Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained Read online

  “Don’t know, but from what I can see and hear, Uncle Otto hasn’t agreed. I think he said he missed us.”

  Mark jumped off the chair. “Missed us! Is he kidding?”

  “No, I think he really meant it.”

  “No way.” Mark laughed. “He wasn’t around long enough to miss us. Heck, half the time he didn’t come home all night. Okay, so he called and told us he wasn’t coming home. But then he gave us orders what to do. We weren’t ever allowed to go outside if he wasn’t home. We weren’t even allowed to have friends.”

  “I know. Let’s just pray that he agrees.” Stanley bowed his head and said a silent prayer. He hated the idea of going back to Uncle Otto’s. Life would be so different here with the Eberhardt’s. Sometimes, he thought they’d be better off in foster care. At least they wouldn’t have to take care themselves. He wasn’t worried so much about himself. But Mark needed guidance like he’d had from their father. Dad did everything with them. Took them fishing, boating, camping. Mark needed someone to do that with him, too. Not that he wouldn’t enjoy it, too, but he was almost 18. He’d be going off to college soon. Mark was a follower, too easily influenced. What if he got in with the wrong group of kids? Without an adult for a role model and to discipline him, what might happen to him?

  ***

  Otto stood, looked between Ed and Bea. “Before I accept your offer, I want to talk to the boys.”

  “That’s understandable, go ahead.” Ed stood and shook his hand. “I hope you agree. We’d give the boys a good home.”

  Otto walked into the kitchen. The boys stood and looked at him, questioning looks in their eyes. First time Stanley looked at him since he came to live with him. Had they heard the conversation? More than likely they heard at least part of it. “Please, sit down. I’ve got to talk to you about your future.”

  “Yes sir.” Stanley looked down.

  “I’m sorry you’ve been unhappy living with me. I know I’ve not been around much and you’ve both suffered for it. It’s not that I don’t care about you, I do. You’re all the family I have left, but I don’t know how to relate to you.” He looked from one boy to the other. Stanley finally raised his head, a puzzled look on his face. Mark looked defiant, belligerent. He’d gone so wrong with these kids entrusted to him. His mother and their parents would be so disappointed in him. They’d be better off without him.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Eberhardt offered to let you live with them.”

  Mark grinned. A smile played about Stanley’s lips.

  “They’ve agreed to let me stay here for a week until I make a decision.”

  The boys frowned. Obviously, they didn’t like that idea. The Eberhardts made a big impression on them. Not that he blamed them. After living with him anyone would be better.

  “I’ve already made a decision. I’m going to allow you to stay with them. You’ll go to school here. I still want to be part of your lives, so I’ll visit as often as I can.”

  “Really? We can stay here?” Mark was the first to react. He ran to Otto and hugged him. “Thank you, Uncle Otto.”

  Never had either boy shown him any affection. Not that he’d shown them any either. It felt good. He hugged him back, reached out and brought Stanley into the hug. He shied away at first, but finally joined in.

  “I do love you boys. I’m sorry I’m not cut out to be a parent. I will miss you. Maybe during the summer, we can do something together.”

  “Thank you, Uncle Otto. I’d like that,” Stanley said.

  “Come on, let’s go tell Mr. and Mrs. Eberhardt.” Mark pulled Otto and Stanley into the other room.

  Ed and Bea stood when they entered. Anxiety was written all over their faces.

  Mark continued to hug Otto. “Uncle Otto said you want us to live with you.”

  “Yes, we do,” Bea said.

  “I’ve made my decision. I don’t need to stay here for the week. The boys trust you, and that’s good enough for me. If you know a notary, I’ll sign over temporary guardianship to you. That way you can enroll them in school tomorrow. They’ve missed enough. I’ll arrange their transfers first thing in the morning.”

  “They’ll need their clothes.” Bea’s smile lit up the room.

  Otto smiled back. He’d made the right decision. “I’ll bring their things tomorrow, if that’s okay with you. I’ll try to make it an early day at work.”

