Uncle Raymond stood by the side window, rubbing his thumb over the swollen knuckles of his left hand.

“Victor never spent a dollar he didn’t earn twice,” Raymond said in his short, gravelly voice.

“He kept everything close to his chest.”

Serena walked over from the guest book table, her breathy voice filling the quiet parlor.

She twirled her heavy diamond charm bracelet around her wrist until the gold charms clinked against her skin.

“Julian has been under so much financial strain with his land options,” Serena said, looking over at the casket.

“He just wants to clear up Dad’s property so we can move forward.”