.
“That's really not for me to say,” Cate said slowly, “but shouldn’t we think about the future? Soon I’ll be retiring and my resources will be somewhat limited. The three of you own half of the house and after I go...” She hated to bring that up. Her nieces looked so stricken. But they had to be realistic.
“But even if we can afford it, I don’t think I can handle all that.” Isabel’s voice trembled. The poor woman had so much on her mind. Cate could understand that she would be upset by the idea of being project manager.
“Maybe you wouldn't have to.” How could she explain this? “Lately I’ve been thinking that we should consider our future and prepare. For me, I think about where I want to be in ten years. This holiday has made me see things differently. I like the relaxed life in Charlevoix. Like the easygoing people and the fresh air. And of course I love the lakes, both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix.” She probably looked like an idiot but Cate’s hands flew as she talked. It was as if she was sketching out the future.
“Wait a minute.” Sam's voice rose as she spoke. “Are you thinking of moving here?”
Isabel gave a little yelp that sure sounded like joy. At least Cate hoped that's what she was hearing. But she didn’t want to confuse them. “I'm thinking of flipping.”
“Flipping this house to sell it?” Marlowe’s face turned pale and Cate thought Isabel might faint. Sam’s jaw had dropped so Cate had to clear this up fast.
“Let me explain. And if you think I'm being crazy, just tell me. I'm thinking of selling that big Tribeca condo and getting something smaller in New York. That would give us the funds to update this place. Keep the Charlevoix beach house vibe but make it more livable by current standards.”
“What a wonderfully generous idea.” Marlowe exhaled and Sam fell back into the sofa, looking thoughtful.
“And yes, I might live here while that was going on. Maybe I’d fly back and forth. Isabel, I know this is a big ask. And nothing is certain. I’m tossing out spaghetti and seeing what sticks to the wall.”
“Did you have to say that? I’m getting hungry.” Marlowe put a hand to her stomach.
“We just ate leftovers,” Sam said, grinning at her sister.
“Again.” Marlowe’s expression told them that she was tired of artichoke dip and small ham sandwiches.
“What do you think?” Cate turned to Isabel who was paying close attention to what everyone was saying.
“I say we should order pizza.” The dear girl said it so sweetly and was so Isabel that her sisters laughed uproariously and so did Cate.
Wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, she guided them back to the topic at hand. “I mean what about renovating the house. It’s wonderful to hear your thoughts. I’m stunned by Marlowe’s idea. So much to think about. Isabel, how do you feel about this?”
“But the house isn't mine, not really.” Isabel's voice was barely above a whisper. “And yes, I would love to have you here. Marlowe too. And don't think you'd have to babysit all the time. I wouldn't take advantage of you.”
“You have no idea how much I would love to do some of that babysitting.” Cate had to make that clear. “I’m still putting my thoughts together, so nothing is for certain yet. But life is full of stages. Five years ago I ended a very important stage when Monty passed on. Lately I’ve been wondering if I want to remain in New York.”
Marlowe looked as if she were about to jump out of her skin. “I have to tag onto what Aunt Cate is saying. This week I’ve been toying with something similar. I miss all the winter sports here. These two weeks have not been enough. Not by a long shot.”
“You’re so right.” Samantha jumped in with a chuckle. “And our cross country skiing was such a memorable experience.” Cate noticed that she’d stopped using her scooter all the time so that ankle must be feeling somewhat better.
“Hey, I loved cross country skiing with you,” Marlowe said calmly. “Loved seeing the good doctor rescue you.”
Sam waved a dismissive hand at her sister. “Don't tell me that you're thinking of leaving Naples and all that sun behind.”
“What I'm thinking is that my life isn't necessarily going in the direction I'd like it to go.” What a fascinating admission. Her nieces were amazing.
“I’m all alone down there,” Marlowe said without a trace of self pity. “And I only have one family. For the past few years I've been very well aware that we're not as close as we were before. I don’t think this is what our parents pictured at all.” Her words brought a thoughtful silence to the room. Isabel kept playing with the green tinsel still attached to her hair.
“I’m with you on that,” Sam said. “It’s way too easy to isolate and keep things to myself when I’m not around you lovely people. Kurt and I have divided our client accounts, but I could work from anywhere. We might want to think in terms of built-in office furniture in some of the bedrooms.”
“Here, here!” Cate chimed in. More popcorn spilled and Cate set the bowl on the coffee table. They were making progress.
“I’ve been looking through the real estate booklets that I’ve picked up in the stores.” Marlowe gave a pleased smile. “I think I could do well here but it would take time to establish myself. I could still mentor Jenna, the new girl who’s helping with my listings down in Naples, while I set up shop here.”
Marlowe never ceased to amaze Cate. Professionally, she’d done so well. But what about her personal life? Marriage might not be right for everyone but certainly it helped to have support in later years. Cate felt that way herself although she was too old to take that leap again. She had other priorities right now. “Okay, we’ve all had lots to think about. Let’s order the pizza and think about New Year’s Eve. Looks as if the new year could hold great things for us.”