The Incidental Inheritance

The Incidental Inheritance

B. L. Hoffman

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

The Incidental Inheritance

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 Brenda L Hoffman. All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to the best Father-In-Law a girl could ask for. He was also a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was taken from us far too soon. I know I lost a part of me when he died, and he will forever be in my heart.

I am proud and honored to have known him, and have

many fond memories that I will always hold dear, and will always make me smile.

In memory of Merritt Ennis Buzz Hoffman

Dec 5, 1935 - Aug 20, 2004

Chapter 1

Let’s have a toast to the bride and groom. Please raise your glasses while the best man gives his personal message to the lovely couple.

Evan, you’re supposed to raise your glass in the air.

I can’t drink champagne. I’m ten.

Your loss. If they’re dumb enough to put it in front of me, I’m drinking it.

Rob, you’re gonna get in trouble!

Shh. Hey, this must be the good stuff.

How would you know?

It has lots of bubbles. The more bubbles, the more expensive the champagne. Don’t you know anything?

The best man finished his long-winded speech, and everyone tapped their glasses and sipped on champagne. The chatter began again, and the band started playing once more. Those gathered around to see the couple do their traditional toast were slowly making their way back to their tables.

Robert! Put that glass down. What do you think you’re doing, young man?

His father pulled him out of his chair and dragged him behind the bushes for what was most likely a lasting reminder that he was excessively young for alcohol.

Evan turned to watch the people and tried to spot his parents. He saw an older gentleman walking toward the table. The man walked right up to Evan and asked with a distinguished English accent, May I sit here, young man?

Sure.

The man slowly pulled out the chair, dusted some food crumbs from the seat, and then sat down. He cleared his throat as he straightened his suit jacket and then looked at Evan. Is anyone drinking this champagne? I wouldn’t mind having a bit more.

No, sir. My parents haven’t been back to the table since the glasses were passed out.

Good. I think I’ll indulge myself.

Evan watched the older man as he reached for the champagne glass very carefully then took a small sip and savored it for several seconds. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy the taste and relish every aspect of its flavor.

I think your friend is right. This must be the good stuff, the man said as he took another sip and smiled at Evan.

You heard that? I told him not to do it. I didn’t drink any.

I know you didn’t. I think your friend is in a spot of trouble, though.

Yeah, I know.

The man continued to sip on his champagne and make small talk with Evan for a while. He started telling harmless jokes, and they both laughed. Evan even told a few jokes, which had the man chuckling loudly.

The outburst drew the attention of several men in dark suits, along with a few ladies dressed in long sequined gowns and sporting flashy jewelry. They all surrounded the table at once at began talking loudly over each other.

Father, are you okay? Can I get you something? Are you choking?

I’m fine. Aren’t you Ivy League graduates smart enough to know when someone is laughing and enjoying himself? Leave us alone!

Father, are you sure? Would you like for Winston to take you back to the hotel so you can rest? one of the men asked insistently.

I am fine. Do you need me to draw you a picture? Get lost! Can’t you see I’m having a good time with my great-nephew? Now leave us alone.

The group looked at each other with surprised expressions then slowly backed away from the table and mingled with the rest of the crowd. Most of them kept peering back, however. They glared at Evan as if he were an enemy of some kind.

What was that all about? Am I really your great-nephew?

Oh, ignore them. They want to make sure they’re close by if I kick the bucket! he said as he laughed.

That’s not funny.

No, it’s not. And yes, you are my great-nephew. Your parents are Ryan and Emily Brady, right?

Yes.

I am James Evan Brady III, your father’s uncle and your late grandfather’s brother. I saw you at your grandfather’s funeral, but you were merely a toddler so I’m sure you don’t remember.

No, I’m sorry. I don’t remember that.

No apology necessary. I receive photos of your family occasionally, so I thought I recognized you from across the way. I hope you don’t mind chatting with an old man for a spell.

No, not at all. You have good jokes. I hope I can remember them to tell my friends. So…part of your name is Evan Brady, just like mine.

That’s right. I was delighted when I received your birth announcement and saw that your parents shared my name with you. It makes a person feel very proud.

I’m glad to meet the person who I’m named after. Where do you live, Uncle James? Can I call you that?

Of course you can. That’s who I am…your uncle James. He gave an endearing smile and put his arm around Evan. As far as your other question, I’ll try to keep it simple. I live in London most of the time. I do spend several months of the year traveling abroad for business, sometimes in the United States. If I have extra time, I try to visit relatives while I’m here and catch up. Most of my descendants are here. Unfortunately, visiting them doesn’t fit my schedule as often as I like.

