Second Chance at Forever

by Mary Wasowski

  “I’m so sorry, Walker. I never knew that she died, I feel three shades of foolish for not knowing that.”

  “How could you know, Reese? I was living out in California and about to begin my new role as a widower and father. I was twenty two years old. I thought I would have Elizabeth with me to help raise Jackson, and then the unthinkable happened. My father handed me over the business, and it was mine to run. Sadly, I confess, it’s all I know. I have raised Jackson on my own and became the mogul my father always wanted me to be.”

  “Walker, I know I don’t have the right to ask, but what made you stop looking for me?”

  “You have every right Reese, but the truth is, after you called me and I begged you to come back to me, I was just done. I lost all hope on ever finding you. Freddy cut me off, and anyone that knew us had no clue to your whereabouts. Like I said, Reese, you just disappeared.”

  “Um…Walker, I never called you.”

  “Yes, you did, Reese. I received several calls from you, but you never answered me back, you just stayed on the line and listened to me pour my heart out, until it shattered even more.”

  “I swear that wasn’t me. It had to be your father trying to throw you off. If you were so close to finding me, and then you got a mystery call allegedly from me, then he had to know you may eventually reach your breaking point and give up. Clearly, you did. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to say it with such vehemence in my tone, but it hurts like hell, maybe even more so now.”

  “Reese, I never believed that you left me on your own. I didn’t want to, something always felt wrong about it, but I never could prove my father’s involvement in it. He always admitted to not liking you, and he never tried to hide it. So that was his way of manipulating me out in the open. Yes, I married Elizabeth, but Reese, you were always in my heart. After you left, it was Elizabeth who saved me. I drank myself into anything that would numb my pain, and then she was there to pick up the pieces of my life. I don’t know how I would have survived if it wasn’t for Elizabeth. I know this hurts you to hear that, but it’s the truth and why hide anything now.”

  “Walker, do you think she knew what your father was up to?”

  “I can’t believe she willingly had anything to do with our break-up. You didn’t know Elizabeth like I did. We grew up together, and she was not like the rest of the rich, high society girls that were in our circle. She was kind, and very beautiful inside and out. She helped me return to the land of the living and saved me from self-destructing. Elizabeth knew who my heart belonged to. I never kept my feelings from her, but she didn’t care and loved me anyway. I never deserved her, but she always told me that I did and we could start our own happiness on our terms. After I graduated, we became lovers, and I guess you can call it dating. I wasn’t ever with anyone else. Our families were thrilled, and I was on my way to taking over the throne at Reed Global.”

  “We married shortly after Elizabeth discovered she was pregnant with Jackson. As much as I loved you, Reese, I married her, because I was about to become a father. I stepped up and tried my best to be a husband for her. We lived happily until she died.”

  Reese and I had been in this car for hours now. We still had so much to talk about, but I knew we each needed to get back to our kids. My cell phone beeped a while ago, and it was Jackson telling me that he was on his way home. I was still holding Reese, as she had her arms wrapped around my waist. I gently kissed the top of her head and inhaled her beautiful scent. She always smelled like exotic berries mixed with vanilla. I always laughed at her crazy mixtures of products. She used to combine several scents to get the perfect one for her hair. I playfully teased her about her career choices. She should have been a chemist instead of a model or teacher.

  I could have stayed in that car forever with her, but our time together was coming to an end, at least for now.

  “Jackson and Riley are on their way back from the Village. Check your phone. I’m sure Riley texted you as well.”

  “Can we stay like this for a few more minutes?” she whispered to me.

  “You can stay…forever.” She looked up at me and let her tears fall, but she pulled away before I could wipe them off her cheeks.

  “Forever.” If only…

  Hearing Walker repeat the same words to me now like he did back then gave me a glimmer of hope. The fantasy was always better than the reality. I could easily get caught up in believing we could be together again, but how? I was married to Samuel. I had built an entire life around my husband, our daughter, his career, and left no room for me.

  I wouldn’t allow myself to dream of a future with Walker, it was too late for us. I had to stop this and get out of this car before I allowed myself to fantasize a future with him. Once and for all, I would close the door to the life I was supposed to have with Walker Reed.

  But how could I? Walker sat beside me, anticipating my next move, smelling great. I was still afraid to show him how much I loved him.

  My mind was revisiting me asking Samuel for a divorce. He didn’t take it well, and he showed me what he thought of my request.

  The proximity of Walker and me was overwhelming. I needed to get out of the car. He stared at me in silence. God, what must he be thinking right now?

  I checked my phone, and sure enough Riley let me know she was on her way back to our hotel. They had a fabulous time with all of their new friends and Jackson’s friends from his years spent in New York. My daughter was falling in love with Walker’s son. How would I ever begin to explain my connection to his father? I couldn’t keep this from my daughter or my husband. Who knew how Samuel would react to knowing that the man that built his precious hospital wing was also the love of my life and the man who still held my heart. Samuel already showed me that he was not willing to let me go. The faint bruises on my arms proved that.

