“My name is Courtney Horan, and some of you may know me from the summers I spent here with my grandmother, Kay Patterson. You may not know that I’m an old friend of Alex’s, and I’m very grateful that the Dudek family allowed me to speak briefly today.” Courtney wiped away a tear, composing herself. “You’ve all heard what a truly good brother, man, and member of the community Alex was, but I wanted to add something very personal.” Courtney smiled shyly. “Alex was my first true love. Don’t worry, my husband knows all about it.”
There were sniffles and chuckling, and Paul smiled, too. Julia looked over, proud of them both, and realized that they must have discussed whatever Courtney was going to say.
“I wanted to say that out loud because Alex deserved it, and more. When we were dating, we snuck around the way teenagers do, hiding it from my grandmother, who you may know was tragically murdered last Monday.” Courtney swallowed hard, her eyes brimming. “Since then, Samuel Palkovich died by suicide, and our most recent loss was of our dear Alex. All of these losses, these three beloved human beings, are still under investigation, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to get justice for my grandmother, Samuel, and, of course, Alex.”
Everyone straightened in their seat, and heads nodded in approval.
“But that’s not why I’m here today. I loved Alex because he was a relentlessly good man, and above all, he was completely committed to doing good for others. That’s why he put his money where his mouth was, putting all his time and resources into Shenandoah Preservation.It’s also why he befriended my grandmother Kay, whom everybody adored, and Samuel, whom, I think it’s fair to say, only Alex and my grandmother adored.”
There were chuckles and sniffles, and Courtney managed a smile. If she was bitter about Samuel taking his stalker pictures of Kay, it didn’t show.
“What I wanted to say today was that I’ve made a decision to honor the memory of Alex and my grandmother. Grandma Kay was kind enough to leave me her farm outside of town, with a beautifully maintained farmhouse that she loved, a garden she cultivated, and thirty acres of open pastureland. I’ve decided to transfer the deed to her house to Shenandoah Preservation to be used as an office, in perpetuity.”
There were delighted gasps, and the mourners erupted in excited conversation.
Julia felt a rush of love for Courtney, and pride on her behalf. It was such a classy thing for her best friend to do, and Julia should have known that Courtney would do it and not waste any time announcing the decision.
Courtney smiled shakily, wiping a tear from her eye. “In addition, my grandmother’s estate also included two hundred and twenty thousand dollars, which she left to me. I’m donating the money in its entirety to Shenandoah Preservation. Alex told me that he wanted to hire more staff and geological experts to continue his good works. Now, because of him and Kay, Shenandoah Preservation will have everything it needs.”
Benjamin looked over in shock, and Julia burst into spontaneous applause, then so did everybody else, all of them joining to share a moment of joy amid their grief, a healing that bound them all together.
Courtney waved to end the clapping. “Thank you so much, this is exactly what my Grandma Kay would’ve wanted me to do with her estate. She loved her farm, her land, and especially her garden. To my thinking, Shenandoah Preservation is a group of people who try to make sure that our special little corner of Pennsylvania, which has been so mismanaged and abused in the past, will become a garden for everyone.”
Mourners nodded, sniffled, and wiped their eyes.
“I know this would’ve made Alex happy, and I hope Alex’s good works go on forever, under the loving eye of my grandmother. That’s all I wanted to say, and to the Dudek family, please accept my deepest sympathy.” Courtney paused. “And after this service, I will be scattering my grandmother’s ashes in her beloved garden, according to her wishes. It’s my personal belief that both Alex and my grandmother are with us still, and always will be.”
Courtney caught Julia’s eye, and Julia knew Courtney was right.
“Thank you very much.”
67
They reached Kay’s farm, and Gianluca pulled up in front of the house behind Paul’s car. The place looked peaceful and still, and Julia’s throat caught to think of Courtney’s generous gift of the property and the estate. Still her headache intensified the moment they parked in the driveway.
Gianluca cut the ignition. “What a pretty place!”
“I know.” Julia managed a smile. She got out of the car, then went around to the back to get Leni out of her child’s seat.
“Wheee!” Leni began running around as soon as Julia set her down, happy to be in open space again.
“Hey, guys,” Courtney said wearily, coming out of the house. She looked drained, and Julia climbed the steps to give her a warm hug.
“You are so wonderful to give the farm to Shenandoah.”
“Thanks.” Courtney released her. “How could I not?”
Paul snorted, with a dry smile. “I can think of two hundred and twenty thousand reasons why not, but I agree with you, Julia. She did the right thing.”
“Bravissima, Courtney!” Gianluca kissed her on both cheeks, Italian-style.
Courtney smiled. “Ooh, I love when you do that.”
“I hate it,” Paul wisecracked.
“Auntie Courtney!” Leni raised her little arms, and Courtney hoisted Leni up.
“Hello again, baby girl!”