Evan looked over his right shoulder then his left. Do you see people watching us?

Yes. It’s an unfortunate element of my position that I don’t desire.

Your position?

I won’t bore you with that nonsense, young Mr. Brady. Have you more jokes for me?

Hmm. Yes, I have one. A horse entered a bar. The bartender said, ‘Why the long face?’

Oh, my. You are quite the entertainer, Uncle James said as he chuckled heartily.

Well, I see you are in good hands, Evan. Hi, Uncle James. How are you? It looks like you two are having a good time.

"Oh, yes. The best time I’ve had in years. How are you, Ryan? And how is your beautiful wife, Emily?

We’re doing well. Here she comes.

Emily walked up and gave a hug to Uncle James. It’s so good to see you. It’s been a while. You’re looking as handsome as ever.

Oh, you’re such the flatterer, Emily. And you stole my compliment…you are looking lovelier than I remember. Your beautiful gown brings out the color of your eyes.

Now who’s the flatterer? Thank you, Uncle James, Emily said with a bit of embarrassment.

How are things in England? Are you still as busy as ever?

Oh, yes, Ryan. Sometimes I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. I thought I might slow down a bit in these past five years, but I think I’m involved in more business ventures now than ever before. It keeps me out of trouble, he said as he chuckled.

Evan sat and listened to the conversation and took it all in. He tried to imagine what kind of life his uncle lived.

We miss the letters that you and my dad used to send out every year. You don’t know how much we enjoyed catching up on your many excursions and practical jokes, Ryan said.

Uncle James sat silently for a moment, and a tear came to his eye. I can’t bring myself to write those letters anymore…not without your father. It will have to be remembered as something we did only together. He turned away and wiped his eye.

Uncle James, are you okay? Evan asked.

Absolutely, my young namesake; I’m more than okay. I am so glad to see all of you and to know that you’re doing well and are in good health. Everyone hugged and exchanged sentiments. It was an unforgettable evening for each of them.

≈

The dark-suit-and-tie brigade once again descended on the table, along with its overdressed female counterparts. They swept Uncle James away, even though he resisted them initially. They insisted that he needed his rest and required medication that was at the hotel. He waved and smiled as the entourage escorted him down the walkway and out of view.

Good-bye to you all. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your company this evening.

Chapter 2

Twenty years later…

Evan Brady became a hardworking young man, determined to make a good life for himself and his wife. He married Rebeca Reilly, known as Beca since her childhood, and both had demanding jobs that often required long hours at the office.

The couple planned on children, but it was a strategic plan, calling first for a house and ample income to provide for their needs. They earned everything they had on their own - no money or loans from the family were ever accepted. Each new milestone gave them a great sense of pride. Both were determined to experience a better life through hard work.

Seven years of marriage with monotonous days of work was taking its toll. Both were still very much in love and wanted a family but were wondering where the additional energy would come from.

≈

A weekend with no plans was just what they needed. No appointments, no visitors, and no scheduled work were on the calendar.

The sunny and cool Saturday morning began with the sound of leaves blowing against the bedroom window and screen as they fell from the large maple tree and whirled in the breeze. The fresh autumn air washed through the bedroom as the curtains danced in the wind.

Evan stretched slowly and then turned toward Beca, who was still asleep. He watched her and, for the first time in a long time, enjoyed her beauty and remembered how lucky he was to have her in his life. He also wondered how much their marriage had suffered due to their demanding jobs. He took his hand and gently moved the hair away from her face. She smiled faintly but didn’t open her eyes. He watched her as she moved her head and settled back into her pillow.

Evan had secretly made plans for a weekend getaway. He and Beca would stay in a secluded mountain cabin about an hour’s drive through the rolling hills of Brown County. It would be a mini-vacation away from the usual stresses and repetitive chores.

Beca, time to wake up. I have a surprise for you.

Beca slowly opened her eyes and smiled then pulled the covers up tightly around her neck. It’s so cold in here. Is the window open? I’m sorry, dear. What did you say?

I have a surprise. We’re going away for the weekend…just the two of us, Evan said as he smiled and watched for her reaction.

We are? Where are we going? Her face lit up and her eyes were wide with excitement. It was obvious that she was very excited about the idea of getting away.

It’s a surprise.

She hugged Evan tightly. Oh, thank you! This is wonderful. I…I mean we need this so badly!

Evan chuckled at Beca. She was so giddy, almost like a young girl who’d just opened her favorite Christmas present.

I’ll go make us some coffee, Evan said as he threw on a T-shirt and sweats and closed the bedroom window. "I have a suitcase packed for you in the guest room. You might want to see if I did a good job. All we need are comfortable and