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The Happiest Day

Page 21

by Sandy Huth


  “With a nanny,” he corrected her. “A nanny is taking care of him.”

  “I’m right in the same building.”

  “It’s wrong, Rachel,” he said stubbornly. “Children deserve to be raised at home by their mother.”

  “Theo, you knew when you married me that I had a newspaper. We talked about it and you knew how important it was to me.” She felt like they were rehashing all of the same arguments they had had when David was a baby.

  “I have no problems with you owning the paper, but you don’t need to run it. Not while the children are small. Bert does a great job and you can hire as many people as you want. You don’t have to be here seven days a week, twelve hours a day. Our children will be grown someday and not know who their mother is.”

  “I disagree. They’ll know that their mother is a strong businesswoman who created something special. They’ll be proud of me.”

  It was a continuous bone of contention between them and Rachel was disappointed when, just two months later, he announced a trip to Europe.

  “Why?” she asked, trying to hide the hurt. She felt that he was making this trip to get away from her.

  “I want to do a series on France post-war.”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  “A couple of months,” he shrugged. He looked up from his desk, studying her face. “Rachel, this is what I do.”

  “You haven’t done it since I met you. The timing just seems off. Matthew is only three months old. He’ll be completely different when you return.”

  “You told me that you’re a strong businesswoman who creates something special and that our children will be proud of you. I want them to be proud of me, too.”

  “So you’re not going because you’re angry at me?”

  He stood from his desk and came around it to draw her in his arms. “Sweetheart, I’m not angry at you. I promise that. It’s just time for us to both do what we love.” He kissed her gently on the lips. “We’re fine, right?”

  She nodded, blinking away tears stinging the corner of her eyes. She couldn’t help but feel that she had failed somehow. “We’re fine,” she agreed.

  Theo’s trip became a pattern over the years of their marriage and Rachel had to admit that he seemed contented. He was gone often for months at a time, but when he returned, he always seemed pleased to see them and their marriage took on a comfortable, if not overly close, feel. They added Steven to their family just two years later, then finally a girl, Lily, three years after that. They had been married for seven years and had fallen into a predictable pattern of family life. She was satisfied with her life and if at time she wished for something more with her husband, she reminded herself how devastating her life had been before Theo and the children. There was something to be said about satisfaction and contentment. What was happiness, after all? Just the high that came before the fall.

  Part II

  1934-1945

  Chapter 23

  Rachel drank her coffee tiredly and glanced at the small clock on her desk. It was well after eight p.m. If she didn’t leave soon, she would miss seeing the children completely today.

  “Go on,” Bert said, his voice rough with fatigue. “Everything’s under control here.”

  She looked back at her brother-in-law, worry gnawing at her. “Only if you go, too.”

  Bert’s mouth tightened and he looked away from Rachel, sadness evident in the lines of his face. “There’s nothing to go home to,” he said.

  It had been only a month, and the loss of Maryanne was still like a shard of glass in Rachel’s heart. Breast cancer had taken her swiftly and painfully, throwing her family into a tailspin of shock and despair. The children had cried endlessly for days and Bert’s parents had agreed to stay, trying to comfort their grandchildren. Finally, they had needed to return to their home in Columbus, and the children had begged to go with them. Now Bert was alone.

  “Come home with me,” Rachel urged. “We’ll eat a late supper and listen to the radio.”

  “I’m sure Theo would like to spend some time with his wife, alone. Go on, Rae. I’ll just lock up and head home, I promise.” His shoulders drooped in constant despair and Rachel hated seeing him this way.

  “If you’re sure…” she said uncertainly. She did want to see the children.

  “I’m sure. Hey, I forgot to tell you, I got a phone call from Peter.”

  Rachel stopped where she stood. “Where…why didn’t he come for the funeral?”

  “He was at a conference in London. He just got back and got the news.”

  Rachel nodded. “I’m sure he was shocked.”

  Bert nodded. “He asked if I wanted him to come home.”

  “Wh..what did you tell him?”

  “I told him there was no need. There’s nothing to be done anymore.”

  Rachel nodded sadly and bent down to hug her brother-in-law. “I love you,” she whispered.

  “I love you, too. Give the kids a kiss for me, O.K.?”

  As Rachel drove home, the unwanted picture of Norris, swinging from a bedpost entered her mind. Despair had driven him to end his life, unable to find a reason to continue living. When she arrived home, the first thing she did was to enter her study and place a call to Laurie.

  “Father Lawrence,” he answered on the third ring.

  “Laurie, it’s Rachel.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  She laughed tiredly. “Something is not always wrong, you know.”

  “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “You’re right. To what do I owe the pleasure of this late night call?”

  “Well, something is wrong.”

  He had to laugh then although he sobered quickly. “What is it, Sis?”

  “I just left Bert at the newspaper.” She looked up as Theo walked into the office, holding Lily.

  “Mama!” she cried happily, reaching for her.

  Rachel bent her head to hold the receiver between her ear and shoulder and took her three year old daughter into her arms, kissing her soundly.

  “And?” Laurie prompted.

