Chapter 14 - The Last Time Richard Called It His House
The final possession hearing occurred almost eight months after Samuel’s funeral.
By then Richard no longer lived in Westerville.
He rented a small duplex in Reynoldsburg.
Cole Custom Renovation survived in reduced form after Nate Collins bought its remaining equipment and contracts through a negotiated settlement. Richard no longer controlled the company he had spent years trying to save.
Helen lived alone in Gahanna.
She had signed nothing surrendering her relationship with Richard.
She had also not returned to him.
Their marriage remained intact on paper while she attended counseling and decided what she wanted.
The court confirmed Alex’s ownership subject to the settled claims.
No judge dramatically handed him a key.
The locks had already been changed months earlier under an agreed temporary order.
The hearing made permanent what the recorded deed had established years ago.
Outside court, Richard approached Alex with attorneys nearby.
“I want my tools from the garage.”
“They’re boxed.”
“And the workbench.”
“It’s yours.”
Richard nodded.
Then looked at him.
“Samuel never liked me.”
“He trusted you enough to let you care for him.”
“That’s not the same.”
“No.”
Richard stared toward the courthouse steps.
“I kept thinking if I did enough, he would decide I belonged.”
Alex understood that more than he wanted to.
For eleven years he had also measured Samuel’s affection through calls, gifts, and the deed he never asked for.
“Belonging isn’t ownership,” Alex said.
Richard gave him a tired look.
“That sounds like something you learn after somebody gives you the house.”
Fair.
Alex accepted the hit.
Then Richard made one final request.
“Let Helen keep living there if she wants.”
Alex looked surprised.
“You’ve spent eight months saying it should be yours.”
“I know.”
“And now?”
Richard glanced toward Helen standing near Rachel.
“Now I know I was using that house to answer a question it couldn’t answer.”
Alex did not promise anything for Helen.
He had finally learned not to.
He walked to her.
“If you want to live there, we can discuss it.”
Helen looked toward the parking lot.
“Not yet.”
“Okay.”
No persuasion.
No hurt performance.
Just okay.
May you like
Behind them, Richard carried the last box of tools toward his truck.
For the first time since Samuel died, nobody called the Westerville house Richard’s.
