Tony appeared at the door. They hadn’t heard him come in.
“Hi, Dad,” Chad said. “Carrie told me how you saved her at the football game.”
Tony laughed. “She was always falling at my feet.”
Carrie rose. “That ends the stories for tonight.”
“One more.”
“No more.” She ruffled his hair. “See you in the morning. It’s going to be a big day for you.” And for me, she thought.
“Okay. Dad, don’t forget to write a note so Hazel’s boys can get me at school.”
Carrie headed downstairs. Would Tony avoid her company again tonight? She went to the family room and opened the weekly newspaper to the classified section, a mere half page. Apartments to rent were few. She circled two of the four and decided to call tomorrow evening after she and Tony returned from their appointment. They should be home by six and she’d have her marching orders. Since she intended to accept Ruth’s offer, she couldn’t leave the area.
You mean you’re not going to seduce him? Have you lost your nerve?
Just facing reality.
He wants you.
Just my body. I can’t go that route.
Patience.
She shook her head. These internal dialogues went in circles. They made her realize the hopelessness of the situation.
She heard the door close and turned. Tony stood with his arms crossed on his chest. “We need to talk,” he said.
“Why?”
“About tomorrow.”
“You’re going to tell Mr. Hurcutt the marriage is a sham.”
“Why would I do that?”
“I don’t know,” she said.
“How long after tomorrow will you stay?”
Forever, she thought. “That’s up to you.”
He stared. What was she talking about? The choice was hers. She’d set the terms of the marriage. “Just until the money’s mine,” is what she’d said.
“Why push your decision on me?” he asked.
She walked to the window and stared into the night. “Because I want more than you can give me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I love you. Do you love me?”
He cleared his throat. “I like being with you. I like what you’ve done to the house. I like the way you handle Chad. I want you.”
“Do you love me?” she repeated.
“I’m not sure what love is. I don’t know if I can promise to stay with you forever. I’m not sure I’m any different that my dad.” He moved away from the door. “I want you to stay here. Isn’t that enough?”
“No.”
He had to do something, but he couldn’t tell her what she wanted to hear. Even though she said she loved him, how could he believe words he’d heard before, words that had been false? His father had talked about how much he loved his family, then walked away. Marilyn had declared her love for him time and time again and then demanded a divorce. She claimed to love their son and didn’t want him. She used the words to manipulate.
This is Carrie. She doesn’t play games.
He knew that, but he didn’t quite believe. He pulled her into an embrace. His mouth covered hers and he felt her respond. He slid his hands beneath her sweater. When he felt tears on his cheeks, he released her.
“Don’t cry,” he said.
“Tony, let me go.”
“Why? You want me and I want you.”
“That’s not enough. I’ve loved you most of my life and if you don’t love me back, I’ll...”
“Walk away tomorrow.”
She backed to the door. “As long as you’re in love with Marilyn, there’s no chance for me.”
In love with Marilyn? Where had Carrie gotten that idea? Certainly not from him. He should go upstairs and tell her how he felt about his ex, but he didn’t think Carrie was ready to listen.
Tomorrow after their appointment, they’d shop for living room furniture. Then he’d take her to dinner at the restaurant Mr. Hurcutt suggested. Maybe he could convince her he wanted her to stay, even if he couldn’t say he loved her.
Chapter Eleven
Tony stood at the bottom of the stairs. He looked at his watch for the third time in ten minutes. “Carrie, are you coming? We’re going to be late.” He frowned. Her delaying made him wonder if she wanted the inheritance. “Carrie.”
“Coming.”
He looked up and his breath caught in his throat. Heat hit his groin. She wore a dress that swirled around her legs. The dull gold color brightened her dark auburn hair. He swore he saw flames among the short curls.
He hadn’t seen her in a dress since the wedding, and before that, the night of her senior prom. That night, he’d wished he’d been her date instead of the gangly neighborhood boy.
His wife was beautiful, desirable and she wanted words that he couldn’t even form in his thoughts, let alone speak. She was going to leave him, not today or even next week, but soon. He couldn’t stop her unless he could give her the commitment she wanted. She loved him. Hearing those words had elated him. What was he going to do when she vanished from his life, this time by her choice, not his?
Carrie slid her arms into the sleeves of a long gray coat. “Let’s go.”
“My car or yours?”
“Mine. Parking in the city is easier for small cars.”
“Good thinking.” He held out his hand for the keys, but she didn’t surrender them. “You look nice. New dress?”
“Yeah. Grace made me buy it.”
He laughed. “How so?”
“I went shopping with her. She’s a wild woman with someone else’s credit card.”
“She has good taste.” He opened the passenger’s door. “I’ll take the keys.”
She shook her head. “I’ll drive. I know the city better.”
“Hey, it hasn’t been that long.” He slumped in the passenger’s seat. The last time he’d ridden with Carrie as a driver had been when she was learning. That short ride had produced palpitations and a sure knowledge that death had lurked around the corner. Could he keep his eyes closed for the entire trip?
He couldn’t. His gaze focused on the speedometer. She drove at the limit and handled the car with ease. Slowly, the tension between his shoulders eased and he let out a
held breath.
