The Choice: The Pocket Watch Chronicles

by Ceci Giltenan

  She was out of the car before he reached it. “What the hell, Mark? What happened?”

  He glanced around. “Let’s go inside.”

  She nodded and fell in step beside him until they reached the confines of his condo. Then she faced him, hands on her hips, and asked again, “What happened?”

  “I realized that we were making a huge mistake. It was dangerous and just plain wrong, not to mention the fact that it wouldn’t have worked.”

  “Yes, it would have. You don’t know Benjamin the way I do. I can win him back.”

  “No, Daphne, you can’t, just like I can’t get Sara back. It’s over.”

  “Not if she’s cheating on him.”

  “But she’s not cheating on him.”

  “Well, I’m going through with my end of the plan. I’ll tell him the same story, I just won’t have photos to back it up. He may have forgotten it all anyway. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” She strode past him to the door.

  He reached out a hand to stop her. “Daphne, trust me, it will not work.”

  “Why are you so sure of that? Did Sara say something?”

  Damn. It would be so easy to spill this little secret, but he wouldn’t. “Let’s just say I’m certain they’re still together and he will not believe you.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “Yes, I do.

  “I’m going to try anyway.”

  “Don’t. You’ll only embarrass yourself.”

  “Why are you so sure?”

  “Because I know Sara. I talked to her and the feelings they have for each other are real.”

  “I’m calling bullshit on that. Her feelings for you were real, but yours weren’t and she had no clue.”

  “You’re wrong there.”

  “About what?”

  “I did care about Sara. I still do. We’ve kind of smoothed things out. I can tell you for a fact, she loves him and I firmly believe he loves her.”

  Daphne huffed, looking ready to explode.

  “Come on, Daphne, let’s let it go. At best this plan would have resulted in Ben laughing you out of his office. And at worst, we both could have ended up in jail. I’m just glad I realized it before it was too late.”

  Daphne frowned. “She didn’t drink the coffee?”

  “No. I knocked on the door in order to give her key back. I was able to get to the coffee and dump it. That’s when I talked to her.”

  “I can’t believe this. I was counting on you.” She looked at him with an expression that would have given a sad puppy competition. “I love him and I want him back.”

  “Oh, please, Daphne, I’m calling bullshit on that. I don’t even think you like him all that much. What you love is the idea of being mega-wealthy and Benjamin Talbot was your golden ticket.”

  Daphne just stared at him for a moment. Finally, she heaved a sigh. “You’re right. Of course, you’re right. But everything I did was for us. Mark, he has billions. Billions.”

  “The point is, they are his billions and neither of us are hurting. My family business is solid and I love what I do, not to mention the fact that you have a trust fund that can keep you comfortable forever. Let this go now.”

  She sighed. “Fine.” She took a step towards him, putting her arms around his neck. “We were always meant to end up together, this is just a little sooner,” she kissed him, “and a little poorer,” she kissed him again, “than we’d originally planned.”

  He had to stop this now. He didn’t want to end up with Daphne. She’d always been fun, but today he realized how dangerous she could be. He removed her hands from his neck and took a step backwards. “Listen, Daphne, let’s give ourselves a little time and space.”

  “Give ourselves time and space? What does that mean?”

  “Just what I said. We don’t have to rush into anything. You just broke up with Benjamin and I just broke up with Sara. Maybe we should take a little break?”

  “Mark, did you forget that your relationship with Sara and mine with Benjamin were simply ruses? It was you and I all along. Those fake romances are over, but we’re still together.”

  “Are we? Given today’s events, I’m not sure we bring out the best in each other. I’m just suggesting we take a little break. Maybe date other people for a while.”

  “Date other people? Are you breaking up with me?”

  “Let’s just see how things go over the next few months.”

  “You bastard!” She shoved him hard in the chest, spun around and left, slamming the door in her wake.”

  Well, that went well.

  Chapter 15 – What if I Fall in Love?

  Benedict was irritated with himself for inadvertently letting Mark know about the wedding. Of course, he never expected anyone else to be at Sara’s apartment on Wednesday afternoon, least of all Mark. He hadn’t wanted to spoil the day by worrying. He had trouble believing that they were in any danger, but Samuel had instilled a healthy portion of caution in him. So he took Sara out to lunch and they went on to the Howard County Courthouse to get their marriage license as planned. But that evening he had raised this issue.

  “Sara, I’m a little worried about something.”

  She frowned, obviously concerned. “What is it?”

  “You know, it was our plan not to let anyone know about our marriage and I fouled it up this afternoon with Mark.”

  “It wasn’t your fault. I was stunned when I opened the door to find him standing there. He couldn’t have picked a worse time. And I couldn’t get rid of him. Jesus, he poured himself coffee.”

  Ben smiled. “I know. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, but I’m still worried about it. Do you think we can trust him?

  Sara appeared to think about it for a moment. “I hope this doesn’t sound as crazy to you as it does in my head, but here goes. Before I walked in on him and Daphne that morning, I would have said Mark was absolutely trustworthy. If you had a little more experience with this century, you might laugh at the idea that a used-car salesman would be described as trustworthy, but Mark was. First, the cars Holland Imports sell are high-end and the Hollands value their reputation. They can attract buyers, and make a reasonable profit without resorting to underhanded means.”