  “Good, come for dinner.” Bea moved closer to Mark and rubbed his back. “In fact, stay for dinner today. I’m making a pot roast, that I’d better get started. There’s more than enough.”

  “Thank you, I’d like to, but I have an appointment later. If you know a notary, we can see to that guardianship.”

  “I’ll call Jake Swenson. He’s a notary and only lives down the street.” Ed gabbed the phone, and punched in the number.

  ***

  Bea couldn’t believe it. She’d been so sure Otto would say no, even to her idea of him spending the week. The fact he’d made the decision so soon surprised her. Sons, they had sons. Okay, they weren’t really their sons, but she couldn’t help thinking of them that way.

  Jake arrived ten minutes later with the proper paperwork. God love the man, always so prepared. They signed on the lines and just like that, she and Ed were temporary guardians. Hopefully, Otto wouldn’t change his mind.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow. You boys behave and listen to Mr. and Mrs. Eberhardt.” Otto hugged each of the boys. “I will miss you.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Otto.” Mark’s grin couldn’t get any bigger.

  Stanley hugged his uncle, but didn’t say anything.

  Bea’s heart went out to Otto. He’d just made a big sacrifice for the boys. Sure, it would benefit him also, but the boys were the big winners. Wiping a tear, she went into the kitchen to start dinner.

  ***

  “Great meal as usual, Bea.” Ed pushed his plate away and looked at the boys. “First thing we need to do is set up some guidelines. Mostly just consideration.” Neither boy looked too enthused. “We all live here as family. Everyone chips in and helps. Everyone makes the mess, everyone helps clean up.”

  Bea noticed the change in the boys as soon as Ed mentioned rules. Hopefully, they wouldn’t rebel. What Ed proposed affected all of them.

  “I’m not going to assign specific jobs right now, but you’ll keep your rooms clean, beds made every day, clothes thrown in the hamper in the laundry room. Bea doesn’t pick up after me, she’s not going to pick up after you, either. If you use it, put it back. If you eat, put your dish in the dishwasher. Bea makes dinner, everyone else cleans up. She does the laundry. If your clothes aren’t in the hamper, she can’t wash them.”

  The boys nodded. “Sounds fair,” Stanley said.

  “After school, homework gets done immediately. Do you boys play sports? Or belong to any other after school activities?”

  “I used to, but not since we moved in with Uncle Otto,” Stanley said.

  “Feel free to join something if you want. What about you, Mark?”

  “I used to be in band.”

  “Great, what instrument do you play?”

  “Cornet. I wasn’t very good.”

  “Do you want to continue? Practice make perfect.” Ed was surprised Mark didn’t play basketball, tall as he was.

  “I don’t have an instrument.”

  “That’s not an issue. If you want to continue we can get you one. Lessons, too if you’d like.” Ed believed kids should develop their talents.

  “I always enjoyed it, but it means staying after school sometimes.”

  “That’s not a problem, let us know ahead of time. Anytime you’re going to be late, let us know. That’s just common courtesy. We’ll get you a cornet tomorrow after school. I think that’s about it for now. We’ll address any other issues as they arise. Any questions?”

  “Yes, what should we call you?” Mark leaned on his elbow.

  Ed sat back and laughed. “How do you feel about calling us Aunt and Uncle?”
r />   “Sounds good to me.” Stanley said.

  “Oh, one more thing. Neither Bea nor I take care of your dog when you’re home. He’s your responsibility. And you clean up the yard after him, also. Divide it up however you see fit, but make sure you both do your share.”

  “Are we done here?” Bea set two cups of coffee on the table.

  “Unless you have something you want to add.”

  “I do. As far as food, snacks, and soft drinks, you don’t have to ask if you’re allowed to have it. However, if it’s close to dinner time, no snacks. When you come home from school at the usual time, have something. If you’ve stayed for whatever reason, it’ll be too close to dinner, so no snack. Soft drinks should be kept to a minimum. No more than two a day. Don’t forget there’s other people in the house, so don’t be a glutton, especially when it comes to cookies. Okay?”

  “Okay,” both boys said in unison.

  “Good, go watch TV or whatever you want to do. Uncle Ed and I are going to plan a party.”

