Carson looked at the twins, their mocking laughter ringing through the foyer and grating on his nerves.
“Both of you please shut up and go do something useful.” Carson growled as he entered his library and shut the door silently behind him.
Rita heard the commotion and decided to quietly fix a try and bring it to Carson. She knew he was tired of dealing with the constant bickering among the three oldest children and he was more than ready to kick them all from the house. Rita couldn’t blame him.
Knocking on his door, Rita pushed her way into the library and set the tray down on his desk. “It’s just something light Carson but you should eat.”
“Rita, are they ever going to grow up and get out of my house? I’m tired and I can’t imagine how you’ve tolerated them for all these years. I owe you a debt I can never repay.” His voice was tired, his shoulders slumped in his favorite chair in front of the fireplace.
“Carson, you don’t owe me anything. I decided to stay and raise them. I did the best I could but you are right, they are whining, petulant brats that need to be shoved from the nest. I’ve tried but they refuse to go and I’m tired of making failed attempts. I spend more time these days out on the ranch then I do here listening to their poisonous diatribes.”
Small of stature with a face weathered by years spent playing in the sun and on horseback, Rita was the quintessential image of an older woman living on a ranch. She curled up in the chair next to Carson’s and watched the flames flicker and dance while Carson picked at his dinner.
“Whiskey Rita?”
“I’d love one Carson.”
The siblings settled into a comfortable silence, each deep in their own thoughts. Dove had curled up between then on the rug in front of the fireplace. The only sound in the room was the crackle of the fireplace and Dove’s purring.
“I’ve made some decisions tonight Rita.” Carson spoke finally. His voice sounded both light and weary with the weight of those decisions. “Those petulant brats are going to be furious and I don’t expect the decisions to be greeted with cheers or love. In fact, I expect the exact opposite.”
“Carson, whatever you’ve decided you have my full support. Neither of us are getting any younger and it’s time they learned to fend for themselves. I’ve been thinking about taking a vacation, an extended vacation mind you. I love the ranch and have been happy here but I need a break.”
“Go Rita, book a vacation wherever you want for as a long as you want. You know that time and money isn’t an issue. You have been more help through the years that I can ever repay and I owe you a debt of thanks I cannot I can never express adequately.”
“Carson stop. It was my pleasure and it gave my life a purpose when I needed one. I do appreciate your support on vacation however. I will let you know.” Her voice was tired but the smile on her face was beautiful.
Carson stood and stoked the fire down for the evening. “I’m going to bed. It’s late. I suggest you do the same.” Carson’s voice was gruff as he ruffled his younger sister’s hair just like when they were younger. She had the same reaction, she reflexively swatted his hand away as she stood up to follow him.
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