A Season for New Beginnings: The Sequel to a Season for Living

By Susan Willis Updegraff

It is August 2000 and Caroline Winthrop is still passionate about helping women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Although her nonprofit foundation is now a Georgia state agency, Caroline continues to be involved with fundraising and occasionally in the operation of the home. As she helps yet another woman progress through the New Beginnings program, Caroline has no idea that in the future, she will use the information to make profound changes to Georgia laws.

As Carolines passion takes on a new level of commitment and launches her into unfamiliar territory, her husband, Garrett, is presented with the best career opportunity of his life. But as Garrett tackles his latest challenge and Carolines mother and their two college-age children face their own issues, Caroline and Garrett find they have little time to slow down. Still, she and Garrett look forward to the future when they hope to enjoy life together. But just as they begin to make plans for their retirement, tragedy strikes and changes everything.

In this continuing historical tale, a wealthy Southern matriarch and her family members each embark on a quest to find a new beginning where they discover that change is the only certainty in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781491795330

Susan Willis Updegraff

Susan is an Atlanta native with deep southern roots in Georgia. She is nostalgic about Atlanta in the 1950’s and 1960’s and has tried to give her readers a glimpse of this beautiful city while following a family of very strong women. The extraordinary changes are chronicled in both her books through her love of history. Susan lives in a suburb of North Atlanta.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I t was late August 2000, and Caroline slipped out of the office with her journal, unnoticed. Although her nonprofit foundation was now a Georgia state agency, as a member of the board of directors, she continued to be involved with fundraising and occasionally in the operation of the home. Her focus today was on one young mother who had come to the home two months earlier.

Late one afternoon in early June 2000, Sarah Foster had shown up at the front door of the home with her five-year-old daughter, Lucy. Even though she was only twenty-three, Sarah’s face revealed the hard life she had lived. She had bleach-blond hair with dark roots that had grown out about two inches. Her clothes were much too provocative, and she was in urgent need of dental care. Rachel Callahan was on duty; she assessed the situation and brought Sarah and Lucy into the home. She could see that Sarah was injured. Fortunately, there was space available, and Sarah was assigned to suite ten—a two-bedroom unit with a small living room and one bathroom. Rachel took the mother and daughter to their suite.

After getting some preliminary information from Sarah, Rachel contacted the foundation’s physician, Dr. Peter Howard, who came to the home to evaluate Sarah’s condition. As with all of the health care providers for New Beginnings, Dr. Howard was on retainer, working on call as needed. After examining Sarah, he determined that she needed to be hospitalized, as she appeared to have a broken jaw and at least two broken ribs. He called for an ambulance, which took her to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta.

Rachel had worked for New Beginnings for six years and was a valuable asset to the foundation and the residents. A native of Mobile, Alabama, she had been a social worker there for the first ten years of her career. Now, at thirty-seven, she was enjoying the benefits of seeing women’s lives changed and children having stable homes. The successes far outweighed the failures, and she took a great deal of pride in her job, which required her to be involved equally with the residents and with the operation of New Beginnings.

As soon as Lucy was bathed and safely tucked into bed, Rachel called the Cobb County Police Department to put them on high alert. She would be thankful she called them.

At eleven forty-five, there was a knock on the front door. Rachel pressed the alarm button, knowing the visitor would not be anyone she could deal with on her own. She remained silent for several minutes, hoping the unwelcome caller would leave. As she watched the monitors that recorded all activity on the building’s exterior, she saw a man attempting to jump the fence at the back of the home. She picked up her phone and called 911.

Rachel heard glass breaking in the kitchen. She sat still and quiet, knowing the silent alarm had been activated. A large steel door blocked access to the rooms where the women and children were housed. As always, it was locked; there was a fail-safe that unlocked the door automatically in case of fire.

Rachel reached for the desk lamp and turned it off. In the total darkness, she quietly slid under her desk. Knowing the intruder couldn’t easily get to the women and children, she hoped that if he thought no one was in the office, he would leave. Unfortunately, that is not what he did. He came into her office, turned on the overhead light, and began rummaging through her desk, looking for a key. Obviously, he had seen the locked door and decided to find another way in.

As he opened the middle desk drawer, he saw Rachel. Where is she, bitch? he screamed, grabbing her by her hair and pulling her out from under the desk.

