Chapter 7 - AARON’S MONEY
Aaron’s life-insurance policy paid $750,000.
After funeral costs, some debt, and time away from work, about $620,000 remained.
I paid down the mortgage.
Funded emergency savings.
Placed money in Noah’s 529.
Nothing extravagant.
My father knew.
Kevin knew.
Nobody said anything ugly directly.
Until the trust conversation.
Dad called it:
“Additional security.”
I called it:
“Money because my husband died.”
He winced.
“Claire.”
“No. Say it correctly.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“That doesn’t change what it is.”
My father rubbed his forehead.
“We were looking at total family resources.”
“Who is we?”
Silence.
“Dad.”
“Kevin and me.”
There.
“Did you make a spreadsheet?”
His eyes flickered.
May you like
I knew before he answered.
“Yes.”
