by Petrova, Em
Josselyn reached for the large envelope on the bedside table. Ben tossed the last pizza crust into the box and wiped his hands on a napkin. Taking the envelope from her, he examined the address and ripped it open.
“This is actually for me, not my dad.”
“Really?” she asked raising an eyebrow.
“You didn’t know I’m a junior, did you?” he grinned.
That was a surprise. “Your name is actually Morgan?”
He retrieved his wallet from the dresser, extracted his driver’s license, and handed it to her. He wasn’t joking. His name was actually Morgan Bennett Parnell, just like his father.
“Just when I thought I knew everything about you, I find out something new.” She smiled. At least this was a nice discovery, a pleasant one.
“I assumed you already knew that fun fact about me.” He replaced his license into the wallet and tossed it back on to the dresser. “Two Morgan’s around the house apparently was too confusing. It’s still confusing; I got a lot of phone calls at my hematology practice looking for my father.”
Reaching once more for the Overnight Express envelope, he removed several official looking sheets of paper. “I’ve been waiting for this to arrive,” he commented.
Curious, Josselyn figured it had something to do with his medical practice in the city.
Ben shuffled through the papers and a slow smile crossed his face. “This, my lovely, is actually a gift for you.” He held out the papers to her.
She took the sheets of paper, asking, “Another gift? You just gave me that darling cell phone.”
The papers were from a law firm, and her heart sped. Why would Ben be giving her legal papers? As she started to read, she understood quickly. Ben was no longer contesting her will. The house was solely her property.
For a long moment, she felt nothing but pure joy. Her home was totally and completely hers, but when she looked at Ben, she found herself asking, “Why?”
Reaching for her hand, he pressed a gentle kiss into her palm. “I wanted to do something to prove my love and commitment to you.”
If she ever had even a tiny fragment of doubt that Ben really loved her, it was gone forever. Tears of happiness bubbled up in her eyes. “Oh Ben, I love you so much. Thank you for doing this for me!”
“I know what this house means to you. It’s the best way I know how to show you I really love you.”
Putting the paperwork aside, she crawled into his arms. “This is your house, too. I don’t want you to give up your share. We can have the house deeded in both of our names.”
He caressed her arm. “Actually, there’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What’s that?”
“Yesterday, while I was at the lake, Ryan offered to sell me his house. He and Amii are moving to bigger house over in the subdivision.”
A huge wave of doubt crashed down on her. Was he giving her this house only because he was moving on to something better, to the house he really wanted on the lake he loved so much? “Oh... I see,” was all she could manage to say.
“I need to know how attached you are to this house. I know you love it here, but there’s so much we could do with the property at the lake. We could live here while we have an addition built to the existing house. I’d want you to see the inside of the house first. Or, we could just tear down the house and start over again.”
As she tried to absorb what he said to her, he pulled her closer.
“Think about it, Joss. We could build our dream home.” His blue eyes sparkled.
“You...you want me to live with you?”
“Of course, I do. I love you. You’re the one I want to be with, the one I want to have a family with.” His hand moved down, and his fingertips tickled her belly. “I was a fool to get so upset when you told me you might be pregnant. It’s not an excuse, but I was just so shocked at first. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I want a family with you.”
Josselyn couldn’t contain her smile or her tears. Finally, after so much hurt, and so many disappointments in her lifetime, could happiness finally be hers to have forever with the man she loved and a family to call her own? “Oh, Ben...”
He silenced her with a fingertip to her lips. “I’m not an irresponsible man. I’ve always used birth control religiously. I think on some level I wanted to start a family with you. Remember the afternoon in the kitchen when you told me that you wanted a daughter?”
“I remember.”
“I think then was when I knew I wanted to give you a little girl.”
She could see the love and sincerity within his eyes. This was real, not some cruel joke or a dream to fizzle and fade away.
“Speaking of Ryan and Amii, they’re borrowing a private plane with a pilot and flying to Bahamas next week to get married.”
“Good for them. Anyone looking at those two can tell how much they’re in love.”
“They want to know if we would like to go along with them.”
“Really? Do they need witnesses?”
“They don’t need witnesses. They’re giving us the chance to go along and get married somewhere memorable and romantic.”
Was he actually asking her what she thought he might be asking? She swallowed hard. “Married? Do you want to get married?” She hoped beyond hope she wasn’t misunderstanding his intent. She wasn’t in the mood for a dose of embarrassment.
“I know it’s really fast, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone—ever. I also know it’s widely accepted these days to have a home and family without being married.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“I don’t know how you feel about that. For me, I need the commitment.”
“What are you asking me?”
“I’m asking you to marry me.”
“Oh, yes, yes, yes, Ben!” She covered his lips with hers. “I love you so much, and I’m so happy!”
“So, that’s a yes to the Bahamas?” he asked.
“Can we do it? I mean, what about the practice? Won’t Patrick need us next week?”
“That’s my Josselyn, so caring and loving she worries about everyone else over her own happiness.”
