Letters From Al by Pieper, Kathleen (i am reading a book txt) 📗

open. She walked down the gravel drive. The local cemetery and little church her aunt had attended looked as quaint as the rest of the town.

An old oak tree stood on the gently rolling hill that looked down on the town. Here a simple granite stone identified her aunt's final resting place.

Madeline A. O’Keefe

Born April 4, 1919

Died December 23, 2010

A Friend to all

A scroll design and spray of flowers was carved and entwined with her name. Maddy stood silently, tears squeezing out from her tightly closed eyes.

A tenderness and respect she hadn't felt since her parent's deaths enveloped her. These strong feelings were hard to understand about someone she only vaguely knew. A great sadness overcame her and she sat down on a small, cement bench nearby. The day turned warm, a gentle breeze rustled the oak branches overhead and caressed her as if someone were stroking her hair. She lifted her head to the warmth and sighed, taking out the envelope Leland Lancaster had given her. Carefully she opened it and began to read.

My Dear Maddy:

Throughout your life I have followed you growing up. Your parents were good enough to allow me to do that and also live the way I wished, away from the Morris family. I chose not to depend on anyone except myself after my husband died.

Your parents understood my reasons for leaving everything to you, my namesake. There are some things of value. My house and the money left in my accounts should help support you. Go through my personal things and dispose of them as you see fit. The thought of strangers touching my things would distress me greatly..

I have lived a good life and loved my friends and this small town I called home. That is my real wealth. And to you, the daughter I never had, I want you to know I loved you from afar. I remain, lovingly yours,

Madeline Morris O’Keefe

P.S. Do not be angry with your parents for not telling you I was in touch with them. I did not wish to interfere in your busy life.

Maddy's hands shook as she read the paper. She sat up straight and sighed, the letter crumpled in her lap. So many things made sense after reading this. Her parents had told her the many little gifts and books she received on holidays were from her 'secret admirer.'

"Oh, Aunt Madeline, you must have been so lonely at times without your family." Maddy said softly, sadly.

"She never acted lonely. Sometimes just a little sad is all." Maddy sighed and recognized Alec's voice, but she didn't jump this time.

"Your friend at the gas station tell you were I was?"

Maddy guessed, as he sat down next to her on the small bench and leaned forward, staring at the headstone.

"I shouldn't divulge my sources, but, yes."

Alec's shoulder touched hers and he smiled down at her, "I was going to say I just happened to be driving by."

She leaned back against, keenly aware of his presence.

"Sure, you were." Then she smiled sadly and closed her eyes, knowing he was amused by her.

"Old Tim sure appreciated the tip you gave him. He goes to school nights and every penny counts. That was nice of you."

"He earned it. The sign said "No Full Service" and I got full service. He even washed my windows and checked the oil and it's only a rental." Maddy had been impressed.

"Well, consider it Midwestern values. Give the customer a good job and he, or she, will come back. It's a simple rule that works."

"I agree." She said firmly.

They both sat silently, listening to the wind slide through the branches. The people Maddy had been around the last 24 hours were something more than just passing faces. They were starting to mean something to her, she could identify with them. She found herself interested in their lives and hopes and problems as if it mattered to her. Complete strangers and it mattered.

"Everybody needs to feel appreciated, Tim, Bubba, me. We all work hard. But we all like to know there's someone who cares about what we do." Alec said, leaning back, turning his head to gaze at her intently.

"Even you?" She asked, and felt the heat of the look without opening her eyes. He chuckled and his arm slid around the back of the bench.

"Especially me, you know, even men need understanding."

"Even rough, tough, lawmen?" She countered.

"Yes," he answered patiently. "You know, you're quite a girl."

"I was a girl a long time ago." Maddy said softly, feeling the heat of his arm touching hers. Suddenly the bench seemed awfully snug. She pulled herself forward, "I should get going. After a morning like this it just seemed the right place to come."

"Was it rough going with Leland and the Omaha attorney?" Alec's voice was sincere.

"How did you know? I mean I didn't even know the attorney was coming in today?" She was astounded.

"Small towns are like party lines, word gets around fast. I heard it from two people and then Tim." He chuckled at the surprised look on her face.

"Well, did everyone tell you what was in the will, too?" She was a little miffed and stuffed her aunt's letter in her purse. Digging for her keys, she tried to keep her temper under control. She didn't know why she was upset. It was a good guess everyone would assume she was Aunt Madeline's heir. She just wasn't used to people knowing everything personal about her.

"No. Not really, a lot of guessing going on, though."

"I'll bet. Where are my darn keys?" She kept fumbling until he tapped her on the shoulder and handed them to her.

"They were under the bench, you must have dropped them."

Grabbing them in frustration, she shook her head and sighed, leaning forward. She shouldn't be mad at him or anyone. It was human nature to wonder. He sat quietly with legs outstretched, deep in thought.

She remembered something just then. He'd always been like that, intent.