Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot

by Bria Marche

  “Yes you may, but only one. You have to put it on a plate and eat it at the table.”

  Little Josh ran for the kitchen again.

  “Sasha, you’re wonderful with him. He’s really taken with you,” Josh said, as he sat next to her on the couch and gave her a kiss.

  “I like little Josh a lot. Who would have thought? I’ve never been around kids before. It seems to come naturally for some reason. I’m really enjoying his company, and the little lessons and manners? It’s something he needs to help him grow into a proper, polite young man.” Sasha grabbed a handful of popcorn as she spoke. “Do you think you’ll actually get joint custody of him?”

  “I don’t know, honey. It’s sad to say, but it isn’t up to me.”

  “I hope you do. This family thing really feels good. When the time comes, I’ll enjoy being a mom. Even being Josh’s step-mom would make me happy.”

  “Sasha, when we have kids, you’re going to be the best mom in the world.”

  ***

  The Wednesday morning sky was about as gray as Josh’s attitude. He sat in his car with Candy’s hotel room right in front of him. He honked the horn the second time, holding it down even longer now, just for emphasis. She pushed the curtain to the side and peered out. Josh threw up his hands as if to say “let’s go.”

  She finally came out smoking a cigarette, and opened the passenger side door.

  “You aren’t smoking that thing in my car. Either finish it outside, or toss it and get in,” he growled.

  She tossed it in the bucket of sand near the curb, got in, and slammed the door. “A little grumpy, are we?”

  “You do know how to tell time, don’t you? I said nine forty-five. It’s almost ten o’clock already, and I have to drive back downtown to Stuart’s office.”

  “Take a chill pill and lighten up. Are you taking me out to lunch after this?”

  “No, I’m taking you back here to your car so you can pick up your son and spend the day with him. It’s been five days since you’ve seen him. Doesn’t that even matter to you?”

  “You said you wanted to get to know Joshie better, so I’m letting you.” Candy pulled a stick of gum out of her purse. She opened it and threw the wrapper out the window.

  “Damn it, do you really need to litter, Candy? We’re here, let’s go inside. I’m sure Stuart is waiting.”

  The law firm Stuart Moore had downtown was an establishment all its own. The building was near the town square and had been one of the earliest buildings erected in Tarrytown. Beautiful columns lined the front, brick facade. A row of palladium windows faced the street. It was an elegant building that added character to the center of town. They took the staircase to the third floor, office number 309. In the waiting area, floor to ceiling Queen Anne styled bookcases filled the walls on both sides of an enormous fireplace. All the furniture was period antiques, hand carved in cherry wood.

  The receptionist called Stuart’s office, announcing Josh’s arrival. The double mahogany doors opened and Stuart Moore welcomed them in. Josh’s attorney was a slender man, close to fifty years old. His wavy dark hair was streaked with hints of gray. He shook hands with Josh and Candy, and motioned for them to take a seat. A legal pad, desk calendar and a dozen pens and pencils in a cup, sat on his desk. His name plaque in gold lettering faced the clients along with his business cards on a tray.

  Stuart explained the details of the documents lying on the desk in front of Candy. He reiterated that Josh was not little Josh’s biological father, yet he wanted to take part in raising the boy. He went on to tell Candy what Josh’s offer was, and how having the boy raised by two full time parents would benefit him greatly. Josh could also afford to send little Josh to college when the time comes. Tarrytown had great schools, the village was a wonderful place to raise children, and Josh could provide for him nicely. All she had to do was agree to the terms and move to Tarrytown.

  “So what’s in it for me to go along with this?” she snapped, as she grabbed the papers to take a closer look.

  “What’s in it for you, Candy, is peace of mind for your son. He’ll be brought up properly. You won’t have to struggle to make ends meet in raising him. Josh can provide whatever young Josh needs as far as health care, clothing and good schooling. Or, you can go back to Omaha and figure all this out on your own, without any help at all.”

  “How much time do I have to decide?”

  “You have until noon tomorrow. After that, the offer will be null and void. You can call my office any time before that and give me your answer. All communication goes through me, as Josh’s attorney. These are your copies to take with you. I’ll wait your reply. Thanks for stopping in and have a nice day.”

