by Jeane Watier
“Wait!” Cassandra cried as she caught a glimpse of what Sophia was telling her. “You said the first four principles were about living life. The fifth must be about life after death. Or is it…” She paused as the understanding unfolded. “Is it that we don’t really die at all?”
“Yes, dear!” Sophia exclaimed. “It is. You see, we’re eternal, interconnected, creative beings who come to this wonderfully diverse time-space reality to experience joy. We come knowing our power and trusting our guidance system to steer us through the contrast to the well-being that we instinctively know is ours for the having. We can’t get it wrong, because every experience—whether we label it good or bad—adds to the expansion of all that is, and we never cease existing. Even when we have what humans call the death experience, we never stop being interested in the life we’ve created and are continuing to create.
“Those, my dear,” she concluded, “are the principles of the universe. You knew them when you made the decision to come here, and you wanted to remember them now so that you could begin living life on purpose.”
“And my life’s purpose,” Cassandra repeated the exciting truth, “is joy!”
JACE FELT PREPARED as he left for the meeting. He had proof of his innocence and could produce it if necessary. Moreover, he had Sophie as his constant companion. Whatever happened, she would be there to support him.
Arriving a few minutes before six, he pushed the button for the eighteenth floor where the offices of Harmon, Corruthers & Scott were located. When he’d dropped off Sophie’s car, he’d met Mr. Corruthers in the lobby. The lavishness of the building’s common area should have given him some indication of what the suites would be like. Still, he wasn’t prepared for the opulence he witnessed as he stepped off the elevator and into the firm’s reception area. Directly in front of him, water cascaded down a rock wall that was at least fifteen feet in height. The name of the law office stood out from the stone in gold embossed lettering.
Built into another wall was a fish tank he estimated to be at least five feet high and ten to twelve feet long. The fish, darting through mazes of artificial seaweed, underwater castles, and sunken pirate ships, were large and colorful. A seating area consisted of low-back leather chairs and ultra-glossy tables with magazines that looked as though they’d never been opened. A coffee bar housed a cappuccino machine and a crystal dome under which a selection of pastries was perfectly arranged. Jace wondered if it was all for show or if people were actually made to wait. He found out as the woman behind the reception desk called his name.
“Mr. Rutherford?”
“Yes.”
“You can come right this way.”
He followed her to a conference room with a large mahogany table in the center and cushiony, black leather office chairs surrounding it. The woman invited him to have a seat. On the table was a tray with a gleaming coffee decanter and another assortment of delicious-looking pastries. He accepted her offer of coffee and was told that an associate of Mr. Corruthers would be with him shortly.
Jace’s mind was reeling, and questions were amassing. What the hell am I doing here? What do they want with me, anyway? Other thoughts vied for his attention as he took in the luxurious surroundings. Is this what Cassandra and her family are used to? He’d heard his mom speak of the lavish home she spent her days cleaning, and suddenly Jace wondered how he would ever fit in.
How could Sophie afford a firm like this to look after her affairs? Or did the Van Brodens pay for stuff like that? Though Sophie’s answers were always forthcoming, Jace’s barrage of questions and his uneasiness with the setting in which he found himself kept him from hearing them.
Before long, a man not much older than him entered the room and introduced himself. Jace shook his hand and then waited anxiously as the young man sat in a chair across the table and poured himself a cup of coffee before he spread open the large file folder he’d been carrying.
“Mr. Rutherford,” he began. “I have some paperwork to go over with you before I show the reading of the will. So bear with me; we’ll get through this as quickly as we can.”
Jace heard the word will and didn’t take in anything else the man said. “Excuse me,” he interrupted. “Did you say the reading of the will?”
“Yes,” the man replied. “You’ll be viewing a taped version. We do it this way to save time, especially when it’s as long and complicated as this one is. All parties view the reading in separate rooms. This way we can deal with your questions and concerns individually.”
“I don’t understand,” Jace inquired further. “Why do I have to be here for the reading of the will?” He was still under the impression that he was there because of the missing jewelry.