Rachel did not speak—she just looked up at the very large white man standing over her. He had tattoos down both arms and up both sides of his neck, and his eyes looked like a wild animal’s.

I said where is she! Can you hear me? The man raised his arm and slapped Rachel across the face with the back of his hand. She fell backward, hitting her head on the wall. As she slumped beside a filing cabinet, the taste of blood filled the inside of her mouth. Still she stayed silent. He grabbed her by her hair again and slammed her head into the desk. She felt blood running down the side of her face. The pain was terrible. Then she saw him reach into his pocket and pull out a switchblade; he pressed a button and a six-inch blade popped out.

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Rachel lost consciousness just as the police arrived. With a guttural growl, the man with the switchblade turned and charged the officers. Gunfire erupted, and he fell to the office floor.

Officer Buddy Strickland stepped over to where Rachel was lying on the floor. He could see blood running out of her mouth and down her face.

Margaret Reynolds, another social worker, was contacted by Officer Jackson to fill in for Rachel, who was being taken to the hospital. Strickland’s partner, Officer Jim Jackson, stayed for the remainder of the evening with the team, investigating and cleaning up the scene. Rachel knew that the officers saved her life.

The Smyrna and Cobb County Police were very involved with the home and took great pride in protecting the women and children there. On this night, they were proud to care for a very brave woman.

Lauren Adams, the home’s director, insisted that Rachel take a week off to rest and recover from the ordeal. Rachel was commended for her actions that evening by the Cobb County Police Department and the state agency that ran the home.

Sarah recovered from her injuries with the help of the great doctors at St. Joseph’s Hospital. After she had been at New Beginnings for a month, the life coaches there noted that she was progressing wonderfully in the program. Caroline immediately saw potential in the girl and anonymously took a personal interest in her case.

As Caroline read her file, she learned that Sarah had grown up in Tifton, Georgia. Her father had abused her mother most of Sarah’s life. He’d died of cancer when she was fifteen, and she’d always felt guilty about being happy that he was gone. When her mother died of a rare blood disease when Sarah was eighteen, she was on her own. She took up with an abusive man named Sam who’d made all kinds of promises to take care of her. After her experience with him, Sarah developed a deep mistrust of men.

Caroline knew that this time in Sarah’s life was critical to her and to her daughter. One of the first things that Caroline did was improve Sarah’s overall look. She sent Sarah to the dentist to have her teeth cleaned and have the necessary fillings, and then to a hair stylist who did color repair and gave Sarah a new cut that was attractive and complemented her face. That was followed by a consultation with a cosmetologist, who completely changed Sarah’s makeup and skin care. After that, Sarah was provided with a new wardrobe from an upscale consignment store. She learned how to mix and match, using a few items to create new looks without the expense of buying all new clothes. She was taught that the provocative clothes she had been wearing were a deterrent to her. By the time Sarah was ready begin classes at New Beginnings, she possessed a confidence that was rarely seen among the women there.

Caroline noticed that in the testing, Sarah displayed an aptitude for and an interest in the legal profession. The further her instructor went with her, the more obvious it was that Sarah would do well as a paralegal. After her instructor made that recommendation, Sarah was thrilled with the possibility of working in the profession.

Sarah readily accepted the opportunities available to her at New Beginnings, and she and Lucy began improving overall. It was obvious that Sarah was devoted to her daughter, who was her priority. The life coaches noticed the pride she took in caring for Lucy.

In late August of 2000, Sarah learned that she had been accepted into Emory University’s paralegal certificate program. The $5,000 tuition would be paid for through a grant. She would attend classes at the university’s Alpharetta campus, in an accelerated program that ran Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from nine to four. She could complete the program in eight weeks, and the university would assist her in finding employment.

It was beyond Sarah’s wildest dreams, having this opportunity for a great career. As she progressed in the New Beginnings program, she began to understand the importance of setting an example for Lucy. Her life before New Beginnings was just a day-to-day existence, at best. Now she was gaining self-respect and feeling stronger. She found herself wanting Lucy to have a great education and a great life, free of abuse.

Sarah would never know about Caroline Winthrop’s influence in getting her into the program. As with most things that Caroline did, her actions were not without purpose. She kept a journal to chronicle Sarah’s progress and the impact that it had on Lucy. She hoped that the information—although it would likely be used anonymously—would be an example for future residents and for contributors, demonstrating the benefits of the program. What Caroline did not know was that, in the future, she would use the information to make profound changes to Georgia laws protecting women and children from abuse.

