I heard his truck door open, close and then a minute later he was opening my door. “I’m going to help you down, okay?” I nodded. I was intrigued and even more curious. We began walking. The air hinted of lavender and I briefly wondered if Grams had a field of it to remind me of her. I wouldn't put it past her. My knees shook slightly. I wasn't quite sure why I was nervous, but I was.
“It’s good, honey. Relax.” His strong calloused hand squeezed mine, giving me the courage to take another step, and then another after that.
“I’m going to take the blindfold off, and I want you to read something. Don’t look around, just look at me, okay?”
“Okay.” My voice came out unsure.
He moved me by the shoulders. Apparently, he wanted me to stand exactly in this spot. The blindfold fell away. My eyes squinted to adjust to the light. Rys stood in front of me, the wall of him protecting me. I didn't even know why I was afraid. Fear is fickle, the only thing that’s constant about it, is the uncertainty of how you will react.
Behind Rys, I saw a field of dirt that looked like the soil was recently turned over but that was it.
“She gave me this to give to you. Said you’d make it here in your own time, and when you did, I should give this to you.” He placed a small white envelope in my hand. I wanted to see what it said, but I needed to savor it. This was something from my Grams. My name was scrawled in perfect Grams' penmanship. I brought it to my nose and inhaled before opening it, vanilla.
I carefully opened it so as not to tear or disrupt a single piece of the paper. Inside, was a single piece of stationery with a gold A monogram on it.
Maple,
You are your legacy. Dare to dream.
Love, Grams
I read it three times, taking in her words, not really sure what they meant. I met Rys’ eyes, and saw only kindness and love reflecting back at me.
He grabbed my shoulders and turned me around. My eyes bulged and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. In front of me were rows and rows of apple trees. Grams left me an orchard. It needed work, that much was obvious. There were hardly any apples left since we were so late in the season, but a quick glance made me think that a good pruning would make the apples plentiful next year.
I stepped away from Rys and moved in a circle, taking it all in. The sun beat down heavily on us, and I could feel a light sheen of moisture on my skin. Off to the side was a wild patch of lavender with wilting green edges. I had a feeling it was left there on purpose. There had to be at least twenty acres here. On one side of me, there were all kinds of apple trees and across from that, what I had first thought of as dirt, I could now tell was turned soil ready to be sowed.
“Keenan, honey, this is amazing.”
“She was truly a spectacular woman,” he kissed my exposed shoulder. I couldn't help it, his touch, these apples, Grams-- it was all too much. A tear slid down my cheek, and then another.
Dare to dream.
Was this really all mine? I wasn't crying out of sadness. No. These tears were because my heart was full. I may have experienced way too much loss, but I was also starting to see how much love I’d experienced. Keenan Rys loves me. My Grams loved me. My Momma loved me.
I took a deep breath and inhaled all that life had given me, and realized without a shadow of a doubt, that I love me.
In this field, I could see possibility. I looked at the trees and didn’t see apples. I saw a future. Deep down, I always knew that what I loved more than anything was baking my apples, and secretly, a secret I’d never admitted fully to myself, I knew this was my dream. I’d ignored it. I had shut down my potential, because I was carrying my mother’s ghost. I was beginning to realize that I was more than that. I was more than my past. Staring at the field filled with Granny Smiths, Red Delicious and Honeycrisps, I believed that I could create my legacy. I spent so long just getting by, and I finally understood that my life could be what I wanted it to be. I had a choice. I could keep on getting by, or I could get it good. I was going for good. I could see the dream I never dared to have, and I wanted it.
To say the last ten months had been easy would be a lie. I had spent this time daring to dream. Endless hours went into taking care of our trees. After lots of prodding from Rys, we hired Manuelle. He turned out to be a lifesaver, and since I didn't have to do all of the manual labor, I was able to focus on what I loved; creating.
With the help of Rys, we tore out my kitchen and added all industrial appliances including four ovens and a stovetop that any five-star restaurant would be envious of.