  Stuart Moore escorted them to the waiting area. He whispered to Josh to give him a call later when he was alone.

  “Well, now I can’t take Joshie for sure. There’s way too much for me to think about today to give him any decent amount of attention.” Candy got out of the car at her hotel and slammed the door without another word. The pressure was on and she knew it.

  Josh drove away slowly, watching as she lit a cigarette and retreated to her room.

  Back at the Victorian, Josh found Sasha and little Josh playing checkers at the dining room table. Burning logs crackled in the fireplace and their laughter filled the hallways. The scent of hot cider wafted through the air.

  “Where am I?” he asked, with a chuckle. “It’s like I’m in a Norman Rockwell painting.”

  “Maybe you are,” Sasha responded. “Life couldn’t get much better than this, could it? Sit down sweetheart and take my place for a few minutes. I’ll bring you some cider.” Sasha disappeared into the kitchen and took another mug out of the upper, glass doored cabinet. A kettle of cider simmered on the stove. With the ladle, she poured cider into Josh’s mug and added a cinnamon stick.

  It only took a second for the feeling of nausea to engulf her body again. Her ears rang, and the room began to spin. She sat at the table and held it back. She wouldn’t have made it to the bathroom anyway. It will pass in a minute. I know it will. It always does. She lay her head on the table and waited it out. It passed, and she was fine again. Sasha got up and splashed cold water on her face at the kitchen sink. She reassessed after a few deep breaths, and joined them in the dining room. Josh smiled as she handed him the mug of cider.

  “Did you teach this kid how to play checkers? He’s kicking my butt.”

  “No, she didn’t. I was kicking her butt too,” little Josh said, proudly.

  “I’m going to lay down for about an hour, okay? I didn’t sleep well last night. I guess I’m a little tired. After that, we’ll have a late lunch.”

  “Are you okay? You look pale, honey.”

  “No worries, I’m fine. Josh, you keep kicking your dad’s butt, okay?”

  “Okay, Sasha. She’s alright, isn’t she, Dad?”

  “Why do you ask, Josh?”

  “Because this is the second time she went back to bed today.”

  Chapter Thirty Two

  “Have you heard anything yet, Stuart?” Josh asked, as he drove to his office. He glanced at the clock in his car: 10:45 a.m. Josh had an appointment at eleven-fifteen to show a house three blocks from Stuart’s office. He just had to pick up the paperwork that was still sitting on his desk and be on his way.

  “Nope, she hasn’t called.”

  “Don’t worry yet. Knowing Candy, she’ll call at 11:59 just to make a point. She enjoys playing mind games. I have a showing at eleven-fifteen. I’ll call you as soon as it’s over.”

  “Sounds good, Josh. Talk to you in a bit.”

  “Josh, grab your tablet and come with me. We’re going to Hair Brained.”

  “I thought my tablet use was only for an hour a day.”

  “It is, honey, and that hour is now. Let’s go.” Sasha and little Josh climbed into the Tundra and took off. He loved riding in the truck, being so much higher than everyone else.

  “Sasha, can I d
rive this truck when I’m old enough?” he asked.

  “Of course you can,” she said, giggling. “Here we are.” They walked in together and was instantly greeted by Tina and Vic.

  “Hey, you two bums, what’s up?” Vic asked.

  Josh laughed. He liked Sasha’s friends.

  “Is it okay if I leave Josh with you guys for an hour? I have some important errands to take care of. He has his tablet, and he can sit in the waiting area.”

  “No way. Josh, get over here,” Vic commanded. “It looks like you’re due for a haircut, young man.”

  His smile lit the room. Josh was smitten with Vic. “Is it okay, Sasha?”

  “Of course, honey. I’ll be back soon.” Sasha kissed him, and air kissed Vic and Tina as she hurried out the door.

  “Josh, go pick out what you want to drink. This is the styling chair you’ll be in. Go on, hurry up.”

  “Okay, Vic, thanks.” He ran to the mini fridge and pulled out a lemon lime soda. He grabbed a straw and jumped into the waiting chair. Vic began her magic.

  ***

  Sasha was nervous. She hadn’t been to a doctor in years. She thought she was in good health, but hypoglycemia ran in her family on her dad’s side. The doctor she found online had good reviews from his patients. That was all she needed to set up the appointment a few days back, using her new name, Martha Destiny. She just wanted to clear her mind.