“Mr. Rutherford,” the young lawyer explained patiently, “all parties mentioned in the will, as well as anyone with a legal interest in the disbursement of the deceased’s estate, are invited to be present for the official reading of the will.”
Jace had to be sure he was hearing right. “Are you saying that my name is mentioned in the will?” he asked tentatively. “In Sophia Langdon’s will?”
“Yes, Mr. Rutherford, it is.”
CHAPTER 23
CASSANDRA LISTENED somewhat removed as Mr. Corruthers went over the paperwork with her father. She was interested to hear what was contained in her aunt’s final will and testament, yet her mind was on Jace and her plan to surprise him later. She found herself getting impatient as the time dragged on. Finally, the lights were dimmed and an image of Sophia appeared on the screen before them. A recorded voice began the reading of the official document.
The will held no surprises. After a lot of legal jargon, it confirmed that her father, Richard Van Broden, was the primary heir to his late aunt’s vast estate. A generous sum was to go directly to both Cassandra and Trevor. As well, several charities were to receive sizable donations.
The lights went on, and Mr. Corruthers stood up to address the family. “What you just heard was the will that I executed for your aunt fifteen years ago. The will stands today, although a recent amendment has been made, and as I mentioned previously, a law suit has been filed against the estate.
The lawyer had Cassandra’s full attention. She’d nearly forgotten that someone was interfering with the will. For a brief, regrettable moment she’d suspected Jace. Now she had no idea who it could possibly be.
“I’ll go over the amendment first,” he continued. “Approximately one year ago, Sophia purchased the building in which she was living. She also acquired the one next to it.”
Cassandra and her father looked at each other in surprise but said nothing.
“As part of her assets, these properties would normally fall under the terms of the original will. However, as you’ll see, the will was amended, and these properties are part of that amendment. Sophia contacted me about three weeks ago and informed me of her desire to have some of her assets bequeathed to a party that I will name shortly. She wanted it done in a way that could not be contested. I suggested transferring the properties to a holding company.
I won’t get into the details of the arrangement at this time, but I will let you know that the deeds to these particular properties, as well as a car that was recently purchased through the company, are not part of the overall estate. Those assets belong to one Jace Rutherford.”
Hearing Jace’s name filled Cassandra with delight. “Oh my God!” she exclaimed. “The apartment building, the car—they belong to Jace now? Does he know?”
“He’s being informed of it as we speak.”
As her mind registered the fact that Jace was there receiving the news, she glanced at her parents. Her father smiled and nodded his approval. Her mother had a look of indifference on her face, but offered a genial remark.
“That’s wonderful, sweetheart. I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear it.”
Knowing that Jace was present for the reading of the will, Cassandra wanted to go to him immediately. He could be in the next room. She bu
bbled with anticipation. And he probably has no idea I’m here. Before she could inquire about him, her father spoke up.
“So, Peter,” he asked. “Who filed the law suit?”
“That brings us to our next order of business,” the lawyer went on in his dry legal voice. “Several weeks ago, we were contacted by a London law firm representing one Bradford Langdon. He’s a grandson of the late William F. Langdon who was a half brother to Sophia’s husband, Lord Phillip.”
“So he’s a nephew,” Richard frowned. “Sophia never mentioned any family on Phillip’s side. I wonder if she knew about him. What does he want exactly?”
“The family claims to have had a verbal agreement with Sophia. Williams’ son, Thomas—who was Bradford’s father—negotiated the agreement on behalf of his father. She’s been sending them a sum of money every year for the past four years. Though Thomas passed away earlier this year, the family is claiming that Sophia’s promise is still binding and that the annuity should continue.
“I wanted to find out all I could before I met with Sophia regarding this. I called her the week before last, to schedule a meeting. Unfortunately…” He shook his head. “I suspect this nephew tried to appeal to her directly and she denied his request,” Peter added. “Since learning of her passing, Bradford is claiming entitlement to part of the Langdon estate.”
