by K. R. Rowe
"I love you," she said, as she gasped for air, "and I didn't want to live without you."
"I love you too, Grace." He closed his eyes, placed his cheek on top of her head, and rocked her gently.
Anne peeked in. She smiled and quietly closed the door behind her.
He held her close until her breathing was steady, and she had fallen asleep in his arms. He slowly unwrapped his arms from around her, and lay her back down to sleep. He settled down next to her on his back, with his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought.
Again, the old house was silent, except for her soft breathing, and the musical tinkle of the ceiling fan chain, hitting the light, while the fan slowly rotated above him. Just before dawn, he crept from the house.
It was time to go home.
He had plans to make.
Two weeks later, his fingertips tapped like a galloping horse on the back of a leather chair, while he waited for Atticus.
"Alex! How’ve you been?" Atticus took his hand and shook it with enthusiasm, "Have a seat." He motioned toward the chair while he poured two shots of brandy and handed one to Alex.
"You’re looking good," Atticus said, "So, what's on your mind?"
"Well," he cleared his throat and hesitated. Alex put his hands in his pockets and gripped the buckeye he kept for good luck. He took a seat and looked up, "Sir, I would like to ask your permission to marry your daughter."
Atticus leaned back in his chair, gripped his chin, and studied him awhile before he finally spoke. "All I ever wanted for my daughter is a good man," he said, "and I only ask that she can be taken care of." Atticus stood and emptied the last of the brandy into his glass. "Alex," he said, "you have proven this to me several times. How could I allow her to marry anyone other than you?" Atticus held out his hand for a shake, and patted him firmly on the back, "Welcome to the family!"
Alex blew out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir," he said with a broad smile. "Oh, don’t mention this to Grace or her mother."
Atticus grinned. "Of course not," he said. "Rosalyn Grace Phillips," He rolled the name around on his tongue. "Has a good ring to it, I have to admit."
"Sir, um, I have something to confess," Alex said. "I’ll be changing my last name. Phillips is my mother's maiden name."
"Why do you use your mother’s maiden name?"
"Well, it’s a little embarrassing," he said. "My parents weren’t married when I was born. My dad always wanted it changed, but it was expensive, and money was tight. Before he died, he made me promise, that before I married, and had a baby, I would change it to his."
Atticus looked confused. "Well, what will it be?"
"My last name, sir, will be Voltemat," he paused nervously and swallowed, "…the third."
Atticus cocked his head sideways and looked perplexed. "Alexander Gabriel Voltemat?"
"Yes, sir," Alex replied wondering how he knew his middle name.
Atticus stared at him. His chin dropped to his chest as his mouth hung open.
"Mr. Astor? Are you ok?"
"It's impossible," Atticus said, as he stared at Alex. "You're Gabe's boy."
"You knew my dad?"
"How could this be?" Atticus said. "I thought he died decades ago up in the mountains."
"No sir. He only passed a few years ago."
"I don’t understand," Atticus said and then a knowing smile spread across his face. "How old are you?"
"Twenty five."
"Well I’ll be a son of a gun!" Atticus snapped his fingers. "I should have known. He disappeared for a woman!"
"Umm .…"
"The girl in the bait shop …." he said to himself. "You and I have a lot to talk about." He put his arm around Alex and led him toward the bar, "Oh, and call me Atticus," he said. "I need another stiff drink—maybe two."
The spring gave way to summer and then to early fall. Classes at the University were in session and the college accepted Grace into their botany program. Her first test was coming up, and she sat under the old maple, and studied in the shade. She felt something small hit her in the back of the head, and she turned to look behind her but saw nothing. Alex stood on the landing, but he was facing the opposite direction.
She went back to her reading and felt something hit her on the shoulder. She looked up. Squirrels rummaged around in the tree above, preparing for the winter, but they were not directly over her head. She shrugged her shoulders and went back to reading when a peanut bounced from the center of her book and landed in her lap. The hesitant crunch of boots on pea gravel gave him away when he tried to sneak up behind her.
