The Swear Jar Read Online Free Page B

she knew he was a
widower.  She looked at her own wedding ring.  If it hadn’t been for her sister
Diana, her brother-in-law Ben, and Anne, Hank’s death would have killed her.
    A few months ago, Ben had gotten a
job offer in Pin Oak Grove too good to pass up.  Diana, Ben and Anne moved to a
beautiful old Victorian with three acres.  The property included an inground
pool and a small ranch house on a flag lot.  While they lived in the same town,
Meara had gotten better.  Once they moved, she had retreated into herself. 
Diana and Ben asked her to move into the ranch house to help with the mortgage
and Anne.  She knew they didn’t need help, but she appreciated the fact they
wanted her.
    After Hank died, she painstakingly
put her life back together.  She went through the motions of everyday life. 
She paid the bills, ate and slept.  She could manage, but she could only be so
strong on her own.  She hated not being able to control every detail of her
life.  She hadn’t been able to control Hank’s shocking heart attack.  One day
he was smiling and laughing, the next day she was rushing to the hospital to
find him gone.  There were all the right papers, insurance and a will, but no
personal instructions, no last goodbye.  No last I love you.
    Meara parked on the street in front
of the Victorian.  She was tearing up.  Anne felt the change in Meara and
regretted interfering.
    “I’m sorry, Aunt Meara,” Anne said,
her lower lip quivering.  “Please don’t get upset and think about Uncle Hank. 
I’m sorry I gave Mr. Phillips your resume.  When you looked at each other at
the supermarket, it reminded me of how happy you and Uncle Hank were.  I wanted
you to be happy again.”
    Meara hugged Anne. “You didn’t do
anything wrong except hacking my computer and getting my Social Security
number.  I know you want me to be happy.  Sometimes with adults, it’s a little
complicated.  Maybe even a little more complicated for me.  I’m glad you made
me speak to Mr. Phillips.  I love hanging out with you, but I miss libraries. 
Do you think he likes me?”
    Anne wiped her eyes.  “Yes, I do. 
Do you like him?”
    Meara scowled.  “Out of the car and
get your books.”
    They walked slightly uphill to the
Victorian.  The two-story house had a fantastic wraparound porch with a
two-seater swing.  The house was white with dark green trim and lots of windows
to let in sunlight.  Trees kept the house shady by day and breezy by night. 
There was plenty of thick green grass to keep Ben busy on weekends.  The long
paved driveway ran along the left side of the house, past the pool and back to
the ranch house where Meara lived.
    “Do you want lunch by the pool
today?” asked Meara as Anne ran up the back porch stairs.
    “Sounds good.  I’ll change into my
swimsuit and be right over to help.”
    Meara walked past the pool.  She
loved swimming.  She could swim laps to her heart’s content.  The whole
property was an oasis for Meara.  The Victorian appealed to her sense of
romance while the ranch house was cozy and practical.  The outdoor space was
filled with secluded green spots.  She had even discovered a small stream at
the back of her ranch house.  She opened her front door and felt cool air conditioning. 
She turned to see Anne waving from her upstairs bedroom window.
    Meara waved back.  She kicked off
her flip flops, hitting the back of the couch.  This comfortable couch was positioned
in front of a large fireplace.  The fireplace’s wooden mantel held a tall,
glass jug.  The jug held numerous coins and bills of different denominations. 
The house had an open floor plan so the living, dining and kitchen areas flowed
into each other.
    Down the long hallway were two
spare bedrooms, a bathroom and Meara’s master suite.  She went to her bedroom
and changed into her swimsuit.  Anne bounded into the house.  Meara prepared
sandwiches while Anne made lemonade.  Once everything was