I walked through the empty rooms, listening to the echo of my own footsteps on the oak floors.

The furniture that remained was heavy and dark, chosen by Gloria to show off her family’s old wealth.

“Do you want me to arrange for a clearing crew, ma’am?” Marcus asked, walking into the living room.

“Yes,” I said. “Get rid of everything. Every chair, every curtain, every rug.”

“And the portraits?”

“Take them down,” I said. “Donate them or store them. I don’t want any trace of the Ralston name in this house.”

I walked up the winding staircase to the second floor.

There were five bedrooms, each with its own large window overlooking the gardens.

I picked the two brightest rooms at the end of the hall for Ruby and Hazel.

They would have plenty of space to play, and they would never have to worry about being quiet or staying out of the way.

***

Three weeks later, the house was completely transformed.

The dark walls had been painted a soft, warm white.

The heavy drapes were gone, replaced by light linen curtains that let the Texas sun flood into the rooms.