Chapter 30
Azalea’s POV.
My graduation was near. I attended all my classes online, and there were only a few exams that I had to take in person. I know that my degree doesn’t come from the best of the best colleges, but I was damn proud to have my degree.
I could hopefully be an inspiration to Lynn. Getting my degree had been something I wanted to do for a long time, it had been my dream since before I was even in high school. I had all these ideas of what it would be like, and while I didn’t have the traditional American college dream, I still obtained my degree and could proudly say, “I did it.” I did it all while working a full-time job and being a single mother.
Working with Jakob these past five months has been such an honor. I learned so much more about business within the agriculture world.
I drove to the post office to grab my degree. My hands itched to open the envelope, but I promised to meet everyone for dinner—Ada, who had Lynn, and Jakob too. I drove to Jakob’s ranch and immediately saw the banners that said, “You did it.” I smiled and got out of the car instantly.
“Come along, Azalea,” Roberts said with a smile as he led the way. “Congratulations, by the way. I think it’s incredible that you did this all while working and looking after Lynn,” he complimented.
“Thank you so much, Roberts,” I smiled.
I got to the backyard where the party was set up. The table was filled with various treats, including a cake to celebrate the event. Lynn ran up to me.
“Hello, Mama!” She hugged me. I hugged and kissed her.
“Congratulations, Azalea,” Jakob said and helped me out with Lynn.
“Congratulations, Azzie,” Ada hugged me too.
“Thank you both so, so much. I have you both to thank for helping me out, or I wouldn’t be able to have this in my hand right now,” I said truthfully.
I finally opened my envelope and inside rested my beautiful diploma with my name written. I’ve never been so proud of myself before, and I had three important people with me to celebrate this moment.
I had them to thank for all the strength and support. I made the best out of this night with my family and celebrated my moment to the fullest. It was perfect. Near the end of the night, Ada and I spoke on the phone with Clara while Lynn told Jakob all about her day at the preschool she went to, and he patiently sat there and listened to her.
I couldn't have asked for a better life.
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It’s been close to a year since Jakob had changed our lives around. I have been loving my job more and more. I get the best of both worlds, and I get to spend so much more time with my daughter. We were all thriving until two months ago when Jakob’s health started declining all of a sudden. Jakob refused to be kept in the hospital and instead spent the little time he had left organizing barbecues, brunch dates, and other activities to get us all together. He and Ada grew closer as friends, and it was great to see.
Everything was fine until we got that one call late at night. The following days had been hard, managing the funeral arrangements with Roberts, dealing with work, the press, and Lynn, of course. It was Ada who kept me sane during all of this.
Jakob was quite a famous man and had many acquaintances. Planning this funeral was hard, but we managed to do it all, and now we were all at his final service.
“Mommy, I don’t want him to go,” Lynn cried and hid herself in my thighs.
“I know, baby. I love him too,” I bent down and cupped her face, “but death is a natural process for humans.”
“Make him stay,” Lynn begged. She was never too whiny until now.
“Honey, I’m not God. Mr. Jakob is going to rest now; he’ll be reunited with his wife and daughter,” I explained as gently as possible. “I know, baby, but they’ve been waiting for him for a long time, and it’s only fair they get him now, right?” I asked sweetly.
“What will we do without him?” she pouted and hugged me tightly.
“Life sadly moves on, but he left us several notes, so we’ll sit and read them, and we’ll reminisce about all the great memories we had,” I replied, watching as she continued to pout. She still refused to throw the flowers. “It was such an honor to have known him, right? What do you say we show him that respect?” I asked and fixed her hair.
“I guess,” she sighed.
“Good, now come on,” I smiled briefly and got up.
Lynn finally gave in. She dropped some of the roses, and I followed afterward. Roberts gave me a subtle nod and followed. His eyes were puffy and red. To him, Jakob was more than a boss, he was a close friend, and I couldn’t imagine how he must feel right now. He was far closer to Jakob than I was.
I walked back and stood near Ada, who began to rub my back. First my dad, now Mr. Jakob. I lost two father figures already, and the pain was unbearable. I looked down at Lynn, who held onto my hand tightly. She wasn’t prepared for any of this, but I am proud of how she handled things. I was so grateful that Jakob had written notes for us. There was one for every occasion, especially for Lynn.
“You did great,” Ada whispered to me.
“I’m not too sure about that,” I whispered back and looked over at her. I was so thankful she was here. I’m not sure how I would’ve managed to do anything if she hadn’t been here to support me and help me with Lynn.
“There’s no proper way to tell a five-year-old, and you made her understand it to where she could,” Ada replied, rubbing my shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll still have some questions, but you’ll do just fine,” she continued to whisper.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, kid,” Ada then said lastly.
“I feel like we only just got to enjoy having him,” I sighed.
“I know, dear, but you know you and Lynn made him the happiest before leaving this place,” Ada replied, and that did make me smile, knowing how much happiness we had brought him. “Just remember all the things he taught you,” Ada patted my shoulder.
After the funeral, we all went home. I prepared Lynn for bed right away. She had a long day and was utterly tired. I tucked her in nicely, then finally went to my living room. Roberts had given me a box with several things, one of them being the letters. I didn’t get a chance to check it out in detail this morning, but now I can.
There was one for my following birthdays, for Lynn’s, for every graduation of hers, prom dates, and several other milestones she may have in her life. I couldn’t believe how incredibly thoughtful he had been.
I wiped away my tears when I heard the doorbell. I frowned and walked over to see who was at the door. I opened up and saw it was Roberts.
“Roberts?” I frowned as I saw the man at my door. I didn’t expect to see him here this late.
“I know you’re still grieving, we all are, but this includes you, and you’ll be needed to show up tomorrow,” Roberts explained apologetically and gave me a folder.
“Needed for what?” I asked and allowed him inside.
“This,” he said and presented me with one of the documents within the folder.
“Roberts… What’s all this?” I frowned as I read through it. It couldn’t be, could it?
“Jakob left everything to you and Lynn, with the exception of the house in Bellevue that was left for me,” Roberts confirmed what I just read.
“What do you mean, everything?” I stuttered.
“A vast majority of his shares and such went to you, and he put a lot of savings for Lynn. She won’t be able to access some of the funds until she’s twenty-one, and the properties need to be managed until she’s eighteen too,” Roberts explained with half a smile on his lips.
“The company…” I muttered, thinking of all of it. Could it truly be?
“All yours. He arranged it with the board members, and he does have the highest share, so his words and will are final,” Roberts confirmed.
“I own Tattlington Farms?” I asked, still finding it unbelievable. How has my life changed so much in only a matter of a year?
“Yes, Azalea, all of it. You’re expected to show up at the board meeting tomorrow,” Roberts crossed his arms and seemed truly apologetic that I had to go tomorrow. “They understand you’re dealing with the death of a family member, which is why it’s only a brief meeting to get to know each other,” he shrugged.
“Roberts… I’m terrified,” I admitted, just thinking about the control I had now. I was in charge of a lot, and I know Jakob left it to me because he wanted me to manage it.
“I know, that’s why Jakob lastly asked me to look after you and Lynn until you’re all settled in,” Roberts assured me, and a smile crept up my face.
I nodded, feeling a bit more relieved with this information. I would run the biggest farm in our country. I couldn’t believe it, I never expected him to leave everything to Lynn and me. I had to impress him, show him that I was worth it. Even if he’s gone, I need him to know how much I appreciate it. It was all so wild to me; I was living my father’s dream and Jakob’s too.