Caroline Wellington Winthrop was fifty-two years old. She’d grown up in a wealthy but dysfunctional family. Her father, John, had abused her mother until his death from a massive heart attack at age fifty-two. Caroline now realized how young her father had been when he died. Her passion for helping abused women and children grew from the tragic experiences she’d endured as a child. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia and her law degree from Emory University in Atlanta, and several years later she founded the New Beginnings Home for Abused Women and Children. Caroline understood firsthand the complicated nature of abusive situations—from the standpoints of the abuser, the person being abused, and the innocent victims forced to endure the horror. Her father had been a wonderful man when he was sober but a completely different person when he was drunk.

New Beginnings was successful because it gave the women the education and assistance in their personal and business lives that allowed them to live confidently, free of the abusive men. It also reinforced the point that they were not at fault for the abuse, and it gave them a comprehensive understanding of the complicated nature of these kinds of relationships.

When she returned to the condominium that she and her husband, Garrett, had purchased in Buckhead after their children, John and Katie, left for college, she found a note on the kitchen counter saying, Call me—have news, in Garrett’s unmistakable handwriting. Caroline called his cell phone; it rang and rang and went to his voice mail. Okay, Garrett, what is your news? was Caroline’s message.

She hung up, went to the kitchen and got a Diet Coke out of the refrigerator, and walked through the french doors that opened onto the balcony. She sat in the chair that gave her the clearest view of the Atlanta skyline in the early evening. Their condominium was in the heart of Buckhead, at Park Place. The unit was on the thirty-seventh floor, and their views of the skyline were spectacular, especially at night. She had both the cordless phone and her cell phone with her in case Garrett called. She was dying to know what news he had.

Caroline and Garrett had married after she completed her first year of law school at Emory. Their love story was an inspiration, and they had remained totally in love and best friends since their marriage in 1972. They’d met their freshman year at the University of Virginia. Garrett’s tenacity was the reason he and Caroline had gotten married.

Atlanta was her home, and although she would always love it, she had begun to long for the time when people were civil and kind there and you didn’t have to worry about being robbed or killed on the city’s streets. How very sad, Caroline said out loud this evening as the thought crossed her mind. Why can’t people just enjoy our city without being afraid of being robbed or killed? she thought. What happened? She often wondered what she could do to make a difference with the issues facing her beloved city.

She had been sitting on the balcony for at least a half hour when the phone rang. Hello? she said anxiously.

Hi, sweetheart, Garrett replied.

So what’s the news? Caroline asked immediately.

You won’t believe it, but Zell Miller has asked me to be his press secretary! Garrett blurted out.

Oh my gosh, Garrett, Caroline replied, thrilled with the possibilities. That is fabulous! Zell Miller was a proponent of small government and entrepreneurship, and Caroline was on board with his conservative agenda even though he was a Democrat. Georgia’s former governor, Miller was now running for United States Senate. In July, Governor Roy Barnes had appointed him to fill the four months remaining in the term of Senator Paul Coverdale, who’d died of a cerebral hemorrhage on July 18. Caroline and Garrett had a great deal of respect for Miller. I see trips to Washington in our future, she joked.

Garrett had begun his career working for Richard Russell, one of Georgia’s most influential senators, and since then he had worked primarily for US senators from Georgia. He was a skilled communicator and had an excellent reputation, both in Washington and Atlanta, as an honest and effective press secretary.

Yes indeed, my dear, Garrett said. Maybe we’ll even see our son once in a while.

Now there’s a goal, Caroline laughed. Good luck getting on his calendar.

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John had graduated with honors from Georgetown University and with distinction from Georgetown Law School. His goal had always been to be a US senator. Since he graduated from law school in May, however, Caroline and Garrett thought he seemed to be more interested in his social life than in finding a job. He’d told his parents that he was networking and convinced them of its value. Garrett and Caroline had discussed this issue on several occasions and decided to give John a break for a few months.

You would think that he would call once in a while, since we really do have a few connections in the legal profession, Garrett said sarcastically. I guess when the money stops, we will have his attention.

Garrett, you are brilliant, Caroline said.

Garrett could hear the wheels turning in Caroline’s head. So what are you deciding to do now? he asked, somewhat reluctant to hear what she had to say.

