by David Harder
She looked puzzled. “Why?”
“I’m divorced and remarried and have children from my first marriage. My ex, her new husband, my new wife, the kids—we all get along fine. I have a terrific relationship with my ex and the kids. So, you see, I have no frame of reference for your unique situation.”
“I appreciate your candid honesty, Nate. Thanks for listening to my story with such attentive kindness.”
“You’re an accomplished woman, terrific-looking; and you seem like someone who has control of their life. Your story contradicts all outside appearances.”
“Ah, I guess I should thank the Catholic sisters from the boarding school for your compliment.”
“To look at you, one would never assume you had experienced such tragedies.”
“Thank you. I suppose I hide it well.”
“Please tell me about the private investigator. Whose idea was it to pursue your quest in this manner?”
“James and I had many discussions about my situation. One day, he indicated he had found someone who could help me. James was so sweet. When I inquired about the cost, he dismissed my concerns, suggesting he would take care of it for me.”
“Did you have any knowledge concerning how much it would cost?”
“Not at all.”
“How long did it take to locate your child?”
“The investigator found my daughter in about seven months, but we spent the next ten months with government bureaucratic paperwork in an attempt to initiate contact.”
“And Jim covered all the investigative expenses?”
“I believe so, yes. There were government papers and fees, and we needed an attorney as well.”
“Well, lawyers aren’t cheap. So, you have a daughter. How old is she now?”
Arleen’s voice became animated. “I discovered I have a daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.”
“That’s good news.”
“When we initially met, we were awkward at first, but not too long afterward, we became terrific friends.”
“Did you ever see Jim pay the investigator?”
“Never, but then James wouldn’t discuss the subject either.” Arleen could see Nate processing her words. “Is there something I said that troubles you?”
“No, not at all. I’m concerned that Jim took so many risks with the monies he was borrowing from the company. He used Tynedex as if it were a bank.”
“Now that I know the truth, I’m concerned for the same reasons.”
“I suspect Jim had enough money for the investigator, but not in liquid assets. By using the company’s money, it gave Jim time to arrange for the monies through his personal accounts. I’m making some assumptions because I don’t really know. And now, we’ll never find out. As I said earlier, I’m just glad it worked out for you.”
“I cannot thank James enough for his contribution. It’s sad he isn’t here to enjoy my new family.”
“Did Jim ever meet your daughter or her family?”
Arleen’s face displayed deep sadness. “I’m afraid James only saw her pictures from the investigator. Had I known then what I know now, I would have found a way for them to meet.”
“Arleen, I want to thank you for meeting me this evening. I know our discussions have been difficult, but I appreciate you sharing sensitive details. Please note I will treat your private information with my utmost respect.”
“Merci beaucoup.”
Arleen’s eyes began to tear up, so Nate pulled his silk handkerchief out and handed it to Arleen. She politely nodded in acknowledgment.
“Arleen, may I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course.”
“Have you ever been married? Perhaps I should ask it another way. Did you and Jim ever get married?”
“The answer is no to both your questions.”
Nate sat back and folded his arms. “How is it possible that no man has ever asked for your hand in marriage? I would think that you have a trail of men lined up to ask you.”
“Nate, like most men, you see the pretty package and assume the contents inside are perfect. I have plenty of males who fawn over and charm me. While in my presence, I watch grown men act like complete fools. In fact, I use my beauty to an advantage in my line of work. Many men have asked to marry me, but I rejected them all because they see the outside, not my real heart.”
“But, not Jim Kreider?”
Arleen’s face brightened. “No. James was very different from any man I’ve ever known. He was sweet, kind, attentive, and sensitive. James saw my heart and loved me for who I am, not for what I look like.”
“And you can tell the difference?”
Arleen’s expression dramatically changed. “But, of course. When the right love appears, it is like a fire burning within your soul. It elevates you to unimaginable heights.”
Again, Nate was at a loss for words. He loved his wife and children and even believed he loved his ex-wife, but he would never describe his love in such passionate terms. Nate was mildly jealous.
“You make me wish Jim were still alive.”
Arleen exhibited diametrically converse emotions by crying and laughing at the same time. “Oh, Nate, I miss James terribly.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“MARGARET SAYS DINNER WILL BE ready in thirty minutes.” There was no response. “Did you hear me, Thomas?”
Dr. Nolan slowly pulled his eyes away from the lake behind their property and casually turned his head. “I beg your pardon.”
His wife, Susan, moved closer, wrapping her arms around her husband’s chest. She rested a flat palm over Tom’s heart. “What is it, dear? You seem far away.”
Tom turned his head, staring across the lake. He pursed his lips and lightly shook his head. Susan became concerned but forced her usual, everything-is-okay smile. Her husband was a perceptive man, and she loved that he was both equally strong and sensitive.
“Now, Thomas, I know you cannot discuss your patients because of some government hippo laws, but perhaps you could tell me something.”
Producing his grimace-smile, Tom looked into his wife’s eyes. “It’s called HIPAA, not hippo, and it protects confidential patient information.”
