Freddy lit up while talking about him. Freddy had never forgotten about me and told his husband all about me. Freddy called Fabrizio on Skype, where we talked and laughed some more. He had a heavy Italian accent and was devilishly handsome. Freddy told me all about his foundation and his vision to help the children all around the world. His bookshelves were lined with humanitarian awards and of course awards for his work in the fashion industry. I was so proud of my best friend, and I was so happy that he had found his Forever.
I couldn’t have asked for a better day with Freddy. He had forgiven me, and I had my best friend back. He couldn’t wait to meet Riley. She was going to go major fangirl when she met him. I’m sure Freddy will teach her a few words that she will need to survive the big city. God knows he put me through New York 101 when I first arrived. Marsha had sent over my favorite wine and some treats for Freddy and I to enjoy. I said a tearful goodbye to him, but we promised we would see each other soon.
I finally checked in to my hotel room later that night. I only briefly talked to Riley, and I sent Walker a text. He never returned my phone call, but I wasn’t worried. I asked for space, and I knew this was him giving it to me. I knew he hated it. I didn’t want to be the cause of anymore hurt for the man I loved, but I had one more thing to do.
If I was ever going to be happy with Walker, I knew I would have to come clean with Nana. I just couldn’t show up on her doorstep hand in hand with Walker and expect all to go back to how it was. The last time I spoke to Nana, I was still very much married to Samuel, and now we were divorcing. She never came out and said how she really felt about my marriage to Samuel, that wouldn’t be the Christian way, but I had always known. Nana always respected my choices and feelings.
In the comfort of my hotel room, soaking in my jasmine filled bath, my body was completely relaxed, and all thoughts went to Walker. I dreamed of him touching me, loving me with his body, and then me feeling the intense pleasure of his sensual assaults. I found my hand slowly lowering over my clit and picturing Walker’s mouth hovering over it. Just then my cell was ringing, bringing me out of my sexually infused thoughts.
How the hell does he know he was on my mind? It’s Walker!
“Hello,” I barely spoke above a whisper.
“Reese,” his voice was smooth as velvet gliding along my skin. “I miss you, baby. I almost shattered my phone today when I realized I had missed your call. What are you doing? Or do I even have to ask?”
“I miss you too, Walker. I’m taking a bath.”
“Don’t touch yourself! I want all your pleasure, and I will soon be giving it to you. This separation is slowly killing me, Reese. You should know by now, I am not a patient man.”
“I wish you were in this tub with me right now. What was I thinking of ever asking for time, when you know you own my body and soul.”
“You don’t know how much I’ve been wanting and needing to hear those words come from your delectable mouth, but you were right to ask for space. I can’t just expect you to drop everything in your life and join me out here in California. I asked you once to do that, and I lost you. I will stray away from anything that will put me in that position again.”
“Walker, please don’t do that. You did nothing wrong, and I willingly accepted everything you ever asked of me. I wanted our life together, but I ran. I’m done hiding and not trusting in what we have. Do you believe me?”
“How can I not? Of course I do, baby. I just need you so much, and I have Jackson here and my work.”
“It’s the same for me. It’s been a rough few days with Riley. She is so confused with everything that has happened. She loves her father and never wants to choose between the two of us.
“She doesn’t have to, Reese. She knows how much her parents love her and will always be there for her. It wasn’t easy for Jackson to hear, but I think he understands it all now. I’m giving him the time he needs to process it all.”
“You haven’t told me about your trip out to the Hamptons.”
“No, I haven’t. I’m still reeling from all of it, but I promise I will tell you when we have the time. I won’t ever keep anything from you.”
Now that Walker had opened up the door for my next question, I needed to know. “Walker, can I ask you something?”
“You know you can.”
“I know I can, but I wanted to ask anyway. I need an honest answer no matter how much it angers you.”
“Reese, don’t play with my emotions when I’m thousands of miles away from you. Ask me.”
“The divorce papers, Walker! My divorce papers intended for Samuel. How did you manage to have them served to him without my knowledge?”
He sighed deeply on the line before answering me. “Reese, I’m a very powerful man. I didn’t get where I am today without knowledge and influence. I had my lawyer contact yours and simply take over the proceedings. Once your husband signs the papers and they are filed, we can begin making plans for our wedding and making me your husband. Please don’t be angry with me. You do want this right, Reese?”
“Of course I do, Walker, but you didn’t see the hurt on Samuel’s face when he showed me the papers. He was beyond devastated. I just want this to be done as amicably as possible.”
“Reese, it will be. As long as this divorce is uncontested, and it will be, you have nothing to worry about. All you need to do is walk out that door, and go straight through mine. I love you so much, and I need you with me.”
I said to him, “Just for the record, I’m not angry with you. You took something that was hard for me to do, and you handled it for me. I love you too. My skin has now pruned, and the bath water has turned cold. I need to get some rest before flying back to Maryland in the morning.”
“Jackson spoke to Riley, and she mentioned that you’re going to Georgia on Friday.”
