by Terri DuLong
“Great. I think we’re doing very well.”
“We are.” Mavis shifted in her chair. “Chloe, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”
My head shot up and I put my knitting in my lap. “What is it?”
“David showed me the letter you found.”
“Oh.”
“I want you to know . . . reading that letter fifty years later . . . well . . . I just don’t know how to thank you for finding it.”
“Thank me?” I had anticipated various reactions if David chose to give the letter to his sister—but gratitude was not one of them.
She nodded. “Yes. It absolutely confirmed something I always felt in my heart. That Jackson loved me every bit as much as I loved him.”
“Yes, that’s true, but . . .”
“But he cheated on me? Yes, I guess he did. But, Chloe, nobody is perfect. There isn’t one of us alive who doesn’t have flaws. My sister was incorrigible, but that’s just who she was. Actually, I recall the night it probably occurred quite well. I was home sick with bronchitis and Jackson and I had tickets to attend some fund-raiser in the community. Emmalyn volunteered to go with him and she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I trusted Jackson explicitly—my mistake was in trusting my sister. And when Yarrow was born, I counted back the months. I suspected . . . and I hated my sister. I never bothered to force the truth from her, because I knew Emmalyn simply wasn’t capable of the truth. But as Yarrow got older . . . the truth became crystal clear to me. She was Jackson’s daughter.”
“You’re a remarkable woman, Mavis Anne.”
She let out a deep sigh and shook her head. “No. No, I’m not at all. But just because Jackson made a terrible mistake, it didn’t diminish the love he had for me. Not at all. I always knew that in my heart. And this letter? This letter finally proves that to me fifty years later. It’s obvious from his words that he was torn apart by a moment of recklessness. An impulsive choice that changed four lives forever. So thank you, Chloe. Thank you for giving the letter to David and for giving me the proof of what I wanted to believe.”
I reached across the table and squeezed Mavis Anne’s hand. “And Emmalyn? You forgive her?”
“I didn’t. For a very long time. But then I came to realize that resentment and anger are toxic. I may have even briefly hated Jackson for a while. But I came to understand that love is so much stronger than any other emotion. I looked at Yarrow as she grew and I saw only love, so how could I not forgive Emmalyn and also Jackson?”
I shook my head and squeezed her hand tighter. “As I said . . . you are one remarkable woman, Mavis Anne Overby.”
Chapter 38
I had given a lot of thought over the past week to my conversation with Mavis Anne. Despite Jackson’s betrayal, it seemed her love for him had never wavered. And the words that he’d written in that letter only strengthened her feelings. So I was glad I’d found the wooden box.
I thought back on all the events of the past four months. Every little step taken that had brought me here. To this moment. Renting Henry’s condo. Meeting Mavis Anne and Yarrow. Moving into Koi House. All leading to the moment when I’d find that wooden box that had been hidden in a closet wall for fifty years. Was it fate? Meeting Chadwick Price on a rainy road with a flat tire. How did that play into the overall scheme of things?
I had no answers and I had no explanations. But one thing I knew for certain. I had to call Chadwick.
“I need to discuss something with you,” I told him when he answered the phone. “Would it be possible to get together someplace private?”
There was a slight pause before he said, “Sure. But I’m leaving to go out of town this afternoon. I’ll be back next Monday evening. Would Tuesday afternoon be okay at my house?”
“That would be fine.”
“Okay. Would around three work for you?”
“Yes, and thanks, Chadwick. I’ll see you then.”
I hung up and let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.
I had taken the first step on a journey and had no idea where it would end. But for the first time in a long time, I knew in my heart that it was another step closer to a healing process I’d been avoiding for most of my life.
I headed out to the yarn shop to begin working on the calendar schedule I was setting up in the computer. Basil was close at my heels when we walked inside. Except for the L-shaped cherrywood desk, the place was still empty of furniture. But that would all change next week.
Mavis Ann and I agreed that the desk should be placed just inside the door to the left. It would double as a workstation for the computer and the area where customers would complete their purchases. Sitting down in the leather office chair, I smiled. It was the perfect spot to greet customers and I had an unobstructed view of Koi House, the archway to the fishpond, and the sky.
With the French doors to the side, bay windows in front, and skylights above me, I knew the lighting would be ideal for the knitters to enjoy hours of what they loved doing.
Just as I booted up the computer, my cell phone rang. The caller ID told me it was my son Eli.
“How’s it going, sweetheart?” I said.
“Fine, Mom. And how’re you doing? Busy with your grand opening in a couple weeks?”
“Yeah, but it’s a fun busy. I hate to jinx anything but we’re on schedule and Mavis Anne and I are so excited.”
“That’s great. I’m happy this has all worked out so well for you.”
“How’s Treva? Anything new on the move?”
“Treva’s just fine. And we’re right on target with the move too. I think she’s getting antsy, though. She’s more than ready to move south. Our movers will arrive here on the twenty-seventh of September and we’re flying down on the morning of the twenty-eight.”
“Do you need a place to stay for a few days? You’re more than welcome to stay here at Koi House.”