  “A party?”

  “Yes, a party. For starters, we’re hosting my family next Sunday for dinner. Remember we talked about that?”

  “I remember you talked about Sunday dinner, but what’s this about a party?”

  “Simple really. Some of my family will meet the boys Sunday, but not all of them and none of yours. So, I’m planning a party for everyone to meet them.”

  “I guess that makes sense. When?”

  “I thought in about three weeks. That’ll give me time to contact everyone and still enough time before Thanksgiving.”

  “Are you still planning on having Thanksgiving here?”

  “Yes, is that a problem?”

  “I guess not, just thinking about the cost of everything.”

  “Don’t be silly, everyone chips in. You get a turkey from your lodge every year, so basically no cost to us at all.” Frugal Ed, always thinking about the cost, yet he offered to buy Mark a cornet. Musical instruments could be costly.

  “Okay, I was just thinking about the spreads at these family dinners, not to mention Thanksgiving. I’m sure Jess paid a pretty penny for them. While we’re comfortable, we’re not exactly wealthy.”

  “Are you concerned about the cost of the party?”

  Ed cleared his throat. “Well, it did occur to me you go all out for your parties.”

  “Okay, so it’s going to cost a couple hundred, so what? Don’t you think it’s worth it to announce you have children?”

  “Now you’re getting carried away. We’re only temporary guardians. Otto can change his mind tomorrow.”

  “Okay, we’ll keep it small, just our immediate families and nieces and nephew. We won’t invite any of our friends. Fifty people tops.”

  “Can we put the party on hold until after the holidays? Especially now with the boys.”

  This didn’t sound like Ed. He’d never refused her anything, no matter how extravagant. “But it’s for the boys.”

  “No, Bea, it’s for you, and I understand, really I do. Just right now’s not a good time. Let’s make sure Otto doesn’t change his mind, okay?”

  “Fine. I’ll put the party on hold.” But she’d be darned if he’d stop her from telling everyone about the boys. She couldn’t wait to tell her sisters and mother. Although now she thought about it, they probably already knew from Callie. Oh well, she’d still have Sunday dinner and that was that. She’d invite Otto, too. Far as she was concerned he was family, too.

  ***

  Getting the boys enrolled in school was easy. True to his word, Otto had taken care of the transfers.

  “Let’s go to the dog shelter,” Bea said. “I miss it.”

  “We still have to get Mark his cornet. Are you sure you want to go there today?”

  “You can take him with you later for that. I think Stanley might like to go along. Besides, I promised Ethel we’d help out today.”

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  They pulled into the parking lot the same time as Ethel. “So, I hear you have an addition to your family. Do you think that’s wise?”

  “Well hello to you, too. News sure travels fast in this family. What’s the saying, telephone, telegraph, tell a Roberts.”

  “As if you never spread news among the family. Who’s the one told everyone Callie was pregnant? Didn’t even give the girl a chance to tell anyone herself.”

  “Point taken.”

  “So, tell me about these boys. Callie said they’re the ones who were breaking into your house and stealing food. Oh, hello, Ed.”

  Ed laughed. He was used to being ignored when these women started talking. They lived in their own little world. No one and nothing else mattered but family.

  “Yes, they were living in our shed, poor things. Good thing we found them when we did, they’d have frozen to death. Fortunately, we came back from the cabin early.”

  “What made you come back? I thought you were staying for the weekend,”

  “It was the strangest thing. A feeling came over me Friday night. I’m not sure what it was exactly. I didn’t really want to go to begin with. So, when I got this feeling, I told Ed we were leaving Saturday morning.”

  “How did you find them?”

  Beatrice Lulu linked arms with Ethel. “Actually, Bixby found them. He ran out when Callie opened the door. No way was I leaving that dog out there in the cold and all that snow. You could barely see him, it was so deep.”

  “So, what are you going to do with these boys?”

  “We’re going to raise them, what do you think? Their uncle gave us temporary guardianship. Poor guy was at a total loss as to how to raise them. Besides, he’s hardly ever home. The boys were left on their own most of the time. You’ll meet them Sunday if you’re coming to dinner.”