  Sasha explained how she felt nervous, nauseous and weak at times. “It comes and goes,” she said.

  “Are you sexually active,” the doctor asked, as he listened to her heartbeat.

  Sasha turned red and stammered, “Well, yes, I do have a steady boyfriend.”

  “Did you take a home pregnancy test?”

  “Of course not, I use birth control.” Sasha stared at the doctor with a shocked expression on her face.

  “Okay, your heart rate, pulse and blood pressure are fine. You said hypoglycemia runs in your family?”

  “Yes, on my dad’s side.” She sat on the exam table nervously tapping her feet.

  “We’re going to do a blood test, Martha. I’ll have the results in a few days. Can we call you at the number you gave us?”

  “Yes, that’s fine.”

  “Until we know what this is, make sure you drink orange juice when you wake up, and throughout the day. Eat a decent amount of protein too. Here’s some multi-vitamins. There’s extra iron in them. Take one a day. I’ll call you Friday.”

  “Thank you, doctor.” Sasha left with more questions now than she had earlier. She looked at her watch: 12:37. Josh has to know by now what Candy said. She tried his phone, but there was no response.

  ***

  Candy and Josh sat on the leather chairs facing the now familiar desk of Stuart Moore.

  “So you understand and agree to Josh’s terms? You’ll have one month to move to Tarrytown. Young Josh will stay here and begin school immediately. If you don’t move to Tarrytown within that allotted time period, we’ll consider you an absentee mom and you’ll waive your rights to the boy. This is a legal and binding document, Candy. If you sign it today, you’re giving Josh Redmond permission to adopt your son with all legal rights to raise him as his own. It will be joint custody, but only if you’re living here in Tarrytown. Do you understand? Are you ready to sign?”

  “Yes, yes and yes. Just give me a pen so I can sign the damn document. I’ll leave for Omaha tomorrow so I can get the ball rolling.”

  “That’s a good idea. Alright, I guess were done here. Josh it was good to see you again. Candy, always a pleasure.”

  She rolled her eyes, “Yeah, right. See you around, Stuart.” Josh and Candy walked out together. “I hope you’re happy,” she said.

  “I am, and you should be too. This isn’t about you. It’s about Josh Jr. Are you going to say goodbye to him? We can eat breakfast together in the morning before you head to the airport.”

  “Yeah, fine. Hojo’s at nine?”

  “Sure. We’ll be there.”

  Josh was over the moon. He knew Sasha would be happy too. He couldn’t wait to tell her and little Josh the news. Sasha pulled into her driveway about the same time Josh did.

  “Hi, Dad. I got a haircut from Vic today.”

  Josh laughed and gave little Josh a hug as the three of them walked into the Victorian. “That had to be fun. Do you like Vic?”

  “Yeah, Vic is cool.”

  Josh sat with Sasha and little Josh in the kitchen. He said he had news to share with them. The smile on his face told Sasha the news was good. She made coffee for them and poured chocolate milk for Josh.

  “Josh, I need to tell you something very important. This is about you, me and your mom. It may be hard to understand and accept, but I think you’re old enough to appreciate why I’ve decided to do this.”

  The boy’s eyes widened with curiosity. He drank half of the chocolate milk in one gulp, leaving a chocolate mustache coating his upper lip. Sasha smiled and handed him a napkin, pointing to his lip.

  Your mom and I agreed that you could live with me most of the time. Whatever you need for school clothes, help with homework, after school activities and play dates with new kids you’ll meet, I’ll take care of. Your mom is moving here too. You can stay with me as often as you like, or with her. It’s going to be your choice. I just want you to know, you’ll have both of us loving you, and taking care of you. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds cool, Dad. I like Tarrytown a lot more than Omaha. What about Sasha? I want to live here with her. I love Sasha and her house. I like it here the most.”

  Sasha looked at Josh. They both had tears in their eyes.

  “Honey, I would love nothing more than if you lived right here, with me. This house is huge and you already have a bedroom of your own. There’s a lot of work to do around here though. It’s not always fun and games, mister. But it’s up to your mom and dad. I think your dad would be okay with sleepovers a few times a week though.” The gleam in Sasha’s eyes showed Josh what a wonderful woman she truly was. Sasha was thoughtful, loving and gracious.