Mr. John Garrett Winthrop is going to be without funds to support his lifestyle beginning October 31, Caroline replied, sounding deliciously satisfied with her decision. We talked about keeping our children grounded in reality. Well, his reality is about to happen. I will contact him and let him know. The only thing I need for you to do is to support me.

Garrett laughed. Apparently, I am the brilliant person who had the idea to begin with, so support you I will.

Actually, Garrett, he does not need to think that he can do whatever he wants any time he wants and have no responsibility. We do him no favors as parents if we allow that, Caroline said pragmatically. Garrett and her financial adviser at SunTrust Bank were the only people who knew the extent of her wealth, which was very substantial. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would never need to do anything to live a very privileged life. But Caroline never made that fact known to her children.

Garrett knew she meant business, and he agreed with her 100 percent. So why don’t you meet me at the Buckhead Diner for dinner, he said, changing the subject.

Okay. I will see you there in thirty minutes, Caroline replied.

CHAPTER 2

T he Buckhead Diner was a casually elegant restaurant. Caroline liked it because she could get southern cooking with an upscale twist. Garrett loved its steaks and was always glad for the restaurant to be their choice for dinner. Most of the time, they would run into friends there and have a chance to catch up with them.

Caroline arrived first, and as the valet parked her car, she walked through the front door of the restaurant. Before she could approach the host, she heard a familiar voice.

Caroline!

Caroline turned to see Jill and Bob Franklin seated nearby, waiting for a table. She walked over to them and gave Jill a big hug. Hi, you two, she said warmly. We haven’t seen y’all for several months. What’s going on?

Bob stood and gave Caroline a hug. What’s going on, he said, is your husband has been asked to be Zell Miller’s press secretary.

Well, Lord have mercy, Caroline said, her southern drawl more pronounced than usual. I just found out myself less than an hour ago. How did you know so soon? Caroline asked the question rhetorically; she knew that Bob was an insurance lobbyist, he worked at the state capitol.

I have my sources, Bob said with a laugh.

He thinks he knows more than he really does, Jill chimed in. They all chuckled.

Why don’t you and Garrett join us for dinner? Bob asked, glancing out the door to see Garrett getting out of his car.

Well, well, Garrett said as he approached the group. Looks like we will have great company tonight.

We were hoping you would join us for dinner, Bob said.

Absolutely, Garrett said, looking at Caroline for her approval. She nodded, and the four of them proceeded to their table.

After the server took their drink orders, Bob turned to Garrett. Tell me how this appointment happened.

I’m still thinking about that, to tell you the truth, Garrett replied. I guess I have been around the Georgia and US Senates for a long time. Senator Miller told me he had read some of the press releases I had written in the past and liked my direct, no-nonsense approach. He is a politician, but he is also very direct and pragmatic. I can tell you that you would not want to get into a serious debate with him. I watched him while he was governor, and he is quite good. Usually he comes armed with facts. Imagine that—a politician who cares about facts!

They all laughed.

Bob leaned forward. I actually have a lot of respect for him. If you take a look at the work he did while he was governor, you will see why he will be very good in the United States Senate.

Looks like I may be moving back to Washington part-time again, Garrett said.

Oh my gosh! Caroline exclaimed, louder than she meant to. A few heads turned as she put her hand over her mouth. Sorry, y’all. I am processing all the crazy schedules we will have again.

It does get really hectic, Jill said sympathetically. We’ll have to plan a girls’ weekend when Congress is in session.

I’m on board for that, Caroline said, smiling at her friend.

The foursome enjoyed their dinner, and when they left, they vowed to stay in touch.

When Caroline and Garrett arrived back home, Garrett knew he would have to tell Caroline everything.

Okay, sit down, she instructed.

Garrett sat in the large dark green leather chair on the right side of the fireplace, and Caroline sat in the matching one on the left side of the fireplace. Their condominium was spacious and open. Windows spanned the entire south side of the room, bringing in sunlight during the day and a beautiful view at night. The living room was striking, with a light taupe-colored tuxedo sofa accented with eggplant-and-gold-striped pillows. The centerpiece of the room was the Persian rug. It was red, ivory, and blue, with touches of eggplant, green, and gold in a traditional pattern. It was very plush and made the room feel warm. Caroline took off her shoes and put her bare feet on the rug. She leaned forward to listen to Garrett.

