Chapter 307: Ashes
*Dad had a thing about bugs crawling through him. So… cremation. – Rye*
The Thursday of the last week of August, Anthony, and Tilly and their two boys flew in. The same day that Leigh Anne was found, Phineas had gotten in touch with Sebastian Lynch. A few hours later, he called the man back to let him know his oldest niece was dead.
Uncle Bass arrived early Friday morning. Along with his own family and lawyers.
Saturday afternoon the family gathered at Sticks’ shop next to the river. Standing on the back pier, Chance helped Rye to scatter Leigh Anne’s ashes into the water.
A small quantity of ashes had been placed in a gold heart charm. Abernathy Jewelers made it to match the other two that Rye already had. She held all three hearts close to her chest as Chance held her close.
They were all together on a single gold chain. Dad. Mom. Sister.
Alana stood next to them holding Michael with her other children standing close by. Anthony, Tilly and their sons also stood close by. Rye was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support. Although she was saying goodbye to her last immediate family member, her family was larger than it had ever been before.
Afterwards, they all went back to the Shack where Nessie, as always, tried to fix the world with food. With very little notice, and hardly any information, she filled the Shack with the comfort foods of Rye’s childhood. Nessie had enjoyed making the Asian food almost as much as seeing Rye being surprised.
Chance sat down on the couch next to Rye and pulled her into his lap. “You okay, Duchess?”
“Yeah. No. I don’t know.” She leaned into his chest and his arms held her firmly in place. She still held the three golden hearts in her hands, nervously fidgeting with them. “I feel guilty.”
“You did everything you could for her.” He whispered against her hair.
“I feel guilty because I’m not sad.” She whispered back. “I’m relieved.”
He kissed her hair and considered his words carefully. “I’m sure that after everything that you’ve been through, that’s a normal feeling. Don’t feel guilty.”
“It’s… I…” she sighed, frustrated that she was unable to find the words to explain how she felt.
“Carly said that you can come out anytime you need.” He gently reminded her.
She nodded against his chest and then slipped her arm around his neck. They both watched the man approach them. He looked so much like her father that whenever she saw him it hurt.
Tall and slender, but not weak. He had discarded his jacket and rolled up his sleeves exposing taut muscles. His black hair was slightly wavy giving a little body to his short hair with a gray patch on his left side. Light blue eyes that were almost lilac met eyes very much like his own. He had a clean shaved square jaw and full lips that were currently pursed together.
Grabbing a chair, he sat down in front of them. Long legs were covered in expensive black slacks. The shoes he wore were Italian leather with leather soles.
“You look like my dad so much….” Rye said softly. “You must be Uncle Bass.”
He smiled and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. “We were accused of being identical twins.” Bass smiled. “Mom always said that she must have been pregnant for five years.”
“I remember dad talking about you. All the trouble you two would get into as kids.” She gave a small snicker. “A giant worm that you removed a rattle from.”
Bass let out a loud booming laugh. “Your dad did that. He was one hell of a prankster.” His face softened. “Mike planned to move back to our grandparents’ farm. There’s a lady who runs it now.”
His wife, Johanna, stepped up next to him and placed a hand lightly on his shoulder. “Hi. Am I intruding?”
“No, ma’am.” Chance said with a smile.
“Hon, who’s the lady running the old farm?” Bass asked looking up at her.
“Molly Lowery.” She said and Chance chuckled.
“Becks.” Chance said as she walked by with a sleeping toddler in her arms. “Where’s your husband?”
“If he’s smart, he’s changing diapers.” Becks replied. “I’ll let him know you want to talk to him.”
“Thanks.” Chance smiled at her before kissing his wife’s head. “What are the plans for the farm now?”
“That’s actually up to Ryanne.” Bass told them. “Everything that Mike inherited is now hers. I sold my part of the farm to Molly several years ago. I actually never thought that I would be back here.”
Rye sat in silent thought for a moment as the others talked around her about various safe topics. She reached out and grabbed Bass’ hand to get his attention.
“Do you think that’s why Leigh Anne came here?” Rye asked.
“Possibly.” He admitted. “The farm is listed in the will. She may have come here looking for it.”
Molly stepped over with a fussy Michael. “I’ve done everything that I can think of, and he won’t go to sleep.”
Rye giggled as Chance tapped her hip and she slid onto the couch. He slipped off his T-shirt as Michael let out a loud cry.
“Chance, dude!” Knuckles called out. “Put your shirt back on! You’re making the baby cry!”
He flipped his friend off before reaching for his son. “Come here, buddy.” Once Michael was against his dad’s chest, he settled down and began to go to sleep. Chance kissed the little head and fingers grasped his beard. “I know. Molly only knows about girls. He doesn’t understand that we need to talk about manly things.”
“Skin to skin contact is best.” Rye smiled. “I thought that you of all the men here would know that.”
Molly grinned at her with feigned innocence. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Uh-huh.” Chance chuckled.
From across the room there was a small gathering of women that were watching Chance. Some were family, others were friends, and a few were former lovers. They all looked at the former slut turned devoted husband and father.
