Big Bangs, Prohibition, and a Sugar Daddy

Mother's Death and Funeral

Autumn passed into winter. The first snow fell in December. I was disappointed that I no longer could swim each day. Luke and I sailed on one of the enclosed party boats. We ended up in one of the cabins down below. In that cramp, stale room we talked about taking a cruise on one of our other ships to Florida where the air was warmer. Possibly after the New Year.

We came home the next day. I had already had a bath and was napping on the Living Room sofa when the phone rang. Luke answered it on his extension in his office. "Henry, bring the car around. Clara go find Ellen." Luke had started shouting as he came out of his office.

I got up and met Luke as he came into the Living Room. "What is it?"

"Your Mother was taken to Saint Anna's Hospital." Luke told me.

Arriving at the hospital I learned that Mother was in 'critical' but stable condition. I was allowed to visit her. Carol was already in the room. Phillip had met Luke and I in the lobby. He told us everything that the hospital had told Carol. It was a heart attack, Mother was awake last time he looked in on Carol and Mother.

Luke escorted me to Mother's room.

"Mommy." Was all I managed to say. I sat on the bed and took her hand. Carol occupied the only chair in the room. Which she had pulled up next to the bed. Mother had her own room.

Mother looked so pale that I wanted to cry. It was obvious that she was still very ill. Luke stood by the door. Mother opened her eyes and smiled at me.

"Is Luke with you, dear." I nodded. A tear slid down my face.

"Luke, come here." Mother said. "Carol, give us a moment. I promise, I'm not going to die any time soon, dear."

Both Carol and I laughed. Luke let out a chuckle. I realized at that moment how tense we had been. Carol kissed my Mother's cheek, hugged me, and then gave Luke's arm a squeeze before leaving.

"I know what's been happening between you two. I've been noticing how affectionate you are, how protective Luke is of you Ellen. I guessed from the first day you moved into the mansion." Mother smiled as my eyes grew wide. Luke's eyes too. "Mother took my hand and put it on Luke's. I approve."

Mother put her hand over ours. "I knew for certain when I saw that door which led straight into the master bathroom. Really, though. Luke buying you an entire wardrobe was another dead give away."

"Now, I want to tell you about Ellen's twin, dear. Died at birth, poor thing." Mother sighed. "After Ellen went through her changes she was named after her. My gift to you, is the birth certificate. Luke will know what to do with it."

"Yes, Mrs. Cross, I know what to do." Luke said.

"Good, then you two could even marry if you want." Mother said. "Now, let's have Carol come back in before she has a snit. I love your sister, Ellen, but you know how she is."

Luke and I had no plans to marry soon, but Carol and Phillip had made their decision. They had the legal technicalities completed. It was merely a matter of a reverend and ceremony. That evening with the hospital chaplain and in the chapel of the hospital, Phillip and Carol were married as my Mother watched.

Carol had on a white lacy dress, using a white scarf and silver hat band to form a veil. Fresh cut red roses from decorative bushes in front of the hospital. I acted as maid of honor. Luke the best man. Mother gave Carol away. l saw some color had returned to Mother's cheeks.