  “He’s not doing well. The kids are still in Columbus with his parents and he’s all alone. He said he was going home but I’m afraid for him to be there alone.”

  “Do you worry that he’ll do something to harm himself?”

  “I just don’t know.”

  “I’ll go and sit with him.”

  “Thank you, Laurie. That means a lot to me. Call me if you need me.” She disconnected the call and looked up at Theo. “Sorry. I needed to take care of that before I did anything else.”

  “You could have brought him home with you,” he said, sitting in the wingback chair opposite the desk, placing one ankle on the opposite knee.

  “I offered but he didn’t want to impose.” She sighed and stroked her hand through Lily’s honey blonde hair. The little girl contentedly rested her head against Rachel’s chest, thumb placed firmly in her mouth.

  “We missed you.”

  His words never failed to tighten her muscles. She didn’t feel he said them in a loving manner but more to make her feel guilty. “I missed all of you, too. How are the boys?”

  “Homework is finished. I’m letting them listen to the radio for a little while, then off to bed.” He stared at her for long moments and Rachel looked away uncomfortably.

  “I already apologized, Theo. What more do you want from me?”

  He sighed. “Nothing. Nothing at all.” He stood and turned to leave. “I’m going to leave for Europe next week. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.’

  “Do you want a divorce?” she asked softly.

  He turned back to look at her. “That’s the last thing I want.” He looked sincere. “I just want you to be a part of this family’s life.”

  “You’re leaving the country in a week. How is that being a part of this family?”

  He chuckled humorlessly. “Same argument after all these years. I’m tired, Rachel. I’m going up to bed. Good-night.�


  She waited until she heard his light footsteps going up the stairs then carried her half-asleep daughter upstairs and put her to bed. She read Lily a story, kissed her lightly, and then left the room, leaving a small lamp on for the little girl who was scared of the dark. Headed back downstairs, she found her three sons listening to The Lone Ranger. She knew better than to interrupt them but sat in a chair. Six year old Steven immediately made his way to his mother’s side and she drew him onto her lap. His older brothers scooted back on the carpet so that they lay at her feet. She looked at them and felt tears pricking her eyes. Despite what Theo often told her—that she was depriving her children—she knew that they loved her and were proud of her work. She hugged Steven tightly.

  Theo didn’t want a divorce. She vowed to try to spend more time at home. She treasured this family and would do anything to keep them. No person could ever come between them. She was sure of that.

  Chapter 24

  Peter stood outside of the newspaper building, his hands shoved in his pockets, staring at nothing, lost in memories. Despite Bert telling him that there was no reason for him to come home, he couldn’t stay away. He had visited his sister’s grave and realized he was all alone now. Both of his siblings were gone, as well as his parents. He had purposely isolated himself from everyone he knew and loved and now, upon his return, there was no one left. Sadness enveloped him.

  He almost missed the young boy that came barreling out of the front door, a happy grin on his face. He probably would have missed him completely if the boy hadn’t run right into him, dropping his school books on the sidewalk.

  “Oh, sorry mister,” the boy said earnestly. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

  Peter steadied the boy by placing his hands on the thin shoulders and looked down. At his own face.

  The dark hair, the unruly cowlick, the clear blue eyes stared back at him. Peter felt as if someone had sucked the air out of his lungs.

  “It’s all right,” he managed to say through dry lips. “No damage done.” He bent down to help him pick up the school books. “Moby Dick, huh?”

  “Yes, sir. I have to read it before summer break.”

  “It’s a good book,” Peter commented.

  “It’s all right,” he shrugged. “I’d rather be fishing.”

  Peter muttered something appropriate and opened the book, his fingers trembling. “David Bressler.” The book was marked with the boy’s name. Bressler.

  “Is this you? David Bressler?”

  “Yes, sir,” the boy answered, holding his hand out expectantly.

  “David, I was wondering if you could help me. I used to live in this town and I decided to come back for a visit, but I seem to have gotten a little turned around. Is this the newspaper building?”

  “Yes, sir. My mom runs it.”

  “Your mom? That wouldn’t be Rachel Thornton, would it?”

  David looked momentarily confused. “Thornton? No…Oh, that was her name before she married my dad. She’s Rachel Bressler now.”

  “I think I heard something about that.” He handed David the book. “Maybe I should go in and say hello to her. We grew up together.”

  “Sure. She’s always busy, but I think she’d be glad to see you. Well, sorry again, mister…”

  “MacGregor,” Peter supplied. “Peter MacGregor. It was very nice to meet you, David.” He took a deep breath and plunged. “By the way, David, how old are you?”

  “Nine. But I’ll be ten next week. See ya!” He gave an irrepressible grin and raced away.

  Peter stood frozen, staring after the boy. “Son of a bitch.”

  Rachel was working diligently when she heard a ruckus outside of her office. She had barely time to look up when her door flew open.

  “Mrs. Bressler,” her secretary, Diane, said in a harried voice. “There’s a gentleman here who insists on seeing you. I explained that you are busy…”

  “Get out the way,” a male voice growled and in walked Peter.

  Rachel felt herself rise half-way from the chair then fall back weakly. “Peter.”