Getting the house ready so that I could bake once we had apples was the easy part. The hard part was creating Wilshire’s Legacy. I baked pies and brought them to all the diners, coffee shops, grocery stores and any other small business I could think of in Banks County. I got so many orders, so that when my apples were ready, I’d sell my pies. Carl and Darlene were disappointed that it wasn’t exclusive to their store. But I had grand ideas. My goal was that after the first two years, I’d be big enough that my kitchen would no longer be able to handle the flow. I’d cover Tennessee and Virginia first, and Kentucky and the Carolinas next. My business plan was solid and I was lucky enough that Grams provided me with the capital to get it off the ground.
I had a celebration the first day all of the pies were delivered. The local paper came out and did a story, taking a picture of me. I shared with them a picture of my Grams and Momma. I named the company Wilshire’s Legacy because it was a piece of all of us. Maybe, I was my mom’s legacy, and maybe this could’ve been her dream too if she was sane enough, but this was most definitely part of Grams legacy.
In the little time I had available, I had gone through the rest of the basement. I’d found so many more things of my Momma’s and eventually, I was able to let go of any leftover anger and resentment. With Rys’ help, I found my peace; an incredibly hectic, first-year, start-up business kind of peace.
We were barbecuing on our new deck. Max, his girlfriend Mary, Rebecca, Sasha, and Emily were sitting under my amazing ten-foot umbrella that I had immediately fallen in love with. The deck was larger than I had originally wanted, but Rys sold me on how nice it would be to entertain people out here.
Besides my amazing umbrella, I had a cast iron table that we found in the back recesses of the basement. I didn't know how old it was, just that it weighed a ton. Rys had to move it with a few of his friends, but it was so worth it. I had potted large potted plants along the sides of the deck and built-in bench seating, that also worked as storage, against the house. I also had a free standing bar that was close to the grill. Rys, Earl, Janet (who I adored), and Jack (who I tolerated) were at that bar doing double-duty manning the grill. I had just handed Delilah a Super Soaker so that she could happily chase after Aaron.. Since I was moving through the grass, I spotted it first.
A shiny, new, red F350 pulled up in front of the house and idled. I watched to see what they were going to do, and if it was someone I knew. I made eye contact with Rys and tilted my head to the side, so he knew what I was looking at. He shrugged and gave me the ‘I have no clue’ look. I continued to watch as Rys joined me in the grass. “You want me to see what they want?” he asked.
“Let’s wait and see, if they get out.” We didn’t have to wait long. The diesel engine cut off and a man I didn’t recognize rounded the truck and moved towards the house.
“Jack, man the grill,” Rys called back.
We walked to meet the man. The closer we got, I noticed his dark hair with silver streaks on the side. He was slightly taller than Rys. His skin was tan, but in a natural sort of way. He wore sunglasses, hiding his eyes, a deep blue T-shirt, and jeans.
“Can I help you?” Rys asked as he got near.
The man looked nervous. I noticed a newspaper folded in the crook of his arm. He stared at me long and hard. I couldn't see his eyes, but I’d imagine without the sunglasses that his eyes would be examining me, that’s how hard he was staring.
Rys p
ut his arm around my waist as we waited for the man’s response.
His voice was gravelly and low, “Are you Maple, Grace’s daughter?”
My eyes flashed to Rys. I didn't know who this man was. Anyone asking me about Momma was usually not a good sign.
“Who’s asking?” Rys’ body was rigid as he stood slightly in front of me.
“Names Brian Wahl.” He stuck out his hand to shake Rys.
“Rys.”
“I’m Maple. What can I do for you?” I stuck out my hand and as his hand gripped mine I no longer had that cautious feeling.
“This is gonna sound weird. I was passing through town and I stopped at the diner. I come through about twice a year on my way up north. I got a cabin in Michigan that I hunt at. Anyways, so I saw the paper and the article about Wilshire’s Legacy.” He paused, then took off his sunglasses and stared at me.
The breath left my lungs. Rys’ body reacted too. I knew he saw what I saw.