There’s really not a lot to tell, he began. Yesterday my telephone rang, and Senator Miller’s secretary asked if I could meet with him today at one o’clock. Of course I said yes. I didn’t say anything to you last night because I really didn’t know what he wanted. When I got to his office, I sat down and he got straight to the point. He told me that he had read some of my work over the years and that all the people he had spoken to about me said I was a straight arrow and could be trusted. I was very flattered, of course, and I wanted to ask him who said those things, but I didn’t. He went into some detail about his campaign for the senate and asked that I travel with him and be his press secretary. He also said that if all goes well and he is elected, providing I wanted to stay with him, he wants me to continue in that role. I told him that I would be honored to serve. I thanked him for his confidence and asked him to let me know when he wants me to begin. I did tell him that I would need to give sufficient notice to my current employer to allow them to fill my position. It really came at a good time for me, because I have been rather bored with my current job. I know it will be a challenge, with schedules and all of that, but it will be a wonderful opportunity too.

I am so proud of you, Garrett, Caroline said genuinely. She stood and walked over to him and kissed him on the mouth. Please let me know what I can do to help you with your schedule and any loose ends.

Caroline, he said, I love you so much.

Caroline smiled. I love you so much too. She knew she would be spending many days and nights alone, but she was glad to see Garrett so happy and energized. She picked up a remote and pressed a button, and the elegant drapes in the living and dining rooms quietly closed, transforming the space into a very cozy environment.

Caroline changed the subject. I’m going to Roswell tomorrow to check on Mama. Geoff is not doing well, and his children have been staying at the house for the last few days. We may have to put him in the hospital.

Sally is still living in the cottage with them, Garrett said. Is he so ill she can’t take care of him?

Yes he is, actually, Caroline replied. Her nursing skills are limited. We can’t expect her to cook, clean, and nurse both of them when there are difficult issues. No one could do that for very long without collapsing.

Charlotte and Geoff were both eighty-seven years old. Charlotte was generally in good health, but Geoff had been declining over the previous few months. Ellie still went to their home once a week to help Sally with cleaning and any cooking that needed to be done for the next few days. Ellie had been with Charlotte since Caroline’s nanny, Belle, died when Caroline was a sophomore at UVA. Charlotte had been very good to her and trusted her completely.

Sally Reynolds, a fifty-year-old licensed practical nurse, had worked for Charlotte and Geoff for five years. With Ellie’s help, she managed their daily affairs, including grocery shopping and taking them to doctor’s appointments. Sally had been a godsend for Caroline five years earlier, when she realized that her mother and stepfather required assistance. She had long ago determined that she would never put her mother in any type of assisted living or nursing care facility. She hoped that Geoff’s children would not want to put him in any such facility either, but she had no control over their decisions.

Charlotte and Geoff had enjoyed nineteen years of marriage and, until the last five years, had traveled, entertained, and generally enjoyed their children and grandchildren. They both loved the arts and were involved with the Woodruff Arts Center. They were patrons of and contributors to the Alliance Theater and the Atlanta Symphony. Caroline’s dad, John, had died in 1965, and Geoff’s wife, Camilla, died of cancer two years later. Geoff and John had been best friends since high school.

Caroline knew that Charlotte was especially proud of her grandson and granddaughter. She and Geoff attended John’s undergraduate and law school graduations along with Garrett’s parents, Derek and Laura. Garrett grew up in Charleston, where his parents had lived in the same house for forty years.

Charlotte had made a number of trips by herself to spend weekends with Katie at Duke. She was in love with the gorgeous campus and its traditions. Katie loved having her grandmother come for a long weekend. They spent hours talking about Katie’s great-grandmother, Mama Rene, and her grandfather, John, and about Caroline when she was growing up. Charlotte loved taking Katie on shopping trips to Raleigh, where they would spend the day and enjoy dinner together. Charlotte felt young again every time she visited Katie.

Katie was a very special girl with a sixth sense that Charlotte could not easily explain. She was very easy to talk to and be with. Her loving personality invited people to be themselves. She had a knack for putting people at ease within the first few minutes that they were around her. Charlotte knew that Katie’s gift would work very well for her when she became a pediatrician.