  WE WENT BACK to Reese’s hotel. I didn’t want her to step out of this car, and my life, again. I needed more time with Reese, but our kids were waiting on us. Up until I walked in to that restaurant tonight, I never thought I would ever see Reese again. How could I ever return to anything I ever considered normal in my life? How can I resume the life I had been living without Reese in it? It’s impossible.

  “Walker, I have to go inside now. Riley should be back in our suite by now. I don’t even know what I will say to her.”

  “Reese, I don’t keep secrets from my son. Jackson will ask me how I spent my evening and question my behavior at dinner. It’s not that I didn’t want to share our history with him, but my life with you all those years ago was private, and it was mine. He never knew his mother, and why tell him the reasons I was with her? I may have no choice now. Will you tell Riley?”

  “I may have to do the same, Walker. Riley is a very inquisitive young woman, and we are very close. The real issue is how do I explain you to Samuel?”

  “Did you ever tell him about me?”

  “Yes, I did. I told him everything about us and how in love we were.”

  “Did he also know about my father and his orchestrated plan to remove you from my life?”

  “Yes. I had no reason to keep anything from Samuel. After losing the baby, I truly had lost everything that mattered. I was starting over, and with Samuel. He too knew who my heart belonged to, but didn’t care.” She was about to say something else, but she was interrupted by her cell phone beeping.

  “Walker, it’s Riley. She’s upstairs waiting for me. I really need to go.”

  “Reese, please wait. Will you meet me tomorrow? I have to make a trip out to the Hamptons, but when I return, I would like to see you. Please say you will think about it?” My heart raced, waiting on Reese to answer me.

  “Okay. Call me when you get back into town.” That was all she said, and then she was out of the limo and walking through the hotel doors.

  I felt sick again in the wake of her absence. I couldn’t bear to let her go after finding out why she left me all those years ago. I was a smart man who believed that if you crossed th
e street without looking, you may get struck by a car. Seeing Reese tonight was simply fate. It was our destiny to be together. I had to make her see that she belonged with me and that we could have the life that we were cheated out of having. Our future was taken from us, and it was time we took back what was always meant to be.

  “Stephen, take me back to the penthouse.”

  “Yes, sir, right away.”

  The first thing I needed to do was call Miles Jacobson. He would regret ever making the decision to help my father hurt me and Reese. I dialed his number, and he answered on the second ring.

  “Good evening, Walker, what a pleasant surprise hearing from you.”

  “I need to see you first thing in the morning at my family home in the Hamptons. Call my mother and arrange to have our meeting there. I need to go through my father’s papers and anything else you may have. Am I making myself clear to you, Miles?”

  “Of course, Walker. I can be there by nine.”

  I ended my call with Miles, just barely holding back my anger. I usually get right to the point when discussing all matters of business, but this was personal. Stephen silently listened to the tone of my voice. He was not only my personal driver; he was also my go-to man when I needed something done. He was fully equipped with many skills that had proven to be useful to me. I needed him to take care of several tasks before I met with my mother and Jacobson. I walked in through our foyer to see Jackson waiting for me. I’m sure he wanted to talk to me about what happened at dinner.

  “Hey, dad, where have you been?” My son actually looked concerned, but this was odd of him to question me. “I texted you a few times, but you never replied back.”

  “Were you worried about me son? I’m a big boy and can take care of myself.”

  “Yes, dad, I was. After your weird behavior tonight at the restaurant, and then not responding to my texts, I was worried about you. You’re my father, and my only parent.”

  Looking back at Jackson, I already regretted being curt with him. I knew he was telling me the truth.

  He worriedly whispered, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine, son, but can you give me some time? I’m exhausted from traveling today, and I need to get some sleep. Your grandmother needs to see me, so I will be leaving first thing in the morning to drive out to the house.”

  “Dad, can’t grandmother drive into the city to see us? I was really counting on you attending the parent’s luncheon with me.”

  “I already made arrangements with Riley’s mother. She will attend the luncheon with you both, and I will join you all later for dinner.”

  “Dad, I have plans tomorrow night with Riley, remember? We have tickets to the theater and then on to dinner with friends.”

  “Jackson, please understand I would never break plans with you if it wasn’t important. I need to see my mother tomorrow. I may miss the luncheon, but I will make the alumni meet and greet. I give you my word, I will be there.” I hated this position my dead father had placed me in. Now I have disappointed my son when he needed my support.

  “I understand, dad. Please give my best to grandmother from me.” Jackson turned away from me and walked upstairs to his room. He touched on the subject about dinner, but never asked me anything else about it. I was wondering if Riley was questioning Reese.

  There was no way I could keep my connection with Reese a secret from Jackson. I would get the information I needed first, then sit Jackson down and explain it all to him. He had a very kind soul; he got his goodness from his mother. I could only pray that I would not tarnish her memory in Jackson’s eyes. He never knew his mother, only knowing her through pictures and home videos. He had a solid relationship with her parents, and they were close. They kept their daughter’s memory alive for Jackson’s benefit, and that was always something I admired about Elizabeth’s parents.