"Pssstt …." she heard from over her shoulder and she smiled. She should have known. She turned and Alex stood inches away. He leaned down, brushed her hair aside, and put his lips to the back of her neck.
"That tickles!"
"After my shift," he said close to her ear, "do you want to go downtown with me?"
He smelled of sandalwood and leather, and she closed her eyes when he kissed her under the ear.
"Sounds like fun," she said, "but I need to finish this chapter first."
"Ok," he said. "I’ll leave you alone—for now."
The old Walnut Street Bridge had survived for just over two centuries. Many years ago, the city leaders saved it from demolition, with repairs and structural modifications that turned it into a popular pedestrian walkway. Over the years, the city had kept the old bridge in pristine condition. Large wooden timbers planked the floor, and the riveted steel truss spans were painted bright turquoise blue. A favorite spot for tourists and locals alike, it bustled with activity every weekend. The bridge was crowded during the daylight hours with bicyclists, children, musicians, and street vendors. However, in the evenings, the old bridge came alive with a sweet song of romance, as it beckoned to sweethearts, to come for a slow walk across.
The night was warm and a swirling breeze blew over the bridge from the sluggish river beneath them. The only sounds were the faint buzz of the dim electric lights, and the soft chugging from the riverboat, as it sloshed through the water below. It was a perfect night. Like the moonlit dew on a harvest of melons, the rippling water sparkled with light from the bright autumn moon.
The familiar humming voice of an approaching figure caught Grace’s attention. She squinted into the night to get a better look as the man drew near.
"Russell!" she shouted when she recognized him. She rushed toward him and threw her arms around his neck. "How have you been"
"Grace! Where have you been?" he asked. "These tired old bones have missed you, girl." Russell’s smile glowed with tranquility and lit the air around him.
Not wanting to worry Russell, Grace answered carefully. "I just haven’t been out much lately."
"Ah, I hope you are well," he said as he glanced up at Alex. "Is this your husband?"
Grace blushed. "Umm—"
"I see—not yet," Russell teased and winked at Alex as he held out his hand for a shake. "But soon—maybe?"
Alex grinned and took his hand, "I’m Alex. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
The old Rastaman’s grip was firm but the humor vanished from his watery brown eyes as he leaned close to Alex and spoke a low warning. "I tell you, watch over her, Brotha," he said. "You must keep her safe."
Alex looked at him curiously, "Yes sir, I will."
He released Alex and turned to Grace, "I have to go now child, but you two have a blessed evening."
"You too," Grace said as she watched him turn and slowly shuffle away. After Russell had gone, the bridge was virtually empty and they found themselves alone. "How pretty," Grace said as she gazed out over the walkway. Large clay planters filled with chrysanthemums, colored their path with bright yellows and oranges. They walked together slowly, hand in hand, enjoying the light fall breeze, until they reached the middle of the bridge.
"Let's sit for a while." He pulled her toward an old wooden bench.
"It's a perfect night." Grace sucked in the night air and settled closer in his ar
ms. She leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"I think the night is jealous." He pulled her closer, "because it’s not as perfect as you."
She smiled and relaxed in the secure, comfort of his arms. The riverboat whistled with a loud bleep and startled them. They peeked out over the railing and waved to the people below.
She noticed he was restless and fidgety.
"Are you ok?"
"I think something bit me," he said. He suddenly stood and knelt in front of her.
Startled, she thought he dropped something and looked around on the wooden planks below.
"Grace." His warm deep voice drew her attention away from the floor and into the sapphire pools in front of her. He was on one knee. He took her hand and the whole world vanished. "Grace," he said. "I'll never leave you alone and I'll always be at your side. I'll treat you like the angel that you are. I'll give my life for yours. I'll love you until the end of time," he paused and took a deep nervous breath, "Grace, will you be mine forever? Will you marry me?"
Her heart almost stopped when she noticed the ring between his fingers. She raised her trembling hand and placed it lightly against his cheek.