Brian rubbed his chin and continued. “I met your mom a long time ago. Never heard from her, or saw her again. I always hoped when I came through that I’d run into her again. I’m sorry to read about her loss. I know this might sound crazy, but do you know who your dad is?”
“Freaking hell.” My eyes bulged. I was beyond shocked because Brian’s eyes were the lightest shade of maple.
“I know. I saw the picture and read the article. I swear to you, you look like my sister Kathy. How old are you?”
“I’m thirty-two.”
He paused as if calculating the time frame. “Maple, I think that fits. I think that I might be your dad. I had no idea, I swear it. But looking at you, and your eyes, they’re just like mine.”
“We’re barbecuing with some friends. Do you want to come back? Grab a beer?” Rys asked.
“I don't drink, but a soda would be great.”
I squeezed Rys’ hand, letting him know I approved and we walked back to the deck with Brian.
The rest of the night was surreal. I sat and talked with Brian for hours, long after our friends left. After a while, Rys left me alone on the deck to give Brian and me some space. Brian was easy to talk to. Conversation flowed freely. I had already found out that he was a retired truck driver and has a small handy-man business in Florida. He had spent most of the evening asking me as many questions as he could. We covered the business, where I’ve lived and how Rys and I met. Earl grilled him and went as far as asking to see his driver's license. It must have been the cop in him that was suspicious. Brian didn’t blame him. He seemed glad to have so many people looking out for me.
“So, no kids then, huh?” I asked.
“Not that I know of. Heck, now I’m not so sure,” he laughed nervously.
“Parents?”
“My mom is in a nursing home. Dementia. But I have two sisters, Kathy, and Joy. Both got a bunch of kids. Heck, Kathy has a granddaughter too. Wait ‘til she finds out. She’s going to want to meet you. Unless that’s too much. I can wait to tell them if you want, but I’m pretty excited. I’m a dad. That blows my mind.”
I laughed with him, “I’d love to meet her. It was just Grams and me, and Momma was sick, so I only really had Grams. I’d love to meet your family.”
“You’re family now, sweetheart. These women are going to go nuts. Fair warning.”
After a little more talking, we made plans for me to show him the orchard tomorrow. He was excited to see everything I’ve done, and I swear he was proud of me. He didn't know me. It was chance that he saw the picture of me, but this felt natural.
After he left, I went inside and sat beside a sleepy Rys who was on the couch watching a west coast baseball game.
“He gone?”
“Yeah, going to show him the orchard tomorrow. Will you come?”
“Of course, I’m coming,” I smiled because I knew Rys would come. “That was a big shock today. How are you holding up?”
“Honestly, I feel like it was a gift. He has sisters. I have aunts and cousins.”
“Happy for you, honey,” he sat up, grabbed my hand, then led me upstairs to our bedroom.
A few weeks passed since I met my Dad. We talked on the phone almost daily and I Skyped with my aunts who were planning a trip next month. I couldn’t wait!
Business has also been good. There is a back-order list for pies and the requests are coming in quicker than we can bake. It’s awesome.
If you had asked me a year and a half ago if I’d ever imagine my life like this, I would’ve said no.
Tonight, I have a dinner planned for Rys. He’s been busy building a massive house, that seems to have issue after issue and I want to make tonight special. I spent extra time doing my hair and make-up. I left my hair down, which Rys loves and I wore a brand new black dress. It’s fitted. Rys hasn't seen it yet, but I know he’ll love it. He pretty much goes wild every time I slip on a dress, and so my excuses for wearing a dress have increased exponentially.
The front door opened and in walked Rys. He had a baseball cap on, a dirty shirt and worn work jeans. His head was down as he was sorting through mail.
“Hey, Keenan.”
His head snapped up knowing when I called him Keenan it usually meant good things.
“Maple,” he strode to me quickly, his eyes darkened as he took in my dress. “What’s all this?” he asked pulling me to him. My body was flush against his.
“Wanted to surprise you with something nice. I made dinner.”
