DECISIONS: Book 5 of Family Forever Series

By Tamara Miller

Franny has supported her twin daughters through the rough times of their young adult marriages. Now she turns to them for love and guidance.
Heartbroken from the loss of her husband, Franny continues the care of her mother, Isla, in her home. But now she has to return to the workforce and is faced with having to tell her she will have to move to an assisted living home. Filled with guilt and anxiety, she turns to her daughters for support. It’s an emotional scene when she confronts her mother.
Jani and Eric are expecting their third child. There are some health issues and they are faced with making a decision that no parent should ever have to do.
Franny thinks she has found happiness when she remarries. Her daughters have concerns about the new man in their mother’s life. As they discover secrets about his past, how will they deal with it and keep their mother safe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tamara Miller
• Release date: Jul 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463897874

Book preview

Book V

Tamara Miller

Smashwords Edition

ISBN 9780463897874

Cover Credit

Image Credit ShotShop.com

Cover Design Scott Skipper

This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity and are used fictitiously. All characters, and incidents and dialogue, are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

Copyright 2018 Tamara Miller

All rights reserved.

This eBook is intended for your personal enjoyment. It may not be resold or given to other people. Please respect the rights of the author.

FAMILY FOREVER

Book 1 – In The Beginning

Book 2 – Young Lovers

Book 3 – Betrayal Blessings

Book 4 – Tragedy, Tears and Trust

DEDICATION

To my family and friends who lived

and experienced the times I wrote about

PROLOGUE

July 1965

Franny put down her knitting and took a deep breath as she thought about the loving years she had with Harry. She missed him every day, and was saddened thinking about the times he will miss seeing his grandchildren grow up. Jani and Eric have their marriage back on track and now they are expecting another child. Harry will miss that birth.

She was confused with her thoughts about her mother, Isla. Now that Harry is gone, I wonder if I should move her back in with me? I know I’m going to have to go to work because my finances are not enough to meet my monthly expenses. Who would take care of her while I’m at work? I hope I hear back soon from one of the places I left an application.

She had decided to sell her mobile home and put some of the cash from the sale in a savings account in case she ran into a bind.

I hope Brad and Emma have Luke’s convulsions under control, she thought. That was such a scary time.

ONE

Brad had left for work, and Emma was having her second cup of coffee. She was staring into space as she thought about her mother going to work and hoped the interview at the jewelry store went well.

She took her cup to the kitchen sink and started to wash the breakfast dishes as she sang along with The Supremes on the radio, Stop! In the Name of Love.

It was a warm morning in July. Maybe a perfect time to take Luke and Sean to the park, she thought.

Hey guys, said Emma to Luke and Sean, who were watching cartoons in the front room. Do you want to go to the park today before we go grocery shopping?

Yeah, said Luke.

Me too! said Sean.

Okay then, said Emma. Turn the TV off and make sure your toys are all put away. We’ll leave in about fifteen minutes.

I hope that will wear them out, she thought. I feel like taking a nap this afternoon.

They spent over an hour riding the merry-go-round, the swings, and then the slide. Emma decided the boys were too dirty to take anywhere. Let’s go home and have some lunch, and then we can go shopping later, she told them. My nap will have to wait, she thought.

After shopping, she gave the boys each an ice cream bar when they got home. She told them they would have to rest for a little bit when they finished. They weren’t too happy about taking a nap but they soon settled down.

The house was quiet and Emma had just finished putting all the groceries away when she heard a car pull into the driveway.

She went to her window and saw Jenny and some guy standing by the car kissing, and then they walked to her front door.

Brad didn’t say anything about Jenny coming, thought Emma, as she went to greet them. Well, if this isn’t a surprise, said Emma. I didn’t know you were coming.

Hi, Emma. Sorry for not calling first, but it was a spur of the moment decision, said Jenny. I’d like you to meet my husband, Cliff.

Husband ?Nice to meet you, Cliff.

Cliff smiled and said, How’d you do?

Well, come on in, and tell me who you are here to visit, said Emma.

The three of them sat in the front room with Jenny and Cliff almost sitting on top of each other.

When did you two get married? asked Emma.

Just two days ago, said Jenny with a giggle.

Cliff, do you have relatives or friends here in California? asked Emma.

No, Ma’am, he responded.

So who are you here visiting? Emma asked.

We’re here to see you and Brad, said Jenny. I hoped we could stay here for a few days while Cliff looks for work. Mom kicked us out, so we decided to come and live in California.

Hearing Jenny’s voice, Luke and Sean came out of their rooms. They both ran to her and gave her a hug.