"I waited, and finally you came." she said with her voice shaking and full of emotion. "Yes, I’ll be yours forever, and yes, I’ll marry you."
He took her hand and slid the ring on her finger. He put his arms around her and drew her close. He was quiet for a while until he let her go, jumped to his feet, and yelled down at the riverboat below.
"She said yes!"
She laughed when his yell bounced across the water and disturbed the sleeping birds that roosted below the bridge. The riverboat belted a tune from its pipe organ and he pulled her from her seat to dance. She melted in his arms and she knew that if there was one thing she could be certain of, on this night, she was the luckiest woman on earth.
******
Chapter 18 Memaw
Alex sweltered in the heat of his uniform and squinted into the sun. His shirt clung to his back like hot gum on a shoe, and he was restless. He had a lot to do and was anxious to get it done. Just standing around doing nothing was making him crazy.
"Atticus wants to see you," Adam said when he came out to take his post.
"Is something wrong?"
"I don't think so," Adam said. "He's in the study waiting."
He assumed it was about the upcoming wedding and was glad to get out of the heat.
"Alex, have a seat." Atticus poured a glass of tea. "Would you like some?"
"Sure."
"Anne said I’ve been drinking too much brandy." Atticus poured a second glass for Alex. "So how is everything going? How's the planning?"
"Well sir, I really don't have much say in the decision making to be honest," he admitted and laughed.
"No, I imagine you don't."
"I’m just told what to do," Alex said, "and I do it."
"You're probably wondering why I called you in here." He took a long swig of sweet tea. "I'll get to the point. Your grandmother wants to see you."
"My grandmother?"
"Your Dad's mother."
"Oh, I had no idea."
"You didn't know you have a grandmother?"
"I assumed they had passed on."
Atticus chuckled, "You are in for a treat."
I have a grandmother, Alex thought and smiled to himself.
"She’s coming over at one tomorrow. She has asked to meet with you."
Atticus had looked after Sophie for many years. He treated her like his own mother. Soon after Gabe disappeared, Gabe Sr. passed away from a heart condition. She never re-married nor had other children. She was skeptical when first told about Alex but Atticus assured her that any DNA test found at the local drug store nowadays could prove his lineage. Besides, one look at him and she would know, but she’d have to see for herself.
The following day at one o'clock sharp, the doorbell rang nonstop. When the door opened, a gust of cigarette smoke blew through the foyer choking all that stood in its path.
"Sophie! You're a sight for sore eyes," Atticus greeted and gave her a hug. "Have you been smoking again?"
She stopped and buried a lit cigarette in the houseplant next to the door.
"No," she said with a sneaky grin. "One little cigarette every now and then won't hurt me. Hell, I'm eighty now and they haven't killed me yet."
"Alex will be in shortly," Anne said. She led Sophie to the study passing a stoic Adam on the way.
"Why, he sure is good looking," she said in a loud whisper to Anne. "What is he, a foreigner?" She was hard of hearing and refused to get a hearing aid, demanding that if everyone would just speak up, she could hear them.
Anne responded, "No, he isn't a foreigner, he's Cherokee." She cast a look of apology Adam's way, and she turned red from embarrassment.
He just smiled.
Sophie sat in the study and began with her usual multitude of questions. "So, what happened to Sebastian? Your daughter's not marrying him now?"
Deciding not to go into the unpleasant details, Atticus responded, "No, I suppose she likes Alex more."
"You know," Sophie began, "I never liked him anyway. He just thinks he's better than everyone else, and then there's his old dad, Bill. You know, Bill came to my house one day and I wouldn't let him in the door," she said. "I don't know what he wanted so I went out on the porch to sit. The old jackass started sweet-talking me. You know, I'm too old for that mess," She stopped and started to laugh. "You know what he asked me?"
"What?" Atticus said.
"He asked me when I was gonna cook him some cornbread cause he heard it was good." She stopped and smiled mischievously. "I told him I would cook him some as soon as I bought some rat poison!" She burst into laughter and continued, "I don't think he liked it too much. He left and never did come back."