“I’m sorry; I just meant…”
“One of the things I love about you, my lovely. Don’t ever change a thing about yourself. I will work at the practice all day Monday and Tuesday, and a half day Wednesday. We fly out Wednesday night, and we’ll be home Sunday night.”
“You’ve figured everything out already.”
“I know it’s an abbreviated honeymoon, but Autumn’s doctor wants to schedule a Caesarean for the following week, and I’m going to need to be at the practice full time for six weeks or so.”
“That’s perfectly fine. Patrick needs you, I understand that.” She stroked his cheek with her fingertips.
“When Patrick is back fulltime, we’ll jet off to somewhere special, maybe Hawaii, for a few weeks.”
“All that matters to me is we’re together and married. Everything else will be a bonus.”
He took her hand. “What I really want is for you to never have to worry ever again or have a care in the world.”
“That’s so amazing. We’re going to be so happy together, I just know it.”
“So, can I give you a ring?” he asked.
“Just a wedding ring. I already have you. I don’t need anything else.”
***
Josselyn awoke early and eased her way out of bed to try to avoid waking Ben. Slipping on a comfortable terry cloth robe, she tied it around her waist, and went downstairs to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. As she measured out the scoops of ground hazelnut flavored beans, she couldn’t contain her smile thinking how wonderful her life had become. Soon she would be married, and maybe a baby wouldn’t be so far behind.
The only disappointment was a tiny one: Ben wanted to sell the house and move them out to the property on the lake. This house brought them together; it was special. She did want Ben to
be happy and moving to a house belonging to both of them right from the start would accomplish that.
A brand new life and a brand new home, maybe it was a good omen.
As she poured a cup of coffee, the intense smell of freshly brewed coffee laced with the sweet smell of hazelnut caused an intense pang of hunger. Opening the refrigerator, she looked at the contents. She could make bacon and eggs, or maybe a cheese omelet. Nothing really appealed.
Turning toward the counter, she spotted what she really wanted. On a plate covered with clear plastic wrap sat a half dozen brightly colored frosted cupcakes. Sure, it was a bit early for all that sugar. Still, the delightful little cakes seemed to beacon her. One wouldn’t hurt, she told herself as she removed one from beneath its wrapping and licked off the thick butter cream icing, savoring the taste on her tongue.
Just as she licked the delicious sugary sweet cream from her lips, Ben’s hands came around her from behind. When he buried his lips against her neck, she shivered with delight and giggled. “You caught me.”
“What? Indulging in sugary snacks in the morning? If it makes you happy, go right ahead,” he told her with a laugh.
She turned around to face him and hugged him close. He was already dressed for the day in jeans and tight fitting t-shirt.
“So it’s okay to eat the six cupcakes I really want?”
“I have a very strong hunch something is going on here.” He slipped his hand under her robe and caressed her lower belly.
So much love shined in his eyes, she knew he was truly happy. A baby! She hoped so.
She placed her hand on top of his. “Isn’t it early yet for cravings?”
“Not really, if your hormones are surging, you’re bound to start experiencing all sorts of changes. You know, with the sensitivity of the pregnancy tests on the market, we should be able to find out one way or the other.”
Before she could respond, the doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting anyone?” She tightened the belt on her robe.
“No one,” he answered.
“It must be the mail carrier. I’ll get it.”
She sprinted toward the door. The man standing on the step was not the mail carrier. About forty, he wore an expensive suit and carried a briefcase. She self-consciously tightened her robe’s belt once again. “Can I help you?”
“Ms. Adler?”
She wasn’t sure whether to answer the stranger. “Excuse me, who are you?” she opted to ask.
He held out a business card to her. “My name is Drew McCarthy. I represent the interests of the late Dr. Morgan Parnell. So, are you Josselyn Adler?”
“Yes.” She looked down at the embossed ivory business card. The raised black lettering swam before her eyes, and she blinked several times. Not another lawyer. She felt a distinct sense of impending doom.
“By any chance, is Ben Parnell here?”
She barely heard him.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “You’ve turned awfully pale all of the sudden.
She snapped back to reality. “I’m fine,” she said. “Ben? Can you come here, please?”
Ben walked to her and put his arm around her shoulder. “What’s up?”
She couldn’t answer, so she simply gestured toward the man in the expensive suit.
The man darted forward and shook Ben’s hand. “As I was telling Ms. Adler, I represent the interests of the late Morgan Parnell.”
“I should get dressed,” Josselyn said.
“If you’ll bear with me for just a few minutes, Ms. Adler, I’ll be on my way.”
Ben showed the man inside. “What is this all about?” The irritation in his voice was evident.
McCarthy laid his briefcase on the glass coffee table and opened it. He removed two large envelopes and handed one to Josselyn, the other to Ben.
“You each have a copy of Dr. Parnell, Senior’s final will, as well as personal effects specifically left for each of you.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Ben shouted and raked a hand through his hair. “Do you have any idea of how many wills are floating around from my father, and just how much problems they’ve caused?”
“I can assure you, Dr. Parnell, this will is authentic. Your father personally dictated it to me at my office a few days before his death.”