Cliff, meet Luke and Sean, said Jenny. My favorite boyfriends.

Hi, he said with a nod.

Jenny, do you want to play catch in the backyard and see my new dog? asked Luke.

Wow! A dog. Okay, said Jenny. Come on Cliff, she said as the boys took her hands and led her out to the backyard. Cliff followed close behind.

***

Instead of going home, Franny went to Emma’s to show off her new car. When she pulled up to Emma’s house, there was a car parked in the driveway, so she parked on the street. I wonder whose car that is, thought Franny. She rang the doorbell.

Hi, Mom, said Emma when she opened her door. Come on in.

Do you have a visitor? I won’t stay long. I just wanted to show you my new car, said Franny.

Emma looked out the window. Is that Jani’s Corvette?

Yes, she thought I need a reliable car if I’m going to work every day, so she gave it to me. It makes me a little nervous to drive.

That was a good idea. I knew she would never drive it. Emma stopped a minute and looked over her shoulder. You will never guess who just showed up? She said in a hushed voice. Jenny and her new husband. They’re in the backyard now, playing ball with Luke and Sean.

Did you know they were coming? asked Franny.

No, and I don’t think Brad knew. I’ll wait until he gets home and see what he has to say when he sees them.

Here? Are they just visiting, or what’s the plan?

I’m not sure, said Emma, still keeping her voice low. Jenny asked if they could stay a few days while her husband, Cliff looks for a job. I don’t know what to think?

Wait until Brad comes home, it’s his family, said Franny.

I know. I wish he would hurry up.

Oh, hello, Mrs. Stein, said Jenny as she entered the house.

Hi, Jenny, said Franny with a smile. What a surprise.

This is my husband, Cliff, said Jenny, as she introduced him to Franny.

How’d you do, said Cliff.

I guess that’s all he can say, thought Emma. He doesn’t come across very smart. I wonder if this is one of the guys Jenny’s parents was trying to keep her away from when they sent her here last summer. I wonder if Brad’s parents know she’s here. Please honey, hurry up and get home.

You’ve got company, honey, said Franny. I’ll be on my way. I just wanted to show off my car.

Cliff looked out the window. Christ! he said very loud. Are you rich?

No. My daughter gave me the car, responded Franny.

Is she rich? asked Cliff.

Well… Franny started to respond, when Emma interrupted.

My sister’s husband likes fancy cars, and he bought it for her. She didn’t want it because there wasn’t enough room for the family, said Emma.

Is he rich? Cliff once asked again. No one felt like the question was worth answering.

Emma, can you walk me to the car? asked Franny.

Sure, Mom, said Emma following her out.

Bye, Jenny. It’s nice to see you again and to meet you, Cliff, said Franny.

There was one more thing I wanted to tell you, said Franny, as they walked outside. Barbara, the owner of the Claremont house, told me today we have to move Mother."

Why? What for? said Emma, puzzled. Franny told her the circumstances and that she was going to visit a convalescent home in San Dimas.

I’d go with you, but I don’t know what’s going on with my life right now.

I know. Jani might be able to go with me. I’ll talk to her in the morning. You need to call your sister tomorrow, and she can tell you more about our visit, said Franny. She thought she would leave it up to Jani to tell her about the spotting. I’ll let you go back to your guest, or should I say, new boarders.

Oh, mother, please don’t say that, said Emma with a smile.

I love you, and I know it will all work out, said Franny. Wish me a safe drive home in this new-fangled car. It’s really something. Talk with you tomorrow.

Standing on the curb, Emma watched her mother drive away. Guess I better get back inside to my guests, thought Emma. Please, God, make their visit short.

When Brad came home, Emma met him at the car before he had a chance to go inside the house. You’ll never guess who’s here?

You know I don’t like guessing games. Who is it? he asked.

It’s Jenny and her husband, Cliff.

Husband? Wait! When did she get married?

Two days ago! said Emma. She said her parents kicked them out, so they decided to move to California.

Oh. I guess that’s okay, said Brad.

No, it’s not okay. They want to stay here for a few days while Cliff looks for work.

I guess that would be okay, said Brad as he started to walk into the house.

Shouldn’t we talk about this? asked Emma. She was upset.

What’s there to talk about? Do you want to tell them they can’t stay and turn them out on the street?

Well, no. She hesitated. I guess it will be okay, she thought. Jenny was good with the boys. I’ll just move Luke in with Sean, like we did before. I just hope they don’t stay too long. She followed Brad into the house as he greeted Jenny and Cliff. He gave Jenny a hug and reached out to shake hands with Cliff.

This is my husband, Cliff, said Jenny.

