THE INHERITANCE - part twenty-three

THE INHERITANCE – part twenty-three ………

Welcome home

++++++++++

Kate stared at the box wondering what her mother could have sent her.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” asked Mo.

Kate laughed, “Yeah, I guess I should. It’s not going to tell me what’s in it, now, is it?”

Ryan took out a small knife from the sheath on his belt. “Here, this should help.”

“Thanks,” she said as she walked over to the box and attempted to lift it, but Ryan stooped over and lifted it for her. “Kate, it’s not that heavy! No wonder Tom carried it from his cart to your door. I know the lad is strong, but, well, feel for yourself.”

Kate walked to the table where Ryan placed the box and tried to lift it. “Ryan, you’re right. It’s not heavy at all.” She unfolded the blade on the knife and sliced through the packing tape.

There weren’t that many items in the box, however, they were carefully packaged in packing paper and bubble wrap. She picked up the note that sat on top of the contents.

“My dearest Kate. I’m hoping this box arrives before I do. There is so much I need to tell you and I’m looking forward to my visit with you more than words can express. As you unwrap each item, it is my hope that you might remember them. Love always and forever, Mom.”

Mo walked to her friend and put an arm around Kate’s waist. “Well, Katie, mo chara, so far it sounds like this will be very pleasant visit. Would you like some privacy while you unpack what your mam sent?”

Kate smiled. “No, it’s fine. I’d like you and Ryan to stay if you have the time. There really doesn’t appear to be all that much in here, anyway.”

She turned as she heard Shaun’s voice, “Katie, my love, my boys and I have your grandmother’s things. Would you like them in the same corner as last time?”

Kate laughed. “Shaun, you’d better watch that ‘my love’ stuff. I hear Mo’s very handy with her broom!”

“’Tis true enough, Shaun,” Mo said laughingly.

Shaun and Brian carried in one trunk, then as Shane and Danny brought in the next trunk, Shaun walked over and gave Kate’s cheek a light kiss. “Aw, Katie, you’ve become like a sister to me. ‘Tisn’t that right, Mo, mo stor?”

Mo rolled her eyes and said, “Get out, ya big lummox and bring the rest of Kate’s things inside. Then, if you and the boys have nothing better to do, go chop some wood for Kate’s stove.”

“Ah, my darling, you’re a true slave driver, you are.” But he laughed as he left the kitchen to retrieve the rest of Kate’s things.

Kate put the note aside, picked up the top item and unwrapped it.

“Oh, look, it’s a dinner plate. I remember this. It sat in the kitchen cabinet for more years than I can remember mom using them. After my father died, she packed up the set and put them in the attic. Oh, here’s a note taped to the back. ‘Dear Kate, this is one of the complete set your father brought to American from Ireland. They belonged to his grandmother, Kathleen. After he died, I didn’t have the heart to use them but knew you’d enjoy having them, especially in Kathleen’s home.’”

Mo noticed the tears brimming in Kate’s eyes. “Here, let me help you unpack the rest. Why don’t you take a break and put the kettle to boil?”

Kate wiped her eyes. “Good idea. I’m not sure if I can handle the dishes with grace right now. I’m afraid I’d drop them.”

While Kate left the kitchen to fetch water from the outdoor pump, Mo and Ryan busied themselves carefully unpacking the plates, cups, saucers, and a few serving bowls.

Ryan said to Mo, “First thing on my list, is to get water into the house for the kitchen. I know she can “spell” it to happen, but I don’t think she wants to go in that direction. She doesn’t give me the impression that she wants to use her magic to make her life easier.”

“You’re right about that, Ryan. With the little time I’ve spent with her, she’s given me the attitude that magic isn’t to be taken lightly. It’s to be used in an emergency. That girl’s got a smart head on her shoulders, that’s for sure.”

“What’s for sure?” Kate asked as he walked back into her house.

“I was just telling Ryan that you’re a smart woman, especially when it comes to your magic.”

“Oh, my lord. I haven’t even thought about using my magic. I used it to resolve the incident with Bridget, but I felt she gave me no choice, but for anything else? I really don’t think my grandmother would approve.”

She felt her little cross vibrate.

With the dishes unpacked and the box now collapsed and moved out of the way, Ryan spoke, “Kate, I need to leave and get back to my shop. I can come back later should you need me.”

“Oh, Ryan, go ahead. I’m really sorry I’ve kept you here so long but honestly? You have no idea what a help you’ve been to me. How about if we have breakfast at Paddy’s tomorrow before I head to the airport to pick up my mom?”

“Sounds good. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Kate turned to Mo and asked, “Well, mo chara, are you up to helping me wash, dry, and put away a few dishes?”

“No doubt about it, my chara. I’ll wash; you dry!”

Kate put half the bucket of water in the sink that had no drain and put a small drop of soap in the cool water, then frowned.

Mo looked at her and asked, “Kate, what’s wrong?”

Kate smiled and said, I sincerely doubt my grandmother would mind, so the hell with being polite.” She looked at the water and said:

*

“Sink water heat to ninety-degrees.

So, I desire it; so mote it be.:

*

And they saw a bit of steam rise from the water.