He grabbed my behind and squeezed, “You in this dress, I’m thinking we skip to dessert.”
I smacked his arm playfully, “Keenan Rys, it’s my chicken parm, your favorite.”
“You’re my favorite.” He nibbled on my ear.
I laughed again, enjoying his flirtiness. “It doesn't keep well.”
He kissed me on my lips. It was sweet and gentle. “Alright Maple, let me clean-up for dinner. I’ll be quick.” I watched his backside as he moved away from me and headed upstairs. I could look at that behind in those jeans for an eternity, and I’d be a happy woman.
I set the table while he showered and not even ten minutes later, he returned. His dark hair was wet and a few pieces hung over his forehead.
“It smells delicious,” he kissed me on my forehead and sat down across from me.
We talked about our day, which was part of our nightly routine and Rys ate quickly, which is something I’ll never understand how men can do.
“This is so good,” he told me between mouthfuls.
“Dang, Keenan! You really want dessert.”
“Can you blame me? I love my girl’s apple pie,” he smirked and I knew exactly what type of pie he was referring too and it wasn't of the baked variety.
Mischief glinted in my eyes as I stood to clear our plates. I went to grab his plate and his fingers hooked around my wrist. “Set the plate down.”
My skin heated, and I felt a blush rise over my cheeks. I loved that we were together for almost a year and he could still make me blush.
“I can’t wait any longer.” Well, alrighty. My man was anxious. I inhaled, excited for his touch. It was the best way to end a day.
He moved from his chair and did something I didn't expect. He dropped to his knees. “I was trying to plan out the best way to do this. But coming home tonight, and having you take care of me the way you do, I couldn't wait another day. Before I met you, I was happy. I had friends, my business, and my family, but then, there was you. You made my world shift, and suddenly everything I thought had color, became dull because you filled the rest with so much light. Every day, you fill my world with more color than I could’ve ever imagined. When I thought I was happy, I truly had no clue, because honey, every single day I get to spend with you, teaches me true happiness. But you see, there is just one thing that could make me happier, and that would be for you to be my wife. Marry me? Let me spend the rest of eternity trying to make you as happy as you make me.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring, then held it up for me.<
br />
My heart that was already beating fast stilled. “That ring?”
He nodded, “It was your Grams’. She gave it to me and made me promise I’d give it to you one day. I knew it then, just like I know it now, that I’d love you forever. Marry me?”
My lip quivered. My heart constricted. I was so filled up with love. “Yes, yes, yes! I’ll be your wife, Keenan Rys.”
He didn't wait for me to say anything else. He got off his knee, slipped the ring on my finger then brought me upstairs where we had dessert. And it was the best dang dessert of my life.
My ankles were barely visible and in the afternoon heat, I swore my feet doubled in size.
“Won't be much longer, sweetie.” My Aunt Kathy sat across from me moving her knitting needles. She was making me a light green blanket since we weren't finding out the sex of this baby either. Across from her, Janet sat reading a book about toddler temper tantrums. She was determined that Bobby was going to have as few tantrums as possible. I always smiled at her advice, but did my own thing. I was learning that I could listen to advice, and decide what to take. Some things worked for me, and some didn’t.
Kathy and Dad moved here a few years ago. Her kids were scattered all over the country and after their mom passed, there wasn't much keeping them in Florida. Dad was right when he said his sisters would go nuts over me. I felt like I gained two mothers with them.
In the distance, little Bobby laughed. We named our son after Bob, who passed unexpectedly just over a year after Grams passed. He was a good man, and I think he would’ve loved that we named Bobby after him. We thought long and hard about naming the baby Earl, but I just couldn't do that to the kid. As much as I love Earl that is an old man's name not my cute little boy.
“I’m going to grab some lemonade. Do you want some?” Rys asked kissing me on the head. I looked up at him; still as handsome as the day we met.
“That’d be nice.” I felt a Braxton Hicks in my back and flinched.
Rys knew that look of mine, and asked, “You okay?”
Tainted by Crazy Page 20