“That’s the plan. I was going to go on my own, but Riley wants to see Nana and Granddaddy.”
“Can I join you in Georgia? I would love to see Lila and Thomas again. I was afraid to even ask you about them, and you couldn’t imagine my relief when you told me that they’re alive and well.”
“You really want to fly down to Georgia?” I asked.
“More than anything in the world, so please say yes, Reese”
“Yes. I can’t wait to see you again.”
We exchanged our “I love you’s” and struggled to hang up the phone. How this man affects me even miles away is beyond all logical thinking. For the first time in days, I slept so soundly. Of course all my night’s dreams were of Walker. I dreamed of our son for the first time in years. This time around, though, it wasn’t scary and sad. He was beautiful and happy in heaven. He was surrounded by light and warmth. He looked just like Walker. He was being held by a woman, I recognized her to be Elizabeth. She was rocking him to sleep. I could hear the lullaby she was singing to him. Elizabeth never had the chance to be a mother to Jackson, and I never had the chance to be a mother to our son. I felt happy believing that Elizabeth was watching over mine and Walker’s child.
He was safe where no one could hurt him. In the past, anytime I would remember my son, I would feel cold and alone. I wanted him so much and was devastated when he didn’t survive. I had never felt peace in my dreams until tonight. Seeing Elizabeth with him erased all the loss I ever felt. I couldn’t explain it, this feeling was something that was new and unexplored. I just knew I was okay. I didn’t know if I should mention this to Walker, would he understand? He never knew about our son, but he may have needed this closure as well. He loved Elizabeth, and she loved him. Knowing that the two losses in our lives brought us together again should hopefully bring him the peace and closure he needed.
DAYS OF WORRYING about the unknown ceased last night after speaking to Reese. She wasn’t angry with me about my calculated intrusion with the divorce papers. I hadn’t heard from her in a few days, and I was going out of my mind here in California. In a few days, she would be back in my arms where she belonged. Sh
e had to know that I would do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy.
Before leaving New York a few days ago, I examined the contents of my safe once more. It contained tangible and precious memories of Reese from our life together all those years ago. The life I said goodbye to. The life I intended to have with Reese.
The ring box was there right where I placed it years ago. I opened the box to see this exquisite ring shining back at me, Reese’s ring that would soon be gracing her hand and remain there forever. It was the ring that her grandmother had given to me. This is the same ring that I had redesigned for my true love, and the same ring that I couldn’t bear to look at once I knew she was never coming back. Her grandmother never allowed me to return it.
Nana always told me to believe in true love, and eventually this ring would find its rightful owner. And now it had: Reese, the woman who held my heart, was wrapped around my soul, and was the only one that truly could hurt me. To lose Reese now would destroy me beyond any hopes of survival. I was now a believer in love, fate, and the universe with all of its signs. I would never doubt it again and the possibilities of a happy future with Reese.
It had been days since I returned to my office. Today was the day I righted a wrong that should never had happened. The smug bastard would not see me coming, and I would enjoy every minute of his misfortune.
Jackson was sitting at the breakfast bar with his headphones on. I waved my hand in front of him to get his attention.
“Hey, dad, I thought you would be gone already.”
“Good morning, son. Normally, I would be, but I caught up on some sleep last night and will be going in a little later this morning. I also wanted to have a chat with you before you leave for school.”
“I have time, dad. My first class is not until ten. What’s on your mind?”
“Jackson, above anything else in my life, you know you’re my number one priority, right?”
“Yes, I know, dad.”
“You and I have been quite the team all of these years, and I know the past week delivered you many changes that will now affect your life, as well as my own.”
“Dad, I’m fine. I’ve had a lot of time to process it all, and I’m secure enough to know my place in your life. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Jackson, I will never stop worrying about you. That’s my job, but thank you for letting me know. How are things with Riley, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Lack of a better word? Emotional. We’ve been talking every day, but she’s not the same. She’s hurting over her parents’ break-up, and I’m just afraid she’s going to resent me for it.”
“I hope that doesn’t happen, son. The dissolution of their marriage has nothing to do with you, or even with her, for that matter. I know how much you care for her, and I’ve seen Riley return your affections.”
“Dad, when we were on the plane, and you were telling me all about Reese, I told you that I hope your relationship with Reese doesn’t spill over into mine with Riley. Well, its already happened, dad. I love and care about her. I think she is amazing and worth waiting for, but I also can’t sit back and have her crush my heart because of something that was beyond our control. It’s like her feelings for me have changed, and no matter what I say, it leads to an argument where she’s crying and I’m apologizing.”
“Jackson, I’m sorry. I never want to cause you one day of unhappiness. I hope everything works out for you and Riley, but be patient, son. Riley clearly needs time to work it out, and once she does, I’m sure you two will be okay.”
“If we’re not, then what happens? You and Reese will ride off into the sunset, and Riley and I will be over? I won’t let that happen, dad!”
“Okay, okay, calm down Jackson. You will see her on Friday in Georgia, and then the two of you can go off somewhere to talk. Pottersville has a way of bringing people together, and wait until you meet her great grandmother, Lila. She is so sweet, but a spitfire who says it how it is. No man is left standing when her feathers are riled up. I can’t wait to see her again. It’s been too many years.”