“Thanks, Mom, but we’ve already booked a hotel in Jacksonville. We want to be close to the house because there are a few things we’d like to get done before the movers arrive.”
“Right. That makes sense. But are you sure you won’t miss one more winter in Boston?”
I heard Eli’s laugh come across the line. “Ah, I think we’ll pass on that. After the last winter we had here, which by the way really only ended in June, I think we’ve had enough New England winter to last a lifetime. Jeez, we really didn’t even have any spring here this year.”
“Yeah, you have to be tough to live in New England. I think you paid your dues for somebody who was raised in the south.”
“I’m glad to hear things are going well. How’s Aunt Grace doing? Are they still on track for France in the spring?”
“Yeah, everything is good there too. Have you been in touch with your brother? I haven’t heard from him in a while.”
“I spoke to Mathis the other day. He’s been traveling a lot with his company. He said to say hello if I spoke to you first.”
“That boy needs a woman in his life. Any word on that?”
“Nobody serious. You know Mathis, love ’em and leave ’em.”
“Hmm. I’m not sure that’s such a great philosophy for him anymore. He’s twenty-eight now.”
“Yeah, but pushing thirty today isn’t like in your time.”
“My time?” I let out a chuckle. “Geez, Eli, you make it sound like I’m ancient.”
I heard him laugh. “Aw, Mom. I didn’t mean that. You know what I meant. My generation just isn’t getting married as young as yours did. If I hadn’t met Treva, I’d probably still be single. But the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was the one.”
I let out a sigh. I’d heard this from Mavis and now my son was saying the same thing. I definitely had gone wrong somewhere. “And you know how happy I am for both of you. You were very fortunate to find each other.”
“And we both know it. Listen, I have to get back to work. You take care and I’ll be in touch soon. Love you, Mom.”
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“Okay. Love to both you and Treva.”
I had no sooner got back to working on the calendar when my cell rang again. I saw it was Henry.
Before I could even say hello, I heard him say, “What are you doing three weeks from today? That would be Tuesday, September fifteenth.”
I laughed. “I have no idea. Why?”
“Because I’m calling to book a date with you. Not coffee at Starbucks. Not a quick chit-chat someplace. An honest to goodness, bona fide date.”
I laughed again. “Oh. It seems you’re a very decisive sort of man.”
“I am and although we’ve gotten to know each other on the phone, I want to give you a chance to get to know me in person.” He paused for a second. “That is . . . if you’d like to.”
“Hmm, you were doing great there until you faltered a bit.”
He laughed. “Well, I don’t want you thinking I’m a control freak. You have a say-so in this date too.”
“Oh, that’s good to know. And do I get to choose where this date is to take place?”
“Ah, I’m afraid not. No. I can’t relinquish all of my control. Besides, I’m the one requesting said date.”
“Hmm. I see. Then where might this date be?” I struggled to avoid letting him hear me giggle.
“I was considering Chart House in Daytona Beach. It’s on the Halifax River with a scenic view. Would that meet with your approval?”
The giggle squeezed through. “I’ve never been there but I’ve heard it’s very nice.”
“It is. Good. Then it’s settled. I’ll make a reservation. Oh, wait . . . you didn’t actually accept.”
Now I was laughing out loud. “You’re a very astute man. I didn’t. But I do. Accept your date, that is.”
Henry’s laughter came across the line. “Good. I’m looking forward to it. I will arrive down there the day before. You’re probably busy so I’ll let you go. I just wanted to get this confirmed. I’ll pick you up at seven. I’ll talk to you soon, Chloe.”
“Sounds good,” I told him.
There was a humorous side to Henry Wagner. And I liked it. But even more, I liked the fact that in three weeks I was finally going to get to meet him in person.
The strange thing was I had never given much thought to what he looked like. And I realized I really didn’t care. I just liked Henry Wagner—the man.
Chapter 39
I woke on the first morning of September and instantly recalled my dream from the night before. Again there was Emmalyn wearing her red evening gown. And again I was standing just inside the entrance to the fishpond. But this time Emmalyn was dancing, or maybe she was floating, around the water. Her gown swirled and flowed as it skimmed her ankles. She was swaying her arms back and forth in the air and then suddenly, she stopped, looked straight at me, and gave me the most luminous smile. Her entire beautiful face lit up. She waved at me, drifted down toward the end of the fishpond, and floated up toward the sky. That was it. Then I woke up.
I shook my head and smiled. I had a feeling that might have been the final dream I’d have of Emmalyn Overby. Did she seem happy now because I’d found the box with the letter? Or did it have more to do with me? Was it because I would be meeting with Chadwick Price this afternoon? Again, I had no answers.
“Come on, Basil,” I said and got up. “Time to start our day.”
I pulled into the circular driveway just before three. I let out a deep breath and gripped the steering wheel. I could do this. I would do this.
I rang the bell and Chadwick opened the door almost immediately. Stepping inside, I wasn’t sure if my trembling was caused by the chilling air conditioning or my nerves.
“Hey, Chloe. Good to see you. Can I get you something to drink?”
“A glass of water would be good.”
I followed him into the kitchen, avoiding the display of framed photographs, and perched on a stool at the counter.