Slightly irritated, Susan again attempted to have her husband share his troubles. “HIPAA or hippo, that’s not the point, and personally, I like hippo myself. Thomas Nolan, I know when something is troubling you. Since arriving home, you’ve held that glass of wine in your hand and stood on this deck, staring across the lake.”
Looking down at his glass, Tom initially tried to refute her statement, but he quickly realized she was correct. Tom had not touched his wine.
“It’s James Kreider’s service arrangements.”
Susan took Tom’s glass, sipped his wine, and handed the glass back. “This is delicious, Thomas. Come sit with me.”
She took his hand and pulled him toward a table and chairs. Tom reluctantly dragged his feet. Susan sat still and watched her husband twist the stem of his wine glass back and forth. Rainbow colors from the glass and burgundy shadows danced on the white linen tablecloth. Susan reached over and placed her hand on his, stopping his actions.
“Thomas?”
Taking a deep breath, Tom took a sip of the wine. “You’re right, this is delicious.”
“Of course, it’s been allowed to breathe for quite some time now.”
Tom grimace-smiled again. “I love you.”
Susan leaned over, took Tom’s face into her hands, and gave him a kiss. His breath was sweet with the aroma of the wine.
“Tomorrow, it’s my turn to talk about James Kreider, and I don’t know what to say.”
“Oh my, that poor family. Far too much tragedy. It does make one wonder why these things happen. I know God has plans for each of us, but I do question the rationale for allocating so much pain to one family. His children must be heartbroken. First their mother, and now, just months later, their father has perished.”
Tom silently no
dded in agreement. “Unfortunately, we—our team meeting at the lawyer’s office—are discovering things about James that none of us knew. It’s getting rather complicated.”
“I suppose you’ll do an excellent job of sharing from your heart.”
“I hope.”
The sliding door from the house opened, and a woman stuck her head out. “Are you two ready for dinner?”
“I’ll be there momentarily, Margaret.”
Susan stood, walking toward the house, but Tom grabbed her wrist.
“May we eat outside?”
Susan made a wordless, groaning sound. “The bugs are terrible this time of year.”
“Please?”
“Oh, Thomas . . . okay.”
Moments later, Margaret and Susan rolled a service cart out of the house and onto the deck. In a quiet and efficient manner, the two women set the table with fine china and two candles. Margaret lit them.
“Thank you, Margaret. We’ll take it from here,” Susan dismissed her.
“Are you sure?” Margaret was slightly disappointed. Even though she was their cook and maid, oftentimes she was treated like a family member and invited to join the couple.
“Everything looks beautiful, Margaret,” Susan said firmly. “Have a lovely evening.”
“Thank you. Tom, Susan. Enjoy your meal.” Her voice was curt and precise.
After Margaret entered the house, Tom reached over and held his wife’s hands. They bowed their heads, and Tom said grace over their meal.
“Our gracious Father, we ask Your blessings on the food we are about to eat and bless the hands that prepared our meal. Fill our hearts with thankfulness that Your grace may abound. Amen.”
Tom looked up at his wife. “It’s possible you may have hurt her feelings.”
“I know. I’ll speak with her tomorrow. I think it is important we have dinner alone this evening.”
“Thank you.”
Throughout their meal time, Susan kept the conversation light. They enjoyed a wonderful dinner of pecan-encrusted salmon, wild rice, and steamed vegetables. Tom ate only about half his meal.
“You’re not hungry?”
“Margaret is a fantastic cook. Give her my highest compliments. I’m full.”
Tom enjoyed his wine, and Susan finished eating, but she kept a watchful eye on her husband.
“Red wine with fish? I’m sure you’re breaking a Martha Stewart rule.”
“Perhaps, but I enjoy reds much more than whites. Besides, red wine is better for you.”
Susan set her plate aside and moved her chair closer to Tom. “May I?” she asked as she pointed to his glass.
“I’ll pour you a glass if you’d like.”
Susan smiled. “No, I like sharing this one with you.”
“You’re a terrific wife, a superb mother, and I love you more and more each day.”
“So, Thomas, tell me, what’s eating at you?”
Frustrated, Tom looked around. Tears began to well in his eyes. “Do you realize that I delivered James Kreider and held him as he took his first breath? This is painful. I feel old today. This isn’t the natural order of things.”
Tom toyed with his wine glass, which was almost empty, so Susan poured more wine into his glass.
“You were always closer to James than the other boys. Trust God for wisdom. He will guide your feelings and words regarding this matter.”
Tom slowly shook his head. “James was like a son to me. I cannot believe he is gone.”
“Honor the memories of James that give you joy and share those.”
Tom stared intently at Susan. “Do you ever regret only having one child?”
“Oh, of course not. Like the story in the Old Testament with Abraham’s wife, Sarah, I was delighted to have one child. I know you wanted a son, but, apparently, this body of mine wasn’t designed for more than one child.”
The two sat in silence, pondering these words for some time.
“Oh, Thomas, speaking of children, I received a telephone call from our daughter today.”
“And how are things in Italy?”
“They’ve decided to come for a visit during Thanksgiving.”
“Just Charlotte alone, or the whole family?”