  The Townsends were good people. Elizabeth’s father made his fortune through real estate. He owned many properties throughout New York City. He and his wife now lived in Arizona. He was retired and spent his days on the golf course. Jackson spent two weeks on their ranch last summer. Elizabeth would be happy knowing our son remained close to her family. The thought that she may have taken part in this ruse to hurt Reese sickens me. I couldn’t go there, not Elizabeth; she wouldn’t hurt me for all the gold in the world. If I could be certain of anything, this I knew.

  I left the city early with Jackson still asleep in his room. My mind was still reeling from all that I had learned in the past twenty four hours. Betrayal was all around me. Trusted people in my life had hurt and destroyed my relationship with the one person I cherished most. I ached for Reese. I craved her touch and could still feel her lips on mine. I wanted her back. Hell, we should have never been separated at all. They tore us apart. I was about to face one of the men who was responsible for our pain. And fuck up his life the way he fucked with Reese’s. I was wondering how Reese was feeling this morning. I hardly slept, and when I finally managed a few hours of sleep, Reese took over my dreams. I could still smell her intoxicating scent. She was still the most beautiful woman I ever met. As I held her in my arms last night, it felt like nothing had changed between us.

  The reality was that Reese was married and our children were dating each other. Was she happy with her husband? She didn’t say much about him. If Reese was living the picture perfect life with Samuel, she would have never stayed with me as long as she did last night. Thinking about Samuel reminded me to check in with Stephen. I needed to clear my head before seeing my mother. I had several cars that I stored in my parking bays to use when I was in New York.

  My Audi R8 was the perfect car to let off some steam. The weather was gorgeous, not a cloud in the sky. I took it to over a hundred miles per hour once I got on the open road. I didn’t care if I got pulled over, but luckily for me this didn’t happen. I arrived at my parents’ estate before my scheduled time with Jacobson. The drive did me some good, and I was ready to crush Jacobson. And if my mother had anything to do with this, then she would suffer my wrath as well.

  My phone buzzed as I exited my car. It was Jackson.

  “Good morning son, how are you?”

  “Hey dad, are you at grandmothers yet?”

  “Yes, I just arrived. Do you need anything before I go in? I plan to shut off my phone for a while.”

  “I just wanted to check in with you before I head over to the campus. Richard is driving me to pick up Riley.”

  I couldn’t help but ask Jackson how Riley and her mom were doing. He said Riley was very excited to tour the campus, but Reese wouldn’t be joining them after all. She had made plans to see a friend in the city. I wonder who? At least Jackson was talking to me this morning. Based on his demeanor last night, I wasn’t sure if he was angry with me. I still may not know.

  “Mother, are you here?” I called out for her. Usually I am met at the door by staff, but maybe she had dismissed them for the morning. “Mother,” I called out again, and then I heard voices coming from the library.

  I heard my mother’s voice. “Miles, why is Walker driving out here?” I listened as quietly as I could without alerting them of my presence. “My son has been avoiding my calls since Phillip died. Thank goodness Jackson keeps in touch with me, or I wouldn’t know anything about my son.”

  “Olivia, Walker coming up to the house today is not a social call. He and I have business to take care of regarding some things Phillip left for him.”

  “I don’t understand, Miles. The will has been read and all is in order with Phillip’s estate. What could Walker possibly be seeking?”

  “It’s not what Walker wants, it’s what was left for him personally by his father. I don’t even know what the box contains, but I can assure you it has nothing to do with Phillip’s original will.”

  “What are you not telling me, Miles? You were always a dubious character, especially when it came to protecting Phillip. What di
d you do to my son?”

  I burst into the library. “That’s what I would like to know as well, mother. You do know why I’m here, Miles, don’t you?”

  Before he could realize what was happening, my right hook met Miles’ jaw, knocking him on his ass. My mother gasped in shock.

  “Walker! Have you lost your mind? Why did you hit Miles? Are you okay?” My mother knelt down to help Miles get up from the floor.

  “Yes I’m fine, Olivia. Don’t be angry with Walker, that punch was long overdue.” I watched as Miles pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the blood away from his lip. I didn’t usually go around punching people, but he did have it coming and deserved much more than a punch to the face. “Olivia, will you please excuse Walker and me for a little while? I need to discuss a few things with your son.”

  “That won’t be necessary, Miles.” I said. “What I have to say involves the both of you, and don’t you ever dismiss my mother again in her own home. Am I clear?”

  “Walker, I meant no disrespect for Olivia. I just figured you would want to speak to me in private.”

  “Sit down, Miles. Let’s end this guessing game and get right to the point, shall we?” Miles nodded his response to me and joined my mother on the sofa.

  “Reese Mitchell, remember her, Miles?” His only response was to nod at me. I wanted to punch him again.

  “Miles, you’ve known me my entire life. You were my father’s friend, and at a time, were like an uncle to me. How could you go along with my father’s plan to destroy my life?”

  The man before me was not the same man that I had respected all these years. I could see his guilt radiating off of him. Miles was quickly coming to the realization that he had no choice but to come clean and tell me the truth.

  “I loved that girl with everything I had, Miles. I had planned on asking Reese to marry me and join me in California, where we planned on beginning a new life together. You conspired with my father to blackmail my girl and convince her that she was nothing to me. You knew she was pregnant with my child. How the hell did you know this, and in good conscience, keep this from me? Were you and my father having her followed?”