  “But with Mark, there was something more. I know of several occasions when he talked a customer out of buying a car. Most often it was a young guy who didn’t make much money and who really couldn’t afford the payments on the car he wanted. Mark knew the kid would ultimately default on the car loan and ruin his credit, or be forced to sell it, maybe losing money in the process—or both. He’d talk to the kid, but not like a parent, like a buddy. He’d help him find a good car he could afford, even if it was at another dealer. Once Mark let a kid bring a used-car he wanted to buy to the Holland service department to have one of their mechanics give it a look.”

  “That was good of him.”

  “It was. And it’s good business. When those young men get a little older and have more money, they may feel some loyalty to Holland. So until he cheated on me, I thought he was a really decent, trustworthy guy.”

  “But he did cheat on you.”

  “Yes, and so it would be understandable to ignore everything I thought to be true. But when he swore to us that he valued your friendship and my happiness and gave us his word that he wouldn’t tell anyone about us, I saw that sweet, sincere part of Mark that wouldn’t let him take advantage of kid who really wanted a cool car.”

  “Are you sure this isn’t just you wanting a redeemable villain?”

  Sara had laughed. “You are getting to know me rather well and it could be sheer hopefulness that brings me to this conclusion. But I think we can trust him on this.”

  So, Benedict had set his concerns aside. They would move into Benjamin’s condo in just over a week anyway.

  So on Friday, Benedict’s alarm went off at half past eight.

  Sara yawned and stretched. “You’re going in to work on our wedding day?”

  “No, of cour
se not.” He kissed her. “But you don’t need to get up yet.”

  On Monday, he’d told his father that Sara had agreed to his proposal and they would be married at the courthouse on Friday. Samuel had insisted he take the day off from work, but also had a few suggestions for him.

  Some of it, Benedict had set up the previous evening and his driver would make the first delivery any minute now. He pulled on a tee-shirt and shorts before going out to the kitchen to start the coffee brewing. In a few minutes his cellphone buzzed. He went to the front door where his driver waited with several bags.

  “Thank you, Nash.”

  His driver smiled. “My pleasure, sir. I’ll be back in two hours as you requested.”

  “Excellent, I’ll see you then.”

  Benedict took the parcels to the kitchen. Nash had gone to a gourmet grocery store that had freshly made bagels and pastries every morning. The bags contained a selection of both, with several varieties of cream cheese and a container of freshly squeezed orange juice. He was just finishing arranging it on the table when Sara came into the kitchen.

  “Would you like bacon and eggs for…wait, what’s this?” her face split into a happy grin.

  “You always make such wonderful meals, I wanted to do something special for you this morning.”

  “Oh, wow, all my favorites. Even fresh orange juice.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “Ben, this is an amazing surprise. Thank you.”

  When they had eaten their fill of breakfast, he shooed her out of the kitchen, put everything away, and did the dishes. Just as he was finishing, his cellphone buzzed again. Nash was back for him.

  Benedict found Sara in her office on her computer. “What’s this? I believed someone was on the verge of disparaging me a little earlier when she thought I was going to work on our wedding day.”

  She looked up and smiled. “I’m not working. I’m just checking my email and then I have an appointment for a manicure and pedicure.”

  “Good. Enjoy that. I’m going out for a little while too.” He ran his hands through his wet hair. “Samuel suggested a haircut was in order. And then I’m going by the condo to get a suit. I won’t be too long.” He also had a few other stops to make but they were surprises.

  Their appointment at the courthouse was at one. When he returned to the apartment at half past eleven, he heard her drying her hair. “I’m home,” he called.

  “Don’t come in here. I don’t want you to see me until I’m dressed and ready to go.”

  “No problem.”

  He tried to read the newspaper for a while, but finally gave up. He stood and walked to the balcony doors, staring out at the beautiful August day. He had been in this century for only thirty-two days and yet it felt like a lifetime. He had loved Sara almost from the start and in about an hour was finally going to be able to make her his wife. He could hardly wait. Hearing the soft click of her shoes, he turned around and was nearly knocked off his feet.

  There stood his absolutely stunning bride.

  She wore a simple white short-sleeved dress and white sandals. The dress was overlaid with lace and it clung to her figure. Her hair was gathered in a loose bun from which curls escaped. She had on very little make-up but what she wore accentuated her beautiful eyes.

  “Ah, my brown-eyed girl, you are an absolute vision.”

  ~ * ~

  The instant Sara stepped into the living room and saw Ben, his back turned looking out the window, her breath caught. Tall, broad shouldered, dark hair, wearing a tan suit made by an Italian designer, Ben looked as if he had stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine. Then he turned to her. Instead of the cool aloofness of the stunning model he appeared to be, he was the warm, loving countenance of the man who she adored.

  He had called her “an absolute vision,” but those words could have equally applied to him. “You’re looking pretty sharp yourself.” The crisp white linen shirt he wore contrasted sharply with a purple silk tie and in his hands, he held a beautiful bouquet of purple and white flowers.