  “Damn straight.”

  “Should I call security, Mrs. Bressler?”

  “Get the hell out of here,” Peter said meanly to the woman. “Rachel, tell her to go unless you want the whole world knowing your secrets.”

  Rachel paled, her stomach lurching. “Diane, it’s all right. Go ahead and take off for the day.”

  “It’s only three o’clock,” Diane protested.

  “No, go ahead. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Diane looked unsure but left and closed the door behind her.

  “There was no need to talk to her like that. She was only doing her job.”

  “I don’t give a shit about her.” Peter stalked across the office until he reached her desk, leaning his hands on it so that his face was on level with hers. “I’m going to give you one chance, Rachel. Just one. Is there anything you would like to tell me?”

  He couldn’t know, she thought frantically. He just couldn’t. “No,” she said firmly.

  She wouldn’t have thought that his face could grow any more hateful, but it did. “You’re starting this off very badly,” he spat out. “Did you ever intend on telling me about my son?”

  “I…”

  He grabbed her chin between his finger and thumb painfully. “I would suggest that you not try to lie at this point because I am very angry.”

  Rachel yanked her chin out of his grasp and stood quickly, covering her arms defensively across her chest. “Fine. David is your son.”

  “I know. I just met him. Anyone who knew me as a child has to know that he’s my son.”

  “Everyone who knew you as a child is dead.”

  “Did Maryanne know?”

  “I’m sure she did. We never talked about it.”

  “Ten years! Ten years, Rachel. You had no right to keep this from me.”

  “It was my body, my life. By the time I realized I was pregnant, you and your wife had already moved, she was expecting…”

  “She was never expecting. It was a lie.” He didn’t tell her that it had been his lie.

  Rachel tried to digest this, but couldn’t. “I’m sorry, Peter, I truly am. But I was alone and scared and I ran. Then when I met Theo and we fell in love, it just seemed easier to pretend that he was David’s father.”

  “Does he think he is?”

  “No. I was three months pregnant when I met him. But he agreed to raise David as his own.”

  “Big of him.” Peter began pacing back and forth, anger etched in every line of his body. “I want to meet him.”

  “Theo?” she asked confusedly.

  “No, my son!” he yelled.

  “You said that you just met him.”

  “I want to meet him as his father,” Peter said slowly as if she was stupid. “I want him to be told that I am his father.”

  Rachel’s mouth fell open in horror. “Oh my God! No! We can’t do that.”

  “Can’t?” Peter laughed meanly. “You don’t have a choice in this, Rachel.”

  “He’s my child, too. Don’t kid yourself into thinking that I’m going to let you just run roughshod over me and my family.” Now that the shock was wearing off, she felt a little bit of fight surging back through her.

  His jaw tightened so much Rachel thought it might snap. “I don’t give a flying fuck about your family. You can all go to hell for all I care. I just want my son.” He stood in front of her, hands on his hips in a fighting stance. “Do you know what I do in New York, Rachel? Do you have any fucking idea how powerful I am?”

  She nodded. “You’re a lawyer,” she said tentatively.

  He smiled with angry glee. “Wrong. I’m a judge. I have friends in very high places.”

  With a sinking feeling, Rachel feared she was fighting a losing battle. When Peter wanted something, he was like a bulldog. She had seen him in action in the courtroom. She had to change her method of persuasion. “All righ
t. But I need time.”

  “You have tonight. Tomorrow I meet him.”

  “That’s not enough,” she said, panic rising again.

  “Tomorrow. You can prepare your family or I can do it my way.” He straightened from her desk and turned to leave. At the door, though, he paused. “Rachel, I never thought the worst of you, no matter what happened. Until now. This was beneath you.”

  “I was just trying to protect my son,” she said in a near whisper.

  He shook his head with a mixture of anger and weariness. “He never needed protecting from me. I’ll be at the estate at nine tomorrow morning.”

  When Rachel arrived home an hour later, she was exhausted and ill-feeling. The shock of seeing Peter again would have been enough to turn her world upside down. But the fact that he knew that David was his son was too much to bear. Theo was sitting in his study, poring over a European newspaper.

  “Hey sweetheart,” he hailed with a welcoming smile. She knew she had finally pleased him by being home early and felt sick to her stomach when she thought of how angry he would become when he discovered the reason why. “To what do we owe the pleasure of you coming home before the sun sets?”

  Rachel handed her purse and coat to Smythe and looked at him with eyes marred with dark shadows. “Smythe, are the children well?”

  “Yes, ma’am. They are all busy presently. Shall I call them for you?”

  “No. I need to speak with my husband privately. You’ll make sure we’re not bothered?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said obediently.

  Theo sat back in his chair, his eyebrows lifting curiously. “Is something wrong?” When she entered the room fully and closed the doors behind her, the smile left his face. “Rach, you look terrible! What’s happened?” He stood and came around his desk, concern etched on his face.

  She allowed him to embrace her even though she knew he could not ease her trembling. “Theo…we have to talk.”

  “O.K., it’s all right.” He smoothed his hands down her back. “Whatever it is, it’s all right.”

 

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