  “Dinner? Sunday?”

  Bea snapped her fingers. “Oh my, I have to call everyone. Yes, I’m having our family dinner Sunday.”

  “What about Mama? Isn’t she having it?”

  “Callie thinks it’s too much for her and I agree. Callie told Lillian maybe she should take it over, but I thought we could all take turns. Will you bring your cauliflower casserole?”

  “Sounds like a good idea. What time?”

  “The usual, 3:00.” Bea pulled her cell phone out. “I’d better call Mama and the others.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you later.” Ethel went inside.

  “Mama, it’s me, Beatrice Lulu.”

  “Yes, I see that. How are you?”

  At least Mama had the decency to ask about her before she brought up the boys. “I’m good, how about you? Are you feeling better?”

  “I feel much better. So, what’s new?”

  As if Jess didn’t know. “I called to invite you to a family dinner Sunday.”

  “Oh…”

  Great, now to convince her it would be better. “Yes, we thought about it and you deserve a break. So, this week I’m taking over the dinner.”

  “You think I can’t handle it anymore?”

  “It’s not that at all. But don’t you want a break? Wouldn’t you enjoy just being a guest for a change?”

  “Well,” Jess sighed. “I suppose that would be nice for a change. But I insist on bringing dessert.”

  “Good. Normal time around three, but come any time you want.”

  “Beatrice, aren’t you going to tell me about your guests?”

  Besides Ed, Mama was the only one who didn’t use her full name.

  “What do you want to know that you don’t already know?”

  “Really, Beatrice, don’t be insolent.”

  “Sorry, Mama, but I’m sure you’ve heard the whole story. One of the reasons I’m having dinner, is for everyone to meet the boys. You’ll like them.”

  “I’m sure you and Ed thought this through carefully before you agreed to it.”

  “Actually, Mama, it was mine and Ed’s idea. The boys’ Uncle Otto, Mr. Hagan, was a bit apprehensive at first. And its only temporary custody. Altho
ugh if Ed and I have our way, it’ll be permanent. We’d like to adopt the boys.”

  “I look forward to meeting them. I must run, Jim and I have an appointment. See you Sunday, love you.”

  “Love you, too, Mama.” Bea pressed end on the phone. “Two down, two to go.” She decided to send Lillian, Lottie, and Clyde a text message, kill three birds with one stone. Besides, she wouldn’t have to answer any more questions. She hit send, put her phone in her pocket, and went inside.

  A flurry of activity took place in the office. Louise scrambled around under her desk on all fours, her butt wiggling in the air. “Come on, Rascal. Here, boy.”

  Ethel crawled out from under the chair, tangling her legs with Louise’s. She fell forward, head first, put out her hands, and knocked the chair into the stand with the potted plant. Ferns and dirt spilled onto her head. The gerbil scuttled across the floor.

  Louise untangled her legs, dashed after him, and bumped her head. “Ouch!” Louise stood, cleaning dust and crumbs from her hands. Bits of dried dog food clung to her pants. “This place needs serious help. The kennels are immaculate compared to this floor.” She stooped down and looked under the shelf. Ethel crawled on the floor next to the desk, and Ed held a small dog who pulled on the leash, desperate to get at something.

  “What in the world is going on?”

  Louise ignored her, Ethel looked up for a second while brushing dirt from her hair. Ed held the dog, who now wanted to get at Bea. He pulled him back, got him into a sit position, and smiled at Bea. “Sorry about that, honey pot.”

  “What’s Ethel looking for?”

  “Believe it or not, Louise’s pet gerbil.” Ed restrained the dog, who lunged toward Bea again.

  “I see. Don’t you think it’d be better to take the dog outside? Might be a little less commotion.”

  “I was afraid to open the door. Don’t want Rascal to get outside, we’d never find him.”

  “Oh, for heaven sake, give him to me.” Bea took hold of the leash and led the dog back into the kennels, opening the door only wide enough for them to get through. Once inside, she put the dog into an empty pen and went back to help find Rascal.