  The bouquet was composed of white roses and orange blossoms, deep lavender roses, dark purple thistles, and pinkish purple heather. “These are for you,” he said simply.

  “Ben they’re gorgeous. Where on earth did you find a florist who had thistle and heather?”

  He chuckled. “Well, I didn’t leave it to the last minute and it took a few calls, but I was able to track down a supplier in New York who had them. I’ve loved every minute I’ve been with you since I arrived here. Those days in Scotland were particularly wonderful. But I also have another reason. Today, in my heart, you are becoming Mrs. Benedict MacIan, and I wanted a wee something to remind us both of that.”

  Her heart was so full she didn’t think she could speak. So instead, she just wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his lips to hers, giving him a scorching kiss that said I love you with all my heart and soul.

  When the kiss ended, Ben rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Sara Wells. Let’s go get married.”

  “I love you too, Benedict MacIan, and nothing would please me more.”

  She grabbed her small white clutch and, looping her arm through his, left the apartment.

  To her surprise, Nash waited in a shiny black town car. “I thought no one was supposed to know?” she whispered.

  “The only two people who know, outside of ourselves, are my father and Nash. Both of whom are exceedingly trustworthy.”

  Ben helped her into the car before going around to the other side to get in himself. The drive to the courthouse took no time. They arrived a full fifteen minutes early. As Nash held the door and Ben helped her out of the car, she realized that another dark car with tinted glass rolled up behind theirs. Before she had a chance to react, Samuel Talbot alighted from the backseat. He kissed Sara on the cheek and shook Ben’s hand.

  It made Sara poignantly aware of the fact that her parents would not be there. But then, Benedict’s parents weren’t here either, nor was Samuel Talbot’s son. All of them had to keep moving forward. That thought made things a little easier, but still her heart ached.

  Ben smiled. “Dad, you didn’t have to come.”

  “I certainly did. You are my son and you’re getting married today. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

  Ben leaned close, “Aren’t you afraid someone will recognize us and the story will spread?”

  “It’s possible, but I doubt it will happen. He glanced around and smiled. “Everyone is caught up in their own story today. They’re too busy to pay attention to the likes of us.

  So the three of them entered the courthouse and checked in at the court clerk’s office. Ben paid the fee and they waited until they were called. There was a young couple ahead of them who seemed to be there alone. The young man, big and blond, looked as Irish as a pint of Guinness and his bride was a petite Asian girl who was cuter than a basket of puppies. They both seemed to bubble over with happiness.

  When it was their turn, they went into the room that was used only for weddings. There was a white trellis covered with silk ivy in front of a podium. Behind it stood the court clerk, who officiated at weddings. He was an extremely tall, imposing man, even Ben had to look up at him. But his voice was mellow and his eyes kind. He smiled warmly at them. “Good afternoon, and let’s see,” he consulted a paper, “you are Benjamin Talbot and Sara Fern Wells.”

  “Yes, we are,” answered Ben. “And this is my father, Samuel Talbot.”

  “Nice to meet you.” The clerk shook their hands. “Now, shall we get started?”

  Sara nodded, and Ben answered, “Yes, sir.”

  “All right, then. Sara and Benjamin, just stand here, under the arch, and Mr. Talbot you can stand wherever you wish. Feel free to take pictures.”

  When they were in their respective positions, the clerk started. “Benjamin and Sara, today you celebrate one of life’s greatest moments as you join together in the vows of marriage. Benjamin Talbot, do you take Sara Fern Wells,
to be your wife?

  “I do,” said Ben.

  “Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?”

  “I do,” he answered again.

  Sara Fern Wells, do you take Benjamin Talbot to be your Husband?

  “I do,” she answered.

  “Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?”

  “I do”

  “Now, will you be exchanging rings?”

  Sara and Ben hadn’t talked about it. With everything happening so fast, she hadn’t even thought about it. The expression on Ben’s face told him he hadn’t either.

  It was Samuel who answered. “Yes, they will be.” He pulled a jeweler’s box from one pocket that contained two wedding bands.

  “Thank you,” said Ben, taking the box and handing it to the clerk.

  The clerk gave the smaller one to Ben before saying, “Repeat after me.”

  Ben repeated the words, “I, Benjamin Talbot, take thee, Sara Fern Wells, to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you. With this ring, I thee wed.” He slid the ring on the third finger of her left hand.

  Then the clerk gave the larger ring to Sara. Not knowing what else to do, she handed her bouquet to Mr. Talbot before repeating her vows, “I, Sara Fern Wells, take thee, Benjamin Talbot, to be my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you. With this ring, I thee wed.”

  The clerk smiled warmly. “Benjamin and Sara, today you have chosen to merge two lives into one in marriage. To make your marriage work it will take love. Love is central to the bond you are forging and is the reason you are here. But it also will take trust, dedication, openness, and a willingness to learn and grow even in the face of difficulty. It will take courage to go forward to each tomorrow, not knowing what it holds. And it will take commitment to continue on the journey together which you begin today, even when it might be easier to go your separate ways. Now, Benjamin and Sara, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in matrimony, and have promised your love for each other by these vows, I now declare you to be husband and wife. Congratulations, you may kiss your bride.”