Again, Cassandra and her parents exchanged surprised looks. This time her mother spoke up. “You can’t be serious,” Helen exclaimed. “Does he really think he has a case?”
“We’re still looking into it,” the lawyer replied. “Apparently Phillip made several large payments to his half-brother when he was alive and a similar appeal was made after his death. All I can say at this point is that I see no grounds for contesting the will, but the claim for annuity may be more difficult to dispute. However, based on what we’ve learned about him, my feeling is that he’ll want to avoid the inconvenience of a lengthy court battle and be willing to settle.”
“Peter…” Richard stood up. “You may be right; I think we should look into this and consider making him an offer. Let’s schedule a meeting later this week to discuss it. But right now…” He turned to Cassandra and smiled. “There’s someone I’d like to meet.”
WHEN THE LAWYER left the room, Jace sat staring, trying to absorb what he’d just heard. The image of Sophie’s sweet, smiling face remained on the screen in front of him, and suddenly he was filled with a greater love and appreciation than he’d ever felt for the woman. Sophie, he shook his head. I didn’t know…I mean how can I begin to…?
“You’re very welcome, Jace.”
He wiped a tear from his eye. The news had left him shaken. It wasn’t just the size of her estate, but that she’d cared enough to leave him any part of it when they’d only known each other a short time.
“Jace, we’ve known each other longer than you think. We’ve been together before this lifetime. We’re soul mates, too.”
The truth of it resounded in his heart. It was the connection she’d talked about before, the same one he had with Cassandra. He didn’t understand it completely, but not knowing didn’t bother him. He’d have plenty of questions for Sophie and plenty of time to ask them in the weeks and months ahead.
As Cassandra came to mind, Jace’s heart filled with a love so powerful and so pure it seemed to take him to a new level of being. Not only that, but he felt her presence as if she were standing next to him. Eager to share his excitement, he considered calling her to tell her the news. However, there was something he had to do first. When he’d learned that the Van Brodens were present, he knew he had to speak to them. Despite escalating nervousness, he was determined to go and introduce himself to Cassandra’s parents.
The door opened, and he was informed that the Van Brodens had finished their meeting. Jace’s feet were like lead as he walked down the hallway. Before he entered the room, he took a deep breath and smiled at the image of Sophie still clear in his mind.
A man stood as he entered the room. He met Jace halfway across the large office and extended his hand. “Hello, Jace. I’m Richard Van Broden.”
“Hello, sir. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Cassandra’s told us a lot about you. It’s good to finally meet.”
An uncomfortable silence echoed between them, and then Richard added, “Congratulations, Jace. We were pleased to hear that Sophia included you in her will. I know she thought highly of you.”
“Thank you,” Jace responded with sincerity. The reality of his newfound abundance still hadn’t sunk in, and he shook his head in amazement. “I didn’t know why they called me here today. I certainly didn’t expect anything like this.” He paused as emotion squeezed his vocal cords. “She was…an amazing lady; I’m honored to have known her.”
Richard nodded, affirming the sentiment.
In the silence that followed, Jace fought the impulse to ask the question burning within him. Though his mind argued that the timing wasn’t right, his heart was hearing another voice. “Sir…” he began, buoyed by a confidence that surprised him. “There’s something I’d like to ask you.”
“Of course, Jace,” Richard replied. “Go ahead.”
“I want you to know how much your daughter means to me.” He forced himself to speak slowly as he delivered his speech. He’d imagined the scene in his mind and had even rehearsed the words, yet he had no idea the opportunity would present itself so soon. “I know that our circumstances are different, and I may not be your idea of an ideal match for Cassandra. But sir, I’d like you to know that I love her more than words can say. Her happiness means everything to me.” Jace stopped to take a breath. “I’d like to…ask your permission…to marry your daughter.”
His knees went weak as he realized the question had been verbalized. He stood waiting for what seemed like an eternity as he stared into the eyes of the man who had the power to make his dream come true. A smile began to form on Richard’s face. Jace’s pulse slowed as Cassandra’s father slowly nodded his head.