  “Can we do that, Dad? Sasha can help me with my homework too, since she’s so smart. Maybe she could even drive me to school in the truck. That would really be cool.”

  “So you’re okay with all of this? You’ll be starting a new school with new kids to meet.”

  “Yeah, and someday I’ll have a little brother or sister. We can all live here in the Victorian,” he said, as he finished his glass of chocolate milk.

  “Well, don’t get ahead of yourself, kiddo, but I agree, that is a nice thought.”

  ***

  Sasha lay in bed Thursday night worrying about the phone call she would receive tomorrow. She stared at the ceiling, willing her eye to close and her mind to relax enough to fall asleep. What if… what would Josh say? He has little Josh to raise now. I’m worrying about nothing. I probably need to start taking whatever medication Aunt Isabelle is on for her hypoglycemia. I’ll call Dad tomorrow after I talk to the doctor.

  Sasha remembered her last look at the clock before dozing off. It was two thirty a.m.

  The ringing phone jolted her out of a sound sleep. It was nine o’clock. Sasha reached for her cell on the nightstand and looked at the number. Crap! It’s the doctor’s office. She cleared her throat and took a sip of water, hoping not to sound like she just woke up, even though it was true.

  “Hello?”

  “Hello, this is Doctor Adams’ office. May I speak with Martha Destiny?”

  “This is she,” Sasha responded, now wide awake.

  “One moment please while I put the doctor on the phone.”

  Sasha waited for what seemed like an eternity. A thousand “what ifs” bounced around in her head. The small, two cup coffee pot was perking away on her dresser.

  “Hello, Ms. Destiny. Doctor Adams, here. Well, the lab results are in and I looked everything over carefully. It’s a common ailment,” he chuckled.

  “Oh, thank goodness.” Th
e relief in Sasha’s voice told him she really had no clue.

  “All joking aside, Ms. Destiny, I’m sorry I said that. I just assumed… anyway, you’re pregnant.”

  “What? How is that possible? I mean, I know how it’s possible for God’s sake, but I’m on birth control.”

  “Birth control isn’t one hundred percent, dear. That’s especially true if you stopped for a while and then started back up again. Have you used birth control consistently over the last year?”

  “Well… no. The relationship I’m in just became intimate three months ago.”

  “Let me give you back to the receptionist, dear. I’ll have her set up your first prenatal appointment, and we’ll talk soon. Congratulations.”

  Sasha was in a daze. Luckily she wrote down the appointment date and time, or she wouldn’t have even remembered talking to the receptionist. She folded the paper and put it in her robe pocket. I have to get a grip on this. Okay, I’m preggers, for crap’s sake! How many times has Vic teased me, and now she’s right. What the hell? I thought I was the responsible one and now I’m clearly proving I’m not.

  Sasha zombie walked down the staircase and into the kitchen with the mug of coffee in her hand. She started a new six cup pot and sat at the table to think. Okay, the good and the bad. I have to weigh that out. The good first. Sasha grabbed a pencil, took the piece of paper out of her pocket and put on her lime green readers. She began to write. Josh loves me completely and forever. He just got joint custody of little Josh because he loves kids. We’re solid. I’ll have a wonderful, thriving business by summer. I love little Josh and he would be a great big brother. We can all live in the Victorian. Josh and I will marry. Sasha looked over the positives so far and smiled. I could probably add even more. With a line drawn down the center of the paper, she hovered over the bad side with the pencil. There wasn’t a single negative thing about being pregnant she could come up with. There had to be something wrong with it, something. Fine, I’ll write down that I’ll be puking a lot and get fat. Sasha laughed at the silliness of it, knowing full well that everyone gets fat, and most women puke. It’s all part of being pregnant. She crossed out the two entries on the negative side, and re-read the positives, breaking out into laughter. With a belly rub, Sasha kissed Kismet and floated on air. I’m truly blessed and my life is more than perfect. All the changes I’ve made have been well worth it. Moving to Tarrytown, having the most wonderful friends in the world, and now my two Joshes? This is the happiest I’ve been in my entire life.