Josselyn sat down on the edge of the easy chair, carefully opened the envelope, and removed the will, one that postdated the will leaving her the house.
She did a quick scan of a will identical to the will she possessed which left her the house. The house had been hers all along. Ben would be absolutely devastated when he found out. Why couldn’t Morgan have just left things as they were?
The attorney made a hasty retreat, most likely sensing Ben’s growing hostility. Josselyn hoped she could diffuse any potential anger on Ben’s part. Still she couldn’t stop her hands from shaking.
With smoldering eyes, he turned to her. “Do you know anything about that lawyer?”
“No, I’ve never seen or heard of him.” She shook her head slowly. “But Morgan often went out for the day with his sister. Perhaps Maribelle took him to see this guy.” She pitched the lawyer’s business card onto the coffee table.
Ben let out a barrage of obscenities.
She went to him and took both of his hands into hers. “Ben, it’s doesn’t matter about this new will. What does matter is we’ve found each other because of this house, and we’re in love, and we’re going to have a future together.”
With a distinct, haunted look on his handsome face, he asked, “He left you the house, didn’t he?”
He already knew.
“Yes,” she conceded. “It doesn’t matter,” she stressed, and squeezed his hands for emphasis.
“Of course it matters. It confirms everything I’ve ever thought,” he said ominously.
“Ben, please don’t get angry or upset.”
“I think I’m a little beyond angry and upset.” He snorted an unpleasant chuckle and let go of her hands. “Listen, Joss, I got to get out of here for a while. I can’t breathe in this house.”
“I’ll come with you. Please let me do that.”
“No, I just need to clear my head and think. I need to do that alone.” He bent down and placed an awkward kiss against her forehead. “This isn’t about you, my lovely. This is all me. I...” He stopped speaking and shook his head.
Without another word, he turned away from her and walked out of the house.
No sooner had he closed the door than Josselyn’s stomach clenched painfully, sending her running for the kitchen sink. Afterward, she rinsed her mouth, staggered back to the living room and curled up on the easy chair. She reread the will, hoping she somehow misread it earlier. Unfortunately, she hadn’t.
She placed the will back into the envelope. As she did so, she noticed another envelope inside. Her name was written on the front, and she recognized Morgan’s long, looping handwriting. Using her fingernail, she slit the envelope open and removed Morgan’s letter. As she read his final words to her, a slow smile came to her face. Now she understood everything.
***
Ben stood at the edge of the lake with his fists clenched. He opened his mouth and let every ounce of pain and anger dwelling in the pit of his stomach release in waves of echoing screams. Afterward, he sat down at the water’s edge and battled unsuccessfully to fight back the tears blinding him.
Just when his life seemed to finally reach the place he had searched so long for, his father once again stepped in from the grave and created chaos. Only this time, nothing would ruin his happiness. He had Josselyn, and he loved her with his complete heart and soul. Together they were planning a life and a family. He was back at work feeling more vital and needed than he had in years. No, nothing would destroy his happiness.
Still, the arrival of the third will had sent him reeling. At first, he grabbed his cell phone and punched in his lawyer’s phone number, determined to express his outrage to someone. He hung up before an
yone could answer. The third will was really moot as he had already relinquished his claim on the house at Little Pine Road to Josselyn.
Only recently had Ben felt he finally reached an understanding and a certain peace with his father, all thanks to his lovely Josselyn. She had been determined to show Ben that Morgan really was a wonderful father who had been devoted to both of his children, and how the circumstances of Meaghan’s tragic death and his parents’ bitter divorce had driven father and son apart.
Perhaps if he met Josselyn earlier, before his father passed away, they might have made peace while he was still alive. Possibly there would have never been the issue of the multiple wills. Now it was too late, and his fault for being so stubborn and inflexible for so many years.
Opening the envelope, prepared to remove the will, he noticed a second envelope inside. Removing it, he tore it open and removed the folded paper. He scanned the familiar writing of a personal letter from father to son.
By now, I hope you realize that I have given you the greatest gift I could offer—I have brought Josselyn into your life. She is the right woman for you. As soon as I met her, I knew.
I apologize for the way I sent her to you, but I needed to give you both enough time to discover what I already knew. I am hopeful you are totally and madly in love, just how I envisioned.
If this is not to be, I ask you to respect my decision to leave the house to Josselyn. You grew up with enough advantages to become the success you are. Josselyn has had nothing and no one for so long. The least she can have now is a home to call her own.
For you, I’ve left my savings, transferred to an account in your name before I died. Buy yourself something frivolous; if not, trust it for my grandchildren, anything you desire. Just be happy, that’s all I ask.
Finally, I want you to know how very proud I am of you and how much I love and respect you. I know over the last many years we have never seen eye to eye, but I always felt at some level we still shared our father and son bond.
With shaking hands, Ben refolded the letter and replaced it into the larger envelope along with paperwork for a savings account transferred into his name. He hadn’t expected it. He assumed there was no money. No, he wouldn’t buy something frivolous, he would buy his new family the home of their dreams; a gift from his father.