“So your company has left?” he asked before placing a crystal glass of water with a slice of lemon in front of me.
“Yeah, Isabelle and Haley are back in Atlanta.”
I took a sip of water and we both remained silent for a few moments.
“So,” he said, “what can I do for you? You said you wanted to talk privately.”
I nodded and fingered the base of the water glass. “Yes. There’s something . . . I wanted to talk to you about.” I took another sip of water. “I think you realize that I’ve been trying to avoid you.”
“You’ve made that pretty obvious. Yes.”
“Well . . . I want you to know that it has nothing to do with you. At least not directly.”
“Oh. Okay. Right. That makes everything crystal clear.”
I heard the edge to his tone and I couldn’t blame him.
“I like you, Chadwick. I really do.” I let out a deep breath. “This is very difficult for me but I need you to know something. When I was a college student thirty years ago, something happened. An incident that I’m only now coming to realize has affected every aspect of my life since then.”
Chadwick remained silent while he stared at me across the counter.
I saw him give a slight nod and I continued.
“I was young and extremely stupid. I was at a frat party with some friends. They took off at the end of the night and I found myself stuck, with no way to get back to my dorm. Having had way too much to drink, which is no excuse, I accepted a ride from one of the guys there. A complete stranger. On the drive back to my dorm he—”
“Oh, my God! You were that girl,” Chadwick exclaimed. “It was you.”
“You knew about this?” I wasn’t sure what I was feeling in that moment—anger, or relief that I wouldn’t have to finish telling my story.
He nodded and I saw the sad expression that crossed his face.
“I knew about the incident. Aaron told me before he died. He said he’d done a lot of bad things in his life . . . but that was the worst. He wondered what became of that college student and wished there was a way to make amends. But Chloe, I had no idea it was you.”
I tried to digest what he’d just told me.
“How did you know? Did you know Aaron was my brother because of the last name?”
“No. I never even knew his name. But I never forgot his face. It was the photograph.”
“What photograph?”
I pointed toward the living room. “The one of you with him.”
Chadwick looked toward the framed photos and gasped. “That was why you flew out of here the day we were going on the boat. That was why you left. And why you’ve been avoiding me.”
I nodded and could feel moisture stinging my eyes.
Chadwick jumped up and pulled me into an embrace. “I’m sorry,” he whispered in my ear. “I’m so sorry for what my brother did.”
After a few moments I pulled away and swiped at my eyes, attempting to compose myself. Grabbing one of the tissues from the box Chadwick placed in front of me, I said, “I know you are. That’s why I had to come and tell you the truth. Once I realized who you were, I put all my anger and blame on you.”
“That’s understandable,” he said.
“I thought it was,” I told him. “But it’s not. Thirty years of pent-up fury was misdirected. I’ve allowed one incident to affect my whole life and that was a mistake. I allowed your brother to have the power. But no more. I’m the one who now has the power.”
He reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’re a strong woman, Chloe. And I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for what my brother did.”
“You’re a good and kind person. I knew that the first day I met you when you stopped to help with my tire. And so . . . I need you to know . . . finally . . . after all these years I can honestly say I forgive your brother. I do forgive him.” I let out a deep breath and felt a sense of lightness wash over me.
“And do you forgive me?” he asked.
“There was never any need to forgive you, Chadwick. I just did
n’t know that. Unfortunately, you were just in the line of fire.”
He nodded. “I’m not going to lie to you. I was attracted to you and I had hoped that possibly we might go somewhere. I can see now that won’t happen.”
I silently agreed.
“But,” he said, with the hint of a smile crossing his face, “do you think we could be friends?”
I nodded and raised my hand for a fist bump. “Absolutely. I’d like that. We can never have too many friends.”
Chadwick walked me out to my car about an hour later. I started the ignition and he leaned in the window to kiss my cheek.
“You’re one special woman, Chloe Radcliffe. I’m very glad you had a flat tire that day.”
I laughed. “So am I,” I told him before backing out of his driveway.
And on the short drive down North Beach Street to Koi House, I knew in my heart that another chapter had been concluded in the book we call life.
Chapter 40
While most people were enjoying boat rides or barbeques on Labor Day weekend, the new owners of Dreamweaver Yarn Shop and Nirvana Tea and Coffee were very busy preparing for their grand opening in a few short days—and we couldn’t have been any happier.
“What do you think?” Mavis asked.
I turned around to see that the half-moon–shaped cherrywood table in the corner now held three wicker baskets with pastel colored yarn spilling out.
“Oh, I love it,” I told her. “Perfect for that spot.”
“Good. I’ll start filling the armoire with the cashmeres and qiviut. Oh, those cubbyholes look great, Chloe. Everything is so organized and will be easy to find.”
I heard the whistling of a teakettle and looked toward the back of the shop.
“Tea’s almost ready,” Yarrow hollered to us. “We need to christen our new place.”
“That’s almost sacrilegious,” Mavis Anne told her. “I would think we’d at least pop open a bottle of champagne.”
“Not at ten in the morning,” Yarrow retorted.
I laughed as I walked toward the tea shop area.