Nice to meet you, Cliff, said Brad.

How’d you do, Mr. Mills, said Cliff.

Please call me Brad.

And you can call me Cliff, said Cliff and broke out laughing.

What are you fixing for dinner, Brad asked Emma.

I was just going to fix hamburgers. Can you go to the store for me and pick up a few more things? asked Emma.

Make me a list, he said. Let me have a beer and visit a minute. Then I’ll go, said Brad. Want a beer Cliff?

Sure man. That’s sounds cool, said Cliff, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

Finishing his beer, Brad asked Emma, Do you have that list? I think I’ll barbeque the burgers. Maybe Jenny and Cliff will help you change out the boys’ rooms. I’m going to call Mom and see if they still have the foldout bed.

When he called Mary and told her about Jenny and her husband showing up unannounced, she was surprised, too. His mother said they had one of those beds and would bring it over.

Come and have hamburgers with us, said Brad.

Okay, dear. We’ll be over shortly, said Mary.

Mom and Dad are going to join us for dinner, announced Brad. I’m going to the store now. Be right back.

All right you two, said Emma. Come on. We have some work to do. They followed her to Luke’s room and helped move some of his furniture into Sean’s room."

***

Brad’s parents arrived for dinner, they brought the bed. Entering the house they both gave Jenny a hug.

What a nice surprise, Mary said to Jenny. How’s your Mom?

She’s fine, Jenny replied. Aunt Mary and Uncle Lee I’d like you to meet my husband, Cliff, who was standing next to Jenny.

Nice to meet you, Cliff, said Mary, shaking hands with him, and then Lee stepped forward.

Welcome to California, said Lee as he and Cliff shook hands.

I’m surprised that your mother didn’t call and let me know you were on your way, said Mary.

We didn’t leave on good terms, said Jenny. In fact, she doesn’t know I’m here. She said if I’m old enough to get married, I’m old enough to live on my own.

I’m sure she would like to know that you are safe, said Mary.

I don’t think she cares, said Jenny.

I know your mother, and I know she cares, said Mary. Any words the two of you had were probably said in a moment of anger.

Anger! You can say that again. She was still swearing at me as we pulled out of the driveway, said Jenny.

So what are your plans now that you are in California? asked Mary.

Cliff and I are both going to find jobs and then get an apartment, said Jenny.

To rent an apartment here usually takes money up front. If you don’t mind me asking, do you have enough money for a deposit on an apartment? asked Mary.

Not now, but staying here will give us a chance to save, and then we can afford to move to our own place.

I hope you find work soon, said Mary.

After dinner, Mary and Emma cleared the dishes off the table while the others stayed in the backyard and played with Luke and Sean.

Before Mary and Lee went home, Mary relayed to Emma what Jenny had told her.

That sounds like they will be here more than a few days, said Emma with a frown. It will probably take a few weeks for them to find work, and a few paychecks to save for a deposit. Emma thought for a minute. That tells me they will be here more than a month. Wait until I tell Brad. Maybe he can talk them into going home.

I’m going to call Jenny’s mother to let her know she is here, said Mary. I know she has a temper and probably regrets some of the things she said. At least I can let her know Jenny is safe, said Mary.

What do you think of Cliff? Emma asked Mary.

All I can say is she must have been desperate to leave home.

I agree, said Emma. What was she thinking? She rolled her eyes, and they both laughed.

TWO

Franny was up early the next morning. She had a hard time sleeping because she was thinking about having to move Isla. She had her coffee and then called Jani. If Jani couldn’t go with me to the convalescent home I was going to ask Emma, she thought. I don’t think I should bother her now that she has guests.

How are you feeling this morning? Franny asked Jani.

I’m all right, replied Jani. No more spotting.

Do you feel like going with me today?

Yes. I want to go. I talked with Emma, and she wants to go, too. What did you say the name of the place was?

Casa Bonita in San Dimas.

Okay. Emma will meet us there. Alice is going to take the girls to Emma’s so she can help Jenny watch the boys, said Jani.

Good. Our appointment is at one o’clock. Is that okay with you?

Yes. I’ll let Emma know.

I’ll come and get you, said Franny. I need to keep practicing driving my new car. I’ll pick you up a little after twelve.

As they drove to the convalescent home, Jani commented, You’re driving just fine, Mom.

I think so, too. This car is so much fun, Franny replied. Here we are. Pulling into the parking lot, she saw Emma’s car, and parked next to her. Together they walked to the front door. It looks okay from the outside, said Franny.

