A New Hope (The Second Chance Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

me. She’s the reason I am who I am today and as much as I have hated her throughout the years, I also thank her for teaching me how to survive.”
    “I’m glad Nana found you instead of her.” Elliot whispered in her ear before he pulled from her embrace and looked at Andrew. “I’m ready to go in now, Dr. Peterson.”
    Andrew nodded and opened his door. “Do you want Karla and Leslie in there too, Elliot?” He asked before exiting the car.
    “Yes sir, if they want to that is.”
    “Of course we will, Elliot.” Leslie answered and opened her door.
    When they all met at the back of the car Karla reached over and took Elliot’s hand in hers and gave it a small, supportive squeeze. When she went to release his hand he held on and started walking, forcing her to walk with him.
    They entered the funeral home hand in hand and was immediately greeted by a short, round man with a bald head. “Good mornin’. I’m Haskell Harris and I’m the director here at Harris and Sons Funeral Home. How can I help you?”
    Andrew held out his hand. “Mr. Harris, I’m Dr. Andrew Peterson. We spoke on the phone last night about Mrs. Matthews.”
    “Oh yes. I remember. I did her son’s funeral a few weeks ago and my daddy did her husband’s some years back. Like I told you last night, she was very specific about what she wanted and has already paid for everything. I can show you the casket and clothes she picked out for burial and let you read the obituary she wrote for herself. I can’t change anything ‘cause this is what she wanted, but feel free to look.”
    “Mr. Harris, we don’t want to change anything. Her grandson just wants to see everything.” Andrew responded.
    “Sure, sure, that’s fine.” Mr. Harris said and motioned for them to follow him down a short hallway. “Here’s the casket and her clothes are hanging in here. We’re preparing her body now and will put the clothing on her before placing her in the casket.”
    They walked into the room and saw a sapphire blue casket with lighter blue orchids etched into it. It was lined with baby blue satin that had more blue orchids embroidered in the top. “Blue was her favorite color and orchids were her favorite flower.” Elliot said to them, explaining why she would choose that particular casket.
    “Then we will order a bouquet of orchids from you for her funeral.” Karla told him as she looked at Andrew, who nodded his agreement.
    “I don’t need to see what she’s going to wear.” Elliot told them all. “I just want to get out of here for now. When can we come back to see her?”
    “Visitation will be tonight from 5pm to 8pm, then tomorrow morning from 9am until her funeral at 1pm.” Mr. Harris answered. “That’s how she wanted it.”
    Elliot swallowed audibly and nodded his understanding before he turned and walked back to the entranceway, followed by Karla and Leslie. Andrew stayed behind to thank Mr. Harris before following them out and leading them to the car.
    “We have to go see her lawyer then we can get some lunch and rest before getting ready to come back here tonight. How does that sound, Elliot?”
    “It’s fine.” Elliot responded, wanting nothing more than for this to be over.
    “Then let’s get it done.” Andrew said as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road. A few minutes later he stopped in front of the small office complex that held the lawyer’s office. “Are you ready, Elliot?”
    “I’m ready as I’ll ever be.” Elliot responded before he opened his door and stepped out of the car. 

Chapter Eight
     
    A little bell rang as they walked through the door of the small office. Karla held Elliot’s hand as Andrew approached the reception desk. “Hello, my name is Dr. Andrew Peterson. I called this morning and spoke with Mr. James about Mary Matthews’ will.”
    “If you’ll take a seat over there I’ll let him know that you’re here.” The receptionist said with a lack-luster tone of