“You’re actually smiling, dad.”
“That I am, son. For the first time since I lost your mother, today I just feel at peace, which brings me to the next thing I have to tell you. Reese has filed for divorce from her husband. The divorce will not be challenged, and I have been able to lift the customary waiting period to a shorter time. Once that is all complete, I plan on marrying Reese and finally making her my wife.”
I watched Jackson’s expression fall, and he looked down to his hands. I lifted his chin to see him crying. “Jackson, this is not the reaction I wanted to see. Talk to me, son. Why are you upset?”
“I’m not upset, dad. I just wish my mother had lived. I almost feel disloyal to her memory for supporting you and your relationship to Reese. Does that sound crazy?”
“No, it doesn’t, Jackson. It makes perfect sense, because I’ve been where you are. But I have to believe Elizabeth would want me to be happy. Jackson, I’ve never been able to give my heart to another in all of these years after losing Reese, and then your mother. I did love her, son. Please know that. Jackson, I have never asked anything of you until today. I want your blessing and support for my marriage to Reese. It’s just not okay for me to be alone anymore, and now that I have her back, I don’t plan on waiting one more day.”
My son appeared to be struggling with his reply. I was just about to say something to him when Stephen interrupted us.
“Sir, excuse me for the intrusion, but you don’t want to be late for your appointment.”
I groaned rather loudly, but he was right. I had to leave for the office. “Jackson, we will finish this conversation tonight.”
Not one word, he just quietly nodded. Fuck! This is not how I envisioned our talk would go.
In record time, we arrived at Reed Global. I’m greeted by Jenny, who has returned from her vacation.
“Good morning, sir, and welcome back,” she says warmly and nods at Stephen.
“Good morning, Jenny.” I say to her, as I move past her and right into my office. It’s just as I left it, maybe a bit tidy. Clearly, Jenny has been in here. Catherine knows not to enter without my permission. “Oh, you put flowers in my office?”
“You look oddly happy this morning.” Her comment is not lost on me, as she entered with my coffee.
“Why odd?” I look over myself, and then back over to Jenny, who is shyly smiling at me.
“It’s not odd at all, you just look…different, and whatever has made you this way, I hope it continues. I put flowers in your office every week, and you’ve never noticed them before.”
“Thank you Jenny, but that conversation will have to be for another time. Has Donovan checked in yet?”
“He has, but has been delayed by traffic. He should be here soon.”
“Send him in as soon as he arrives, and we are expecting Jake Ralston momentarily.”
“Yes sir. The papers you requested are on your desk, and the other files you asked for as well.”
“Excellent. Thank you, and Jenny…”
“Yes, Mr. Reed.”
“If Jackson calls anytime during that meeting, please patch him through without hesitation.”
“Always, sir.”
Stephen took his place while I began to look over the documents I had Jenny put together for me. That file contained everything I needed to single handedly take down all of my enemies who played a part in my separation from Reese: Miles, Ralston, and Henry. I’m still shocked about Henry’s role in all of this. Of all people, I never imagined he could or would ever hurt me. My father was the only one that got off easy…or did he? His life was cut short by a heart attack, and my mother was mourning his loss each day. My heart hurt for her, but not for him. He left me with his letters of apology and the information I needed to close this chapter of my life, but I was conflicted.
I wanted my pound of flesh. I wanted the men who hurt me to suffer and
pay for what they had done to me and to Reese. I kept hearing Jackson’s words replay in the back of my mind, “At what cost?” I think I doubted my decisions because of how I left things with Jackson this morning. We were at a crossroads, and I needed to have us be on the same page. I needed his support more like my next breath. My son was everything to me, and the uncertainty of the unknown was killing me.
“Sir,” Jenny called over the intercom. “Mr. Tate has arrived.”
“Send him in, Jenny, and please hold my calls.”
“Welcome home, Walker. I’m sorry I’m late, traffic was horrendous with a five car pile-up.”
I raised my hands to silence him. Hearing his excuses to why he was late was irrelevant to me. “Donovan, take a seat, we have much to discuss.”
He looked over nervously to Stephen, who remained focused on what he was reading. “Is this about the Reinhart plans? The plans have been delivered, and all is right with them. They are currently looking the plans over, and we will meet again next month in Germany.”
I cut him off. “Donovan, this has nothing to do with the Reinhart building. Yes, I want to talk about that, but not today. I have other matters that we need ironed out. Now, don’t interrupt me again.” He quietly nodded, and I continued, “While I was in New York last week, I traveled to my family’s estate and discovered some unsettling revelations that need to be addressed, and they will be today. Do you remember Reese Mitchell?”
“Of course I do. Why do you ask?”
“I’m asking because her husband happens to be Samuel Briggs, the same Samuel Briggs that is a neurosurgeon over at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. He’s the very same doctor whom Reed Global designed and built a building for.”
Second Chance at Forever Page 28