But the last two years had been difficult for both Charlotte and Geoff, as they were unable to continue the kind of schedule they had come to enjoy. Caroline had taken them to the theater or the symphony on at least ten occasions over the previous five years, but they had missed most of the performances, and many of their friends had passed away over that time as well. Charlotte and Geoff were practical people, and they accepted the fact that they had precious little time remaining.

Caroline knew that Garrett’s parents were weighing heavily on his mind. They were on the verge of being too old to live by themselves. Emily, his younger sister, lived nearby and checked on them several times a week. She made sure they kept their doctor’s appointments, and she took them to dinner at least once a month.

We need to go to Charleston soon, Caroline said, as if reading Garrett’s mind.

It’s funny you should say that, sweetheart, Garrett replied. We need to spend whatever time we can with our parents now.

Life is short, Caroline said, almost dismissively. She had experienced the death of so many people she loved.

Does it ever get easier to lose people you love? Garrett asked.

I’m not sure it gets easier. I think we just get stronger, she replied, as if she had been thinking of that answer for years.

I’m not stronger yet. You know that, right? It was more a statement than a question.

I know that, Garrett, Caroline said softly. You know I will be with you through whatever we have to face. You have been with me through so much, sweetheart, and I will stand with you too. We will do whatever we need to do to care for your parents.

We are really entering some of the best years of our lives. Do you realize that? Garrett sat forward in his chair, looking expectantly at Caroline.

Yes we are. I do realize that. I want to do whatever we can to ensure that our children don’t have to worry about caring for us when we get too old to care for ourselves. The last thing on earth I want is to be a burden to John or Katie.

Caroline’s remark took Garrett by surprise. I wasn’t thinking about our old age, Caroline. I was thinking about the great years we have ahead of us now. Our children are essentially grown. We can do what we want with our free time, at least most of the time. I intend to enjoy the last forty years of my life.

So you’ve decided to live to ninety-two, have you? Caroline asked playfully, hoping to lighten the conversation.

Only if you live at least one day longer than I do, Garrett replied somberly. I hope I never have to live one day of my life without you.

Now Garrett, Caroline said, standing up and putting her hands on her hips, do you really want me to be that sad for one whole day?

Garrett smiled, stood up, and put his arms around her. I love you, Caroline, he whispered in her ear. You will always be that gorgeous young girl I fell in love with. I see you that way every time I look at you.

Garrett Winthrop, Caroline said, stepping out of his embrace, you get more handsome and more charming every day. I’m tired. Let’s go to bed.

CHAPTER 3

T he following morning, Garrett was gone by six o’clock. Caroline got up at half past seven and went to the kitchen to make coffee. While the coffee was brewing, she pressed the remote that opened the draperies in the living and dining rooms. It was a glorious late summer day in Atlanta, and the morning sun spilled into the living room. There was a pleasant breeze blowing, and when she opened the balcony door, Caroline could smell the magnolias that were blooming all around the property.

She sat in the balcony chair that gave her the best view of the city and began praying for help with all the issues she was facing that day. She had to be sure that her mother was cared for, she had to call her son to tell him the money was stopping, and she had to follow up on Sarah Foster’s case. She needed to call Katie to find out about her fall schedule. On top of all that, she would need to help Garrett find a decent place to live in Washington when Zell Miller was elected senator, which she thought was sure to happen.

She had an appointment later that week with her financial adviser at what she still thought of as Trust Company Bank. Trust Company had merged with Sun Bank in Florida and was now known as SunTrust. She was thankful that when she retired, her Aunt Nancy had referred her to a new financial adviser who understood how she wanted her investments managed. They had grown substantially, and in spite of her expenses, her portfolio was larger than ever. Caroline had $60 million in assets, not counting her real estate investments. With their homes in Seaside, Florida, and Highlands, North Carolina, Mama Rene’s home, and their condominium, their real estate had a value exceeding $10 million. However, Caroline did not place dollar values on their properties; instead she valued the family times they shared there. She truly felt that there was not a dollar value equal to the value of family being together. They had especially enjoyed the time they’d spent over the years with family and friends at their homes at Seaside and Highlands.

As Caroline walked back into the kitchen, the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee reminded her of Mama Rene. She enjoyed her cup of coffee and then went to shower and dress for her trip to Roswell.

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She arrived in Roswell at ten o’clock and walked in the front door of her mother’s Mimosa Boulevard home, where Caroline had lived before her marriage. Sally was in the kitchen, cleaning up from breakfast.

