Chapter 144

"Hello?" An older woman came to a stop when she saw Ronnie.

"Hello, I'm Veronica, but everyone calls me Ronnie. You must be Marie Weaver, the housekeeper." Veronica held out her hand. "We spoke on the phone."

Instead of shaking hands, Mrs. Weaver beelined it across the room and hugged her tightly. When she stepped back, she said, "I'm so glad to finally meet you, Ver - , I mean Ronnie. You're much prettier in person than pictures I've seen over the years. Your eyes are so crystal blue, and you look so much like your aunt." Mrs. Weaver placed a warm hand on each of Veronica's upper arms. "I've heard so much about you for so many years, it's so wonderful to finally meet you."

"Really? I had no idea Aunt Sally, uh, uh, had me in her plans. She never told me anything." Ronnie's gaze searched the room, found the stone gas fireplace, and she moved toward it. "Sorry, I'm freezing. Not used to this weather yet." She chuckled and held her hands out to the warmth while she continued scanning