She snorted and Atticus burst into laughter.
"I reckon it must've pissed him off." she said.
"I can just envision the priceless look on old Bill's face," he said. "That’s hilarious!"
Just then, Alex entered the study and Sophie stood. "Why, I know you," she said.
"And I know you!" Alex had seen her many times before and only knew her as Sophie. He never knew her last name was Voltemat.
"Come over here and let me look at you," she said and he walked over and gave her a hug. "You have my eyes, just like your dad." She looked him over for a moment. "You're right, Atticus, he's just like Gabe. You can call me Memaw," she said. "I never thought I would have a grandson. You know, your dad just up and disappeared before he had any kids. He was supposed to marry Anne. You know Anne is a real pretty and sweet little ole girl. I just don't know why your dad didn't want to marry her. My Lord, he pitched the biggest fit like there was something wrong with him!"
Alex sent a questioning look toward Atticus.
"We'll talk about it later," Atticus mouthed and Alex nodded in response.
Sophie reminisced a while longer and suddenly stood, "Well, I can't stay long. I have a hair appointment at two." She hugged her newfound grandson as she was leaving and stopped on the front porch.
"Oh aren't those mums pretty! Can I have a piece? I can plant that in the yard and start a new bush." Without waiting for an answer, she jerked out a large hunk of the plant spilling dirt across the porch. "Well, shit!" she said and continued walking, trailing dirt across the sidewalk and into the back of her Limo.
Alex followed along behind her, looking back with a grin. He talked a while longer and closed her door after she got in.
When Alex was out of earshot, Anne asked, "You didn’t tell him anything did you?"
"What? That he’s her sole heir?" Atticus asked. "No, it’ll all come in due time."
"No, I meant … why didn't you warn him?"
She snickered quietly from beside Atticus as they waved goodbye from the porch. Atticus put his arm around Anne but was unable to answer when they both burst into laughter.
; "I wouldn't laugh too hard," Adam said in a serious tone from behind them. "Your grandchild might turn out just like her."
******
Chapter 19 Warning
Alex stood silent and watched Grace intently. Her soft humming voice drifted over him like a sweet cotton breeze, as she watered the chrysanthemums in the garden. The mid-autumn air had begun to cool. A week before Thanksgiving, the date had been set. Neither of them wanted to wait.
His mind was adrift with thoughts of the honeymoon. The tropics will be nice this time of year but his mind strayed far from the climate. A smile raised his lips and he leaned his head back and groaned with anticipation. Her humming continued, but lost in an erotic daydream, he did not notice that it stopped.
"Hello Grace," she heard. She looked up to find a man standing close by. She assumed he was the pool man that her parents were expecting. He looked overdressed for this type of work but maybe, she thought with a shrug, he might be the boss.
"Hello," she said and smiled as she started to turn away. "Come this way and I'll show you to the pool."
"I'm not here for the pool," he said, and she turned back his way. His gold honey gaze slowly poured over her and lingered. She swallowed hard and took a step back.
"You may not remember me, ma petite, but I came to say hello." He stepped toward her. "I needed—" He stopped and cleared his throat. "I wanted to see how you are." He seemed lost in thought but then continued with the smile of a nervous youth, "… and to tell you something very important."
Grace took another step back and looked around for Alex. This man looked vaguely familiar. "Who are you? What do you want to tell me?"
After realizing he had lost sight of Grace, Alex scanned the area and found her. She was talking to a man in the garden, a man he recognized. He greeted the stranger with a knee in his back, a pistol in his skull, and his face shoved straight to the ground.
Alex hissed and pressed his gun hard against his head, "Prepare to die this time, you piece of—"
Grace’s gasp from behind stopped him, and Alex glanced her way. "Consider yourself lucky—again," he said, with his voice low and his jaw clenched. His hand shook with anger. It would be so easy to pull the trigger. "I should've killed you when I had a chance, but now, here you are again, just as I suspected."