Where’s Mama? Caroline asked as she walked into the kitchen.

Miss Caroline! Sally exclaimed. You startled me.

Sorry, Sally, Caroline said, still waiting for an answer to her question.

Your mama is in her bedroom with Mr. Robinson, Sally replied with a sad tone. He’s not doing very well today. I believe his children may need to put him in the hospital. He’s having trouble breathing.

That doesn’t sound very good to me, Sally, Caroline said, as she turned and headed to the bedroom.

She found her mother sitting on the side of the bed, comforting Geoff.

Mama, she said as she entered the room.

Charlotte turned to see her daughter and broke down crying. Caroline put her arms around her mother and escorted her to the living room.

Mama, Geoff’s children are on their way to the house. It is probable that he will be hospitalized today.

I know that, Caroline, Charlotte said. I am trying to tell him good-bye, and it is very hard for me. Caroline’s father, John, and Geoff had been best friends from elementary school until John’s death.

Caroline sat back in the chair and took a long, hard look at her mother. She is the strongest, most amazing person I have ever known, Caroline thought. I know that has to be so hard for you, Mama, she finally responded.

It is hard, but Geoff and I have lived a long and very good life. He and I have talked about this many times over the last few years, and we are at peace. There are things in life that are much worse than death, you know.

Caroline knew her mother was right about that. My concern at this moment is for you, Mama, she confessed. When Geoff’s children arrive, I would like to take you home with me for a couple of days and let you get some rest.

Honey, that sounds wonderful, but I can’t leave Geoff, Charlotte said reluctantly.

Mama, his children will be with him every minute. Caroline took on an authoritative tone. They will let us know if we are needed. I will see to it that you can get to the hospital any time you want to go. Sally will stay here and take care of things at home. You have loved and cared for him for a long time. I know his children are so thankful for that.

Charlotte nodded; she had no choice but to agree. Caroline went to pack her mother’s bags for Atlanta. She thought the change of scenery would do her mother a lot of good.

Geoff’s children, Cecile and Candler, arrived at eleven o’clock from a late breakfast. After talking with Charlotte for a few minutes, they determined that their father needed to be hospitalized. Candler called for an ambulance, and Cecile packed some of Geoff’s toiletries.

Caroline touched Cecile’s arm. I am so sorry your dad is ill. Mama is tired, and I know she has been so worried about him. I am going to take her home with me for a couple of days. Will you call me if anything changes with his condition? I will bring Mama to the hospital in a couple of days. I just want her to get some rest.

Absolutely, Cecile responded, understanding Caroline’s need to care for her mother. We will take care of Dad. Your mother has made his life so happy for the last nineteen years. She deserves to get some rest.

Thank you so much, Cecile, Caroline said. It is difficult to see our parents reaching the end of their lives. You and I have too much experience with that, don’t we?

Unfortunately we do, Cecile said sympathetically.

Candler interrupted their conversation. Cecile, the ambulance is here. We’ll take Dad to St. Joseph’s. I called Dr. Griffin, and he’s expecting us. He thinks Dad may have pneumonia.

Cecile turned and hugged Caroline and then left the room.

Caroline waited at the house until Geoff was taken to the ambulance and Cecile and Candler left. She then went to the kitchen to tell Sally what was going on. Sally, she began, you call Ellie if you need help here. Let’s get this house in tip-top shape. I have a feeling we will be having guests in the next week or so.

Yes, ma’am, Miss Caroline, Sally said. Ellie and I will take care of everything, including any food that needs to be prepared.

If Mr. Robinson passes away, I will be in touch with you right away and we can get our plans together, Caroline said as she gathered her mother’s bags and went to the living room to get her.

Caroline drove her mother to her condominium in Atlanta. When they arrived, Caroline immediately took her to the balcony, as she knew her mother would love the view. While Charlotte sat on the balcony, enjoying a glass of iced tea, Caroline called Garrett to let him know what was going on. He offered to pick up dinner for them, and Caroline gratefully accepted.

The three of them enjoyed dinner from the Atlanta Fish Market, another one of Caroline’s favorite Buckhead restaurants.

Caroline got her mother comfortably to bed by eight o’clock. She knew Charlotte was exhausted. Afterward, she and Garrett sat on the balcony until ten o’clock, talking and planning for the next events in their lives. Caroline told Garrett that Geoff probably would not make it home from the hospital alive. To everything there is a season, she said reflectively.