Susan smiled. “Charlotte, Gino, and the twins—Robyn and Bobby.”
Tom smiled. “Excellent. It will be fun to see them again. It’s been years since we saw them last. How old are the twins now?”
“They’re turning twenty this year. They also want to visit some colleges while they are here.”
“Hopefully, the children will speak English while they’re visiting. I always have trouble understanding them over the phone.”
“Then I suggest you start by learning some Italian.”
“Oh, Susan, don’t be silly. I’m much too old to learn a new language.” Tom broadly smiled. “I’m looking forward to their visit, and I’ll have more time for them this go-around.”
“Which reminds me. I have been meaning to tell you how much I appreciate you making the changes at your practice. You and I have grown closer these past few months.”
“I was worried about bringing in the help and not sure I could afford it—what with all the changes in medical insurance these days—but I’m starting to like the arrangements. Even though Dr. Prentiss is so young, she knows more medicine just out of residency than I’ve acquired in all my years of practice. I learn something new from her every day.”
“Thomas Nolan, I thought you were too old to learn a new language!”
Tom chuckled. “Okay, okay, you’re right. I’ll start learning Italian.”
“I’m just happy to see more of my husband these days. You seem less worried, too.”
“During our meetings at the lawyer’s office, I’ve come to realize that I was focused on my medical practice more than caring about you. I hope I’m not too late.”
Susan hugged her husband tight and kissed his face. “No, you’re perfect, and I love you, Thomas.”
They stood and walked over to the railing of the deck, watching a family of ducks swim by. The parents worked to keep the small babies in a line as they floated across the water’s edge. Tom loved this place because it was quiet and peaceful.
Their home was formerly owned by Tom’s aunt, whom he visited frequently and spent his summers with as a child. His aunt was childless; and when she had passed on, she granted the home and the five acres of wooded, lakefront property to Tom. He and Susan spent a fortune upgrading the home to more modern standards with new bathrooms and a fantastic chef’s kitchen. Tom’s thoughts drifted off as he swept in the views of the lake.
“While Charlotte is visiting, I hope you don’t mind, but we’re going to have a girls’ day and go shopping. You, Gino, and Bobby can have some male bonding time.”
Tom pursed his lips and grimaced.
“You’ll be fine, Thomas. Gino is a doctor, and you two will share things in common.”
“My love, Gino is a cosmetic plastic surgeon. I doubt he and I have much in common. Nonetheless, we’ll be okay. Maybe we’ll go play a round of golf.”
“Thank you, Thomas. I knew you would understand.”
“And, since we’re on the subject—”
“Which one?” Susan asked.
“Plastic surgery.”
Susan was hesitant. “Okay?”
“I didn’t say anything when they sent us family photos from their vacation on the Rivera, but did Gino do anything to Charlotte’s body?”
Susan smiled and pretended to not understand. “Why, what are you referring to, Thomas?”
“I may be a busy doctor, and not pay close attention to family details, but if I didn’t know better, I’d say our daughter modified certain parts of her body.”
“Thomas, she’s married to a plastic surgeon.”
“Susan, has she altered anything else I should know about?”
“She’s a grown woman and can make her own choices.”
“What’s wrong
with what God gave her in the first place?”
“I think you’re asking, what’s wrong with what we gave her?” Susan was defensive.
Tom was frustrated. “What is the fascination with kids these days wanting to have perfect bodies? Look at us. We love each other just how God created us. Don’t we?”
Susan chuckled. “I think I understand your point, but you should know, what you just said could easily be misinterpreted.”
Sounding just slightly exasperated, “Susan, you know what I mean, and you’re perfect. I like you, just the way you are, unmodified.”
“Thomas, you must know that when Charlotte was younger, many of her friends teased her horribly. It was embarrassing for her. We spent many hours in mother-daughter discussions on how beautiful she is and how unimportant one’s body is shaped.”
“I truly didn’t know. She could have talked to me.”
Susan wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his chest. “You were busy saving lives, delivering babies, and providing a living for your family. We all have our roles to play. Charlotte is still your daughter, modified or not. Please respect her personal choices.”
Tom set his glass on the railing and hugged his wife. “I guess you’re correct. You’re an amazing woman, and I’m lucky to have you as my wife.”
* * *
When Tony’s cell phone rang, he was just sitting down to have dinner with his family. He recognized the number and sheepishly looked at his wife, Rachel.
“This won’t take long. I’ll be right back. I promise.”
“Famous last words, Tony. In five minutes, we start eating.”
He smiled. “Five minutes, Rachel. Got it.” As he walked away, he muttered under his breath, “What a guilt trip, Rachel.”
As Tony rushed away from the dinner table, he pressed the phone button. “Hello?”
Staci sounded upset. “Mr. Toncetti, Robert told me I couldn’t bring Marcus to the service for Daddy. Is that true?”
“No, Staci, that is not true.” Although Tony instantly thought he agreed with Robert’s declaration, based on Tony’s previous experience with Marcus.
“He also said I look like a freak and will embarrass everyone.”
“Good grief, Robert, grow up,” Tony mumbled.