[Second Chances 02]California Dreams Read Free Page B

out of the cold.” He escorted her up the sidewalk and as they entered the building, they were greeted by Pastor Jameson and both Mercer children and their families – Anthony and Claire. Both were married with two kids each and lived in other states.
    Anthony and his family resided in Oregon where he was the high school football coach, while Claire had married her high school sweetheart and followed him to Florida where he worked for NASA.
    Trent knew Bill was mighty proud of his kids and recalled how often he talked about their accomplishments and those of their children. Trent hoped one day to have children of his own to brag about, but today was not the day to be having those thoughts.
    Pushing his thoughts aside, he greeted them all, “Pastor. Tony. Clair. We’re so sorry for your loss.” He gave each of them a hug and greeted their spouses as well. “This is Sara, my wife.”
    Tony went to Sara and grabbed her in a bear hug, squeezing her while saying, “Thank you. I know that doesn’t even come close to expressing our gratitude,” he released her and looked to include his other family members, “but seeing mom, pain free and able to interact with us one last time, means more than we can ever tell you.” Tears glistened in his eyes as well as those of his sibling.
    Sara choked back her own tears, “I’m glad I was able to provide her a little relief. I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more.”
    Claire grabbed her next, pulling in for a hug that rivaled that of her brother’s, “What you did was more than enough. She died peacefully and with a smile on her face. That’s all any of us wanted for her.”
    Sara nodded, unable to speak past the tears crowding her throat. When Trent put his arm around her shoulders, she leaned into his strength, wondering how she would have survived this encounter without his strength by her side.
    “Your father asked to speak with Sara before the service.”
    Pastor Jameson cleared his throat, “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to him. He’s in the small chapel waiting for you.”
    Trent supported Sara as they followed the pastor through the vestibule and down a short hallway. He opened a heavily ingrained wooden door and Trent escorted Sara inside the dimly lit room.
    A small table sat off to the side, small candles burning, while others waited to be lit. There were two sets of pews on each side of the small room, and Bill Mercer sat quietly in the front of one of them.
    Sara quietly walked to his pew and gently sat down, placing her hand upon his arm, “Mr. Mercer. Bill, I’m so sorry for your loss.” She felt the tears start again and tried to remain strong for the broken man sitting next to her.
    Bill looked up and smiled at her, taking her aback a little. “Sara, I’m so glad you were able to meet with me before the service. Miriam was so grateful for the gift you were able to give her the last few days of her life. So was I.”
    “I was happy to help. Is there anything I can do for you?” Sara asked, looking into the man’s eyes and wondering at the strength she saw there.
    Bill nodded his head, “There is. Sort of a last wish from my Miriam, if you will.”
    “Anything. If I can do it, I’m more than happy to help.”
    “I’m glad to hear that. Trent, son, please have a seat as this affects you as well.”
    Trent was puzzled, but took the seat next to Sara and waited for Bill to continue.
    “Miriam was a remarkable woman who believed her mission on this earth was to make life easier for those around her, whenever possible. To that end, she asked for a last wish and I completely agree with what she wanted.”
    Sara glanced at Trent, not sure, where this conversation was headed.
    “Miriam wanted to be able to give the gift you gave her to others who were hurting and without hope. Her wish is for you to obtain the proper training you need to oversee and open a facility here in Castle Peaks. A sort of refuge if you will, where terminal patients can come