A time for every purpose under heaven, Garrett responded.

A time to be born and a time to die, Caroline continued. Did I ever tell you what that scripture means to me?

Can’t bring anything to mind, Garrett replied, rather offhandedly.

If you want to know, I will tell you, Caroline said, sensing his disinterest.

Garrett turned to face her, Of course I want to know, Caroline, he said very deliberately, focusing his attention on her.

At my Grandmother Wellington’s funeral, the pastor read the entire third chapter of Ecclesiastes, Caroline began. It is a wonderful chapter in the Bible, but the verse that I heard is ‘nothing is better for man under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy the days of his life. It is a gift from God.’ For the first time in my life, I realized that I needed to enjoy my life instead of just working to be the best at everything I attempted. I really believed then, as I do now, that my grandmother was trying to tell me to enjoy my life. And from that day forward, I have enjoyed my life to the greatest extent possible.

Caroline! Garrett exclaimed. I wish you had told me that sooner. It explains so much about our lives together.

Really?

Yes. I know that after your grandmother died, you seemed to enjoy your life more, but I didn’t know why. I always tried to keep our lives interesting and take care of you.

You’ve did a wonderful job, Caroline offered, sounding somewhat regretful. I love you with all my heart—and I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you.

Seriously! Garret said, more exclaiming than questioning.

You are the most wonderful man I have ever known, Caroline said softly.

Caroline, I love you more today than I have ever loved you. You are a strong and amazing woman, and I am the luckiest man on earth to be married to you.

Our love story spans almost thirty years, Garrett, Caroline remarked, shifting the tender mood.

Yep, and it is a testament to my patience and wisdom, Garrett replied playfully.

Whatever! Caroline said with a grin. Our serious conversation needed to end.

I was enjoying it, to tell you the truth, Garrett said, turning to look at her.

Thank you for your support with Mama, Caroline said, changing the subject.

He nodded. My parents are not far behind, you know.

I have thought about that, actually. Your parents are about ten years younger than mother. I’m hopeful they will do well for many more years. You are fortunate to have two sisters to help you. Being an only child has benefits, but there are problems too.

I know, Caroline. Garrett stood up, walked over to Caroline and bent down to kiss her on the cheek.

Caroline looked up at him, a tear rolling down her left cheek.

Didn’t mean to make you cry, sweetheart, he said tenderly.

You are about the only person on earth who can do that, she said, reflectively. I’m tired. Let’s go to bed.

Garrett closed the door and the curtains and followed Caroline to their bedroom. It was very welcoming and comfortable, with a king-size bed, a sitting area with a fireplace, and windows that brought in lots of light. Garrett realized how tired he was when he saw the covers turned down. He put his pajamas on and climbed into bed. Caroline joined him after her nightly facial ritual.

They had both imagined that by this time in their lives, things would be quieter and easier to handle. Exactly the opposite was the case. They seemed busier than ever.

CHAPTER 4

T he following morning, the telephone rang at six o’clock. Hello, Caroline said, having been awakened from a sound sleep.

Caroline, Candler said quietly, my dad just passed away,

Candler, she said, standing straight up out of the bed, I am so sorry. We’ll be there as soon as possible. What can we do?

We need to allow Charlotte to decide how she wants to handle this, he said. Cecile and I want to honor her wishes too.

We will call you back within an hour, Caroline said.

Thank you, Candler said, sounding grateful.

Garrett woke up to see Caroline with the telephone in her hand. Was that call about Geoff? he asked anxiously.

Yes, she said softly.

He died, didn’t he?

Yes, Caroline offered quietly.

She put on her robe and went to the kitchen to make coffee. As it was brewing, she walked to the bedroom where her mother was sleeping. She knocked softly before slowly opening the door and entering. Charlotte was awake and looking expectantly at her.

He’s gone, isn’t he? she asked.

Yes, Mama, Caroline said lovingly.

I have been so lucky in my life, Charlotte said softly. There are so many wonderful things about your father that I haven’t shared with you, Caroline. But I intend to.

That would be very special for me, Mama. Caroline waited for a moment to see if her mother needed help getting dressed. I’ve got coffee for us. Here’s your robe. Let’s drink coffee before we face this day.

Good idea, honey, Charlotte said. She