57. Connie
T he evening breeze carries the scent of wood smoke as Tess steers her golf cart toward the gathering. I grip my cane, ready to make my way to the fire. I never thought I would enjoy these nights as much as I do. But I love these kids, and all the little ones running around. I love being included in their joy.
"Look who's here!" Colton jumps up from his spot, reaching to help me down from the cart, then leans over and drops a kiss on Tess’s cheek. “Hiya, Nan.”
"I can manage, dear." But I let him escort me to the fire anyway. This one acts like a buffoon more often than not. But he's bright, so bright.
And so very kind.
The flames cast dancing shadows across familiar faces as everyone calls out hellos. Janey waves from her perch on Jonas's lap. Micah waves, a sleepy Holly nestled against his chest. I remember how exhausted I was with little babies. I had help of course, but I still woke up with my boys every night.
I miss them so much I ache.
They say time dulls the pain, and I suppose that’s true. But I still miss my sons every single day.
"Mrs. McCauley, right here." Ransom pulls up a cushioned chair next to where he and Blair sit hand-in-hand.
"Thank you, sweetheart." I settle in, joints creaking less than usual in the warmth of the fire.
My gaze drifts across the circle where Tess has joined her granddaughter Cadence and Maverick, her face glowing with contentment. It’s so lovely that they get to spend so much time together.
I miss my grandsons every day. Though admittedly I’m less lonely than I used to be. Spending my time here has helped heal some of my wounded heart. Who would have thought my lonely evenings in Chicago with just my puppies would transform into this? Before Nick started dropping by for tea and cookies, I was very alone. Now I have more family than I know what to do with.
"Can I fix you a plate, Connie?" Ransom gestures toward the spread of food on the picnic table.
"No need, dear. Nan and I had dinner before we came." I pat his arm. "But I do have something to discuss with you both."
Blair leans forward, firelight catching the planes of her face. Such a strong woman. Truly striking. In my day, a woman like her would be called big-boned. People in my day were fools. Blair is lovely, and her strength, both physically and mentally, makes her a formidable woman.
"I've been thinking of relocating here permanently." The words feel right as they leave my mouth. "I would keep my apartment, of course, but I would live with Tess most of the year."
"Really?" Ransom's eyebrows shoot up. "What about your company?"
"The company runs itself these days. I have good people in place." I straighten in my chair. "Actually, that's part of what I wanted to discuss with you."
Blair starts to rise. "I should give you two some privacy?—"
"Sit right back down, young lady." I catch her hand. "This concerns you too. You know, I was married to Arthur for thirty-two years. We were partners in everything—life, love, business. When I look at you two, I see that same connection."
Blair's fingers thread through Ransom's as she settles back beside him. Yes, just like Arthur and I were. The way they move in sync, finish each other's thoughts. Some might call me a foolish old woman, but I know true love when I see it.
"Arthur and I built McCauley Steel together. Every decision, every victory, every setback—we faced it as one." I lean forward, my voice firm. "That's what marriage should be. A partnership."
"That's wonderful you had that," Blair says quietly. "Not everyone does."
"I know, dear. I don't take it for granted." As always, thinking of my Arthur makes me a little misty. I smooth down my blue slacks and gather my emotions. This is a business discussion, after all. No need for tears.
"Is something happening with your company? Do you need some help?" Ransom asks.
He's such a good boy. He understands family and responsibility. That's what makes him the perfect person for this.
"I'd like to discuss the possibility of selling you my company."
Ransom's gaze sharpens, those dark eyes so much like Arthur’s—shrewd but kind. "I don't know much about the steel business."
"You're a good businessman. I've been watching you." I pat his knee. "The board's solid. The company practically runs itself these days."
Blair shifts beside him, her hand still locked with his. Such a natural pair.
"I don't understand." Ransom shakes his head. "Why would you want to sell? The company's your legacy."
The fire pops, sending sparks dancing into the night sky. "I'm getting old, dear." My fingers trace the handle of my cane. When did my fingers get so gnarled and spotted? "And I'm a little tired."
"What about your grandsons?"
My chest tightens at the thought of my boys. All those summers they spent running through my house, tracking mud on my carpets. Now I barely see them. They call. They all say they love me. But they're not here.
"They haven't shown interest in years." I try to keep the tremor from my voice. "They're scattered around the globe." I shake my head. "I don't think any of them are on this continent."
"But wouldn't they want?—"
"They're living their own lives." The words come out sharper than I intend. "Which is fine. It's what they should do. But the company needs someone who cares about it. Someone who understands family and loyalty." I look between him and Blair. "Someone who knows how to build something lasting."
"Mrs. McCauley?—"
"Connie," I correct him. "We're family now, aren't we?"
His eyes soften, and he nods. "I think of you as family. I know everyone else does too. I just don't want you making a decision that you might regret. And your grandsons might have opinions on this."
"I'm counting on it."
He gives me a baffled look, and I completely understand. I must sound like a batty woman. "You see, I've decided that it's time to give my grandsons one last chance to show me they can take over the business. It's possible they won't care. It's likely even, given my part in our distance. But I want to give them the opportunity at least."
"Connie,” Blair says, “I don't understand. How can they prove to you that they're ready to inherit the company?"
"You don't need to worry about that part. I will handle it. What I do need from both of you is an offer to purchase, set to go into effect one year from Monday." When I tell Ransom the price I want him to pay, he chokes.
"No way. I'm not doing that. That's robbery. Your company is worth at least five times more than that."
"Closer to eight."
"Why would you sell it to me for so much less?"
"Because you understand family and responsibility. I know you will care for it and all the people that work for me. You will consider their futures in any decision you make."
"I would. Absolutely."
Blair clears her throat. "Just so we're on the same page. You're offering to sell Brash the steel company at a ridiculously low price in one year. And in that year, you're going to give your grandsons a chance to take over instead?"
"Precisely.”
Ransom’s eyes narrow. “They're going to be upset. That price is too low. It's going to look like I'm taking advantage of you."
"Precisely, my dear. Precisely." I pat his hand. "I'm sorry. It's going to put you in a difficult spot. They're going to believe the worst of you."
His smile is warm, but calculating. It’s exactly how I would expect him to look. "They can believe whatever they want. How do you want me to play it?"
This boy. "You're too smart for your own good." He gives me that shark's grin, the one I've seen in the magazines. If I were thirty years younger, I'd be all aflutter. "I want you to be the ruthless corporate shark everyone sees you as. That's all."
"And what will you be doing?"
"What else, dear? Scheming."
My next series is about Connie and
her Grandsons.