Entering Casa Bonita, they looked for the admitting office. Phyllis Michaels, the facility administrator, greeted them at the door. She introduced herself, and asked, Are you Mrs. Stein?

Yes, said Franny. These are my daughters Jani Ross and Emma Mills.

Nice to meet you and your daughters, said Phyllis. Please come into my office and have a seat.

Franny relayed the circumstance with her mother. Phyllis said they had an opening for what she referred to as a private patient verses a state placement.

Would you like a tour? asked Phyllis.

Yes, please, said Franny. They stood up and followed Phyllis down the hall.

Together they entered a very large room with several round tables for four on one side. On the other side there were couches, chairs, and a few recliners in a semicircle facing a large television and a piano in the corner.

Pointing to the tabled area, Phyllis said, This is our eating area, and in between meals, it is used for recreation such as card playing and board games. On this side, she said, directing their attention to the lounge area. Many of our residents enjoy sitting comfortably to watch television. Twice a week schools and coral groups come in to entertain our residents. We also have non-denominational religious services every Sunday. Different local churches come in with their choir.

She then led them down the hall with bedrooms on each side. Franny noticed that there were three beds to a room. I don’t like the idea that mother will have to give up her privacy, thought Franny. They walked a little further, and she saw rooms with two beds, and then they came to the private rooms.

There are two private rooms available, said Phyllis. We have some state placements, and they are in the previous rooms you saw with several beds.

I guess there’s a big advantage to having money, thought Franny. Thank goodness for Jani and Eric who are willing to take care of mother’s expenses.

Here is the private room that is available for your mother, said Phyllis. Franny, Emma, and Jani entered.

As you can see this unit has a private bathroom, said Phyllis. If Isla has a favorite chair, you are welcome to bring it, but that is the only personal furniture allowed. She pointed out the built-in dresser and closet.

I guess this is as good as it gets, thought Franny. It’s hard to accept a convalescent environment after leaving a home-like atmosphere, she told Phyllis.

I know it’s a lot to deal with when it’s time to move a loved one to a facility that cares for others, said Phyllis.

Our father passed away just six months ago, which makes this move harder for us, said Jani. So many emotions are tugging at our hearts.

Rest assured that we will give your mother the best care possible, said Phyllis. Each client becomes like family here.

We must warn you that my mother will not take this move gracefully, said Franny. She has not forgiven me for moving her out of my house when my husband was ill. Every time I visit her she thinks I’ve come to take her home. She also has early signs of dementia, and I’m sure this move will take a toll on her condition.

Many of our new residents have that problem. We are used to dealing with those situations. She will be in good hands here, said Phyllis. Our staff is very qualified. Do you have any questions?

No, said Jani. Do you Emma?

No. Can we have a moment alone? asked Emma, smiling at Jani and her mother.

Certainly. I’ll be in my office if you need me, said Phyllis.

I know this place is not as homey as Claremont, but I think this is equal to what we will find in other convalescent homes, said Emma.

Are you and Eric still willing to burden this expense? Franny asked Jani.

Mother, it’s not a burden, said Jani. In fact, I think this place will cost less than the Claremont house.

Do you think we need to see other places to have a comparison? asked Franny.

If you want to, but I think we’ll find them the same. It seems very clean and the location is close, said Jani.

You’re probably right. Okay, let’s do it, agreed Franny.

They went to Phyllis’s office, and Franny filled out the application and signed the admitting documents. Leaving together, they walked to the parking lot.

I’ll let Alice know you are on your way home, said Emma.

Maybe she and Jenny can be friends, said Jani. I don’t think Alice has any friends. She hasn’t gone out until recently. She has asked to have Saturday nights off the last three weekends. A boy and another couple picked her up the first time, but last Saturday a boy came alone.

That’s interesting, said Franny. Maybe she does have friends.

Are you going to be okay, Mother? asked Emma.

Yes, finding this place was the easy part, said Franny as they walked together to their cars. Getting mother here will be the challenge.

They hugged good-bye and left.

***

Franny woke up around four in the morning on Wednesday. She had a restless night thinking about how she was going to move her mother to Casa Bonita and about her interview at Diamond Jewelers.

While having her morning coffee, she felt good that she had gotten up before sunrise. I’m not rushed. I can’t think about Mother today. I have to concentrate on getting this job. I'll deal with Mother’s move tomorrow.

The closer the time came to leave the house, she became more nervous. I’ll leave early for my interview. I want to drive slowly, and maybe I’ll have time to get a snack before I meet with Mr. Morgan.

Arriving an hour early, she went to a small restaurant in the shopping center and bought a donut and had a cup of coffee. After finishing eating, she went to the ladies’ room in