“Seven months later.”
“And the trust?”
“Remained invested.”
Arthur looked at her.
“It still exists.”
Grace seemed almost uncomfortable.
“How much?”
Arthur hesitated.
“That isn’t important at this moment.”
“It’s important to me.”
He told her.
Grace sat down.
It was enough to pay tuition at a local nursing program.
Not enough to transform our lives.
Not millions.
Not a hidden fortune.
Just enough to reopen a door Grace thought had closed years ago.
That made it feel more real.
Arthur quickly added, “The money legally belongs to the trust for your education. This is not a gift from me.”
Grace stared at the floor.
“I know.”
“You can accept it without accepting anything from me.”
“I know.”
“You don’t owe me gratitude.”
Grace looked up.
“Arthur.”
He stopped.
“I know.”
It was the first time she had called him Arthur.
He noticed.
So did everyone else.
