24.10 The Walk

Reed called daily around the same time to plan their dates, but after the shocking blow to the family, his calls were only to check on Mary. As much as she wanted him near to hold her and kiss away her troubles, she found the space beneficial and was glad he restrained himself enough to let her have it. With Susie back at home, they needed time to reconnect and bond. Reed would have interfered with that though it wouldn’t be his intention.

Thursday night, however, he told her they were going out to get some fresh air, and he would not accept no as an answer. He must have missed her so much and probably also thought she was still moping around the house.

The Chalet Gardens at Von Haunt Estate was the venue for their outing. He stood at the steps of the estate grinning at her as if she took his breath away. “Mary! You … You look so well…”

Eventually, they would see each other so she did not go out of her way to tell him of her revelation to press through her grief.

“…And, so casual. Are those jeans, Mary Jones?”

She giggled. “I borrowed them from Phoenix. Figured I’d try them out before I commit to getting my own pair.”

Summer was only a few days old but reared its ugly head with a vengeance. Mary’s life had changed along with her attitude toward it, so a new wardrobe was appropriate.

Reed snorted. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to show off that figure.”

The heat couldn’t be blamed for her flushed face. “Reed!”

He grabbed her hand and led them toward the walkway to the garden. “Let’s go before it gets too dark.”

A refreshing, cool breeze zipped back and forth, providing pleasant conditions for their walk. Twilight was the perfect time for an outdoor summer date as the sun lost its strength and faded into the horizon.

Birds in the distance flew back to their nests after finishing the day’s harvest. The trickle of fountains and laughter of lost people in the maze soothed her mind and brought a smile to her face.

Reed squeezed her hand. “What are you grinning at?”

“Oh, not much. It’s good to be out again.”

He grinned. “I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I’ve been worried about you. Missed you.”

“We’ve spoken every day.”

“But, you weren’t yourself.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. You went through something terrible. I’m just a little selfish. I miss you all the time.”

A smile had always been an integral part of Mary’s wardrobe, but the authenticity of it was a different situation. Reed always brought out the genuine smiles. “I miss you too.”

“So … What’s new?”

Everything was new. She was a different person, and her entire world had changed even before Tim got arrested. Reed was a big part of that change. He would entertain a dissertation on the nuances of life, but that wasn’t what he meant. So, she began with the most recent development. “Well … It seems I am due my inheritance after all.”

He looked askance. “What? How?”

“Susie did some digging. Turns out there are rules to being a Jones heir.”

He snorted. “Do tell.”

“Apparently, one must produce an heir by our adult birthday or be disqualified. You’re also disqualified if you are otherwise unable to fulfill the duties of an heir.”

“And what is that?” he asked, his voiced drenched in sarcasm.

She shrugged. “I suppose whatever Arnold made you do.”

Reed grinned. “Hmph. I got me a sugar mama.”

Mary laughed. “That’s not funny!”

“I’m glad I’m secure in my manhood. Some men can’t handle their woman having more money than them. So, what are we going to do? Build an even bigger house on top of your father’s as one last plum you?”

“Reed!”

“Just saying.”

Everyone gave their opinions on what to do with the money. All of it tempted her like Reed’s oceanic eyes in the middle of a slow dance. But, she had changed so much. It wasn’t the money that concerned her but everything that came with it. The customs, expectations, and mindsets turned her into that woman she left behind. The world wasn’t wide enough for both Marys. One of them had to go.

“Having more money would make life a bit easier, but I can’t go back to that lifestyle, Reed. I can’t!”

He nodded with squinted eyes as if to listen intently.

“I’ll make sure my children are taken care of, but I haven’t a clue what to do with the rest. I can’t afford to get lost right now. I feel like if I begin spending it, I’ll relapse, Reed! I like who I am now. I really do.”

Reed stopped and eyed her significantly. “You’re so much braver than me.” He peered across the garden at the mountains. “I only dreamed about being rid all the etiquette and decorum.”

In an instant, they were teenagers again sitting with their elbows rested on their knees on her bedroom balcony whining about their parents and wanting to live a normal life. Everything about them was exactly the same. They only grew taller, grayer, and wiser.

His eyes reconnected with hers, and he reached for her hand. “You said you like who you are now, but you’re the same woman I fell in love with all those years ago. Maybe you got lost, but you haven’t changed.”

Tears threatened to erupt, but she kept her emotions at bay. Could it be true? Had she always been this person? All those years of serving her father and climbing the social ladder washed out the real Mary so much so she couldn’t see her anymore.

“I don’t know about bravery, but desperation will make you do many unexpected things.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” He threw his arm around her shoulder and continued walking. “So, what is something you’ve always wanted to do and never got the chance?”

She sighed. “I’m not sure.”

All her money had strings attached to it, coming from Arnold, and she wasn’t free to do as she pleased with it. “I suppose … There were charities I wanted to donate to, but … You know how that goes.”

“Mmm hmm.”

“But, being on the other side of it now, donating seems too simple. I want to feel like I am making a difference. Throwing money at a problem doesn’t feel like doing much.”

He smiled warmly.

“And, it’s so hard to know where the money actually goes. Oh, Reed. You would be horrified to know how many of them are not valid!”

She once decided to work smarter and collaborate with an existing charity to make up for some of the resources she didn’t have. To say the least, it was an eye opening experience. “Being a philanthropist is like winning the lottery. Once people find out what you’re doing, everyone is at your door looking for a handout! I think it’ll make me miserable.”

He nodded slowly and took in her words for a moment. “Hmm … You love doing the work … Why not start your own charity?”

Something warm inside zipped through her so fast she thought it may have torn her in two. “Mr. Keller! That is a brilliant idea. I will think on it.”

“Glad I could help.”

She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

“So … Are you still ok to go to the mayor’s ball on Saturday?” he asked nervously.

Though her spirits were higher, skipping the ball was tempting. As the Chief of Police, Eliza would surely be there; maybe the entire department. Would the one who made the arrest recognize her? Reed asked if she still wanted to go because it was right to check in. But, he couldn’t skip it and wouldn’t want to go without her. Attending was important for his career. She couldn’t let her emotions–and pride–ruin his prospects.

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

He squeezed tighter. “It’s getting dark. Do you wanna come over for a little while?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”