“Well, son. You have my permission, but why don’t you ask her directly?”
Jace frowned at what seemed to be a strange request and then turned to see Cassandra standing in the doorway with a woman he assumed was her mother. Her hands flew to her mouth in surprise. Pure delight spread across her face as she started toward him. Before she reached him, Jace went down on one knee and reached in his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box.
“Cassandra, I never imagined meeting someone that makes me feel the way you do. We have our differences, but what we have in here.” He tapped his chest. “It’s the same. It’s a connection of mind, body, and soul that I didn’t know was possible. Most people spend a lifetime looking for what we have. I want to spend a lifetime enjoying it with you.
“Cassandra…” His heart swelled as he saw the answer in her eyes. “Will you marry me?”
THROUGH satin tears, Cassandra gazed into the eyes of the man she loved. She’d already given Jace her heart, now she was thrilled to give him her hand. She responded to his proposal with a passionate yes.
Jace slipped the ring on her finger and stood to his feet, still holding her hand. She glanced at the sparkling gem, but didn’t really see it. Her eyes were clouded, her mind busy taking everything in. Seeking his arms and then his lips, she celebrated the special moment with Jace.
Then she turned to her parents, beaming with never-before-known happiness. As she met her mother’s eyes and saw the uncharacteristic smile on her face, Cassandra was overcome with emotion. Jace had not only received her father’s blessing, he’d received her mother’s approval as well.
After more hugging and drying of tears, Cassandra took a closer look at the ring. “Jace,” she gushed, “this is exquisite! Wherever did you get…?” She stopped mid-sentence, knowing the answer to her question. “Is this…Aunt Sophia’s ring?”
He nodded, smiling.
“But how…?”
After telling her how he’d discovered it
, Jace added, “An heirloom like this…well, it should stay in the family. I discussed it with Mrs. Davidson at the community center. When I told her about us…I mean, when she understood my intentions,” he explained awkwardly, “she suggested I make a donation to the center in exchange for the ring.”
“You made…a donation?” Cassandra repeated haltingly. She couldn’t imagine what Jace could donate in exchange for a valuable piece of jewelry like that. To her knowledge he had no assets before today, no money saved. Then she remembered the inheritance he was to receive from his estranged uncle. “Jace.” she cried, “you didn’t!”
“EVERYTHING WORKED out the way it was supposed to,” Jace assured her, thinking of the synchronistic flow of events that had led up to that moment. When he’d told Mrs. Davidson about the money he was to receive, she agreed to set the ring aside. Though it was appraised considerably higher, she felt it wouldn’t bring more than ten-thousand at the auction. Therefore they’d agreed to that amount.
After that, everything unfolded so perfectly he could only attribute it to Sophie’s loving intervention. The certified check arrived in the mail, Tuesday afternoon. Jace was able to pick up the ring on his way to the meeting with the lawyer. And Cassandra just happened to be there for him to give it to. He couldn’t have planned it any better. “I have all I need.” He kissed her softly. “And now that you’ve agreed to marry me, I have all I want.”
“I guess when you put it that way…who am I to object?” Cassandra grinned playfully. As she looked at the treasured piece again, she sighed with delight. “Having Aunt Sophia’s ring means a lot to me, Jace. But having you in my life—that means everything. I love you so much.”
Jace felt the same. All else paled in comparison to his love for Cassandra. Though his unexpected inheritance had for a brief moment offered to change the course of his life, he’d gladly exchanged a good portion of it for the ring he knew Cassandra would cherish. Now Sophie’s extremely generous gifts had catapulted him to a place of financial security. That, he realized, was only the beginning. There was a huge, swirling vortex filled with abundance, ready for him to allow into his experience. There was no shortage, no lack. Not any more. However, it was about more than just money. He’d learned how to create his own reality. He’d learned how to guide his thoughts deliberately. He was in control of his life now.
