Temporary Bride

(San Diego speciality hospital, September, 15th 2021) "Are you sure about this, Mr Sutherland"? "As sure as I can be, Williams". "You do know that grandson of yours isn't going to thank you for this, right? ". "Aye, that boy of mine sure takes after me, he is as stubborn as I was forty years ago". "He sure takes after you, Mr Sutherland ". "Aye, that he does, Williams, that he does. But, it's about time he stopped gallivanting around town with all these bimbos, and settled down". " He seems to be enjoying all the gallivanting, as you call it." " There comes a time in a man's while when he needs to stop gallivanting and stick to his roots." "And if he chooses to ignore the will, let Thomas take control of the company". "I know my boy, Williams, Damian lives for Dove ventures, and he would rather die than see Thomas at the helm". "And if he chooses to stick to his roots, with one of those bimbos, as you call them." " I know my boy, Williams, he'll make the perfect choice." "Alright then, Mr Sutherland, I must confess that I can't wait to see the look on Damian's face when he reads the will". "It's a pity I won't be there to see his face", he said with a sly smile on his face. The two men laughed so loudly they could be heard in the nurses' station. (Two days later) " I have lived a full life, Williams, there have been tough times, but that's life. I have had sorrow, but I've also had joy. When we lost both of our boys, Allison was devastated. She never healed, until the day she left this world. I had to stay strong for my grandsons. They were all I had, and I was all they had. The good Lord must have finally decided to give me some joy in life because I managed to raise two wonderful young men. It breaks my heart to leave them. But it's time to live in this world. My Allison is waiting for me. Now here's what I want you to do for me. I feel my time is near, but I'll be damned if I am gonna lie here waiting for death. I want to meet death in style. Call my boys and throw me a party, give me fun, send forth Williams." Two days later, Alfred Wulfric Sutherland crossed over to eternal rest, with both of his grandsons on either side of him, a glass of whiskey in his hand, and a smile on his face. Despite the ravages, cancer had caused in his body in the previous months. He looked peaceful and content in death. A week later, the patriarch of the Sutherland clan was laid to rest beside his wife, Allison Bernadette Sutherland…….. And our story begins.