“Are you okay?”
“Just remembering the first and only time I rode with you.”
She laughed. “Lord, you were nasty. I cried when I got home.”
“Why?”
“You yelled. You nagged. Red light ahead! Watch that car! That spot’s too small to park. Are you blind? Slow down! Keep your eyes on the road. Watch the rear view mirror. Why don’t you use the side mirror? I’m too young to die!”
“Was I that bad?”
“Every bit.”
“Your driving’s improved.”
She smiled. “Or your tolerance has. Just think in nine years, you’ll be teaching Chad.”
Tony groaned. “Don’t remind me.”
When they reached the city, Tony watched her maneuver the car into a space he swore was too small. She left the engine running. “I’m scared. What if he asks the wrong questions?”
“We’ll give the right answers. We’re married and we made it real.” He reached for her hand. “I won’t do anything to mess this up. I’ve done that to your life too
many times.”
Carrie clung to the warmth and the promise she heard beneath his words. Tony would make this right for her. Too bad he wouldn’t admit what she suspected he felt.
***********************************************
Tony shook Mr. Hurcutt’s hand. “Then you have no problem with how we plan to use the money?”
“Why should I? It’s yours now.” The attorney pulled an envelope from the folder and handed it to Carrie. “From your grandfather. You’ll understand everything when you read this.”
Carrie put the envelope in her purse. “I’ll read it later. We need to m
ake an appointment at the bank so we can set up the trust.”
“I made an appointment for you,” Mr. Hurcutt said. “The bank’s around the corner.”
Tony turned to the lawyer. “We’ll meet you at the Grand at six. Will your wife be joining us for drinks?”
Mr. Hurcutt nodded. “She says she’ll need a glass of wine by then. She’s at a meeting as co-chair for some charity gala to be held in the Brinker’s ballroom.”
Tony’s jaw clenched. So that was one of Marilyn’s social obligations that kept her from taking their son for a weekend or for the holidays. For an instant, he wanted to let Mr. Hurcutt know about his ex-wife. Hardly a noble thought.
Mr. Hurcutt walked with them to the door. “I’ll see you at six. In the bar.”
Tony ushered Carrie outside. “I gather we’re staying for dinner,” she said.
“Anything wrong with that?”
She shook her head. “Let’s head to the bank. Looks like Chad gets his wish.”
“He was looking forward to his night with the boys. I figured we could celebrate your freedom.” The freedom he hoped she wouldn’t take.
“Am I dressed okay? The Grand is very posh. Not that I’ve ever been there.”
“It was Mr. Hurcutt’s suggestion. He said it a favorite of your grandfather’s.”
They finished at the bank with nearly three hours until they were to meet the lawyer and his wife. “What now?” Carrie asked.
“Living room furniture. At least we can get some ideas, maybe even buy. I’d like to have a holiday party for the clinic staff.”
“Great idea. I have some thoughts. Do you mind getting rid of your furniture?”
“It was make-do and easily trashed.” He grasped her hand. “Marilyn laid claim to everything we bought for the house. I understand when she sold the house, she also sold the furniture.”
“And gave you your share?”
He shook his head. “That was part of the bargain for the custody of Chad.”
“And you’ve continued to pay alimony and child support?”
He chuckled. “My attorney informed the accountant of the change in status. Payment stopped on her wedding day. Shows how much attention I pay to my bank balance.”
Carrie shook her head. “Why do you let someone else handle your finances?”
“Having a business manager was the only way I could remain solvent. Marilyn had expensive tastes. When she handled the checkbook, she thought nothing of using the mortgage money to buy a new outfit or a piece of jewelry. We were headed into heavy debt. Let’s shop.”
Carrie strolled beside him. No wonder he was wary about trusting her. She wasn’t Marilyn. Lord knows, she had experience in making do. Maybe today she could start changing his perception, and if she invested time and energy in turning his house into a home, he might come to see life was a lot of things that were good and that people sometimes gave instead of taking.
For the next two hours, they shopped. Carrie selected good quality furniture with classic lines. Many of the pieces were upholstered in blue.
“We’ll paint the living room the same cream color as the foyer. I think sheer curtains in cream with deep blue drapes for the windows.”
Tony shrugged. “You’re the decorator. I think it’s time to head to the restaurant or we’re going to be late.”
“One more thing.” She dashed across the area. “These rugs will be perfect.”
He made a face. “White? Are we going to ban Chad from the living room?”
“Not white. They’re cream. We’ll check his shoes at the door.”
He looked at the salesperson. “Write them up and let me sign.” He took Carrie’s arm. “No more stops no matter how perfect. You can decide on the finishing touches another day.”
*******************************************
When Carrie and Tony reached the restaurant, the Hurcutts had already arrived. Carrie sat in the chair Tony pulled out for her. She smiled at the older woman. “Sorry we’re late. We were shopping for living room furniture.”
“I envy you,” Mrs. Hurcutt said. “I’ve had mine for nearly thirty years.”
“I hope these last that long.”
“If you’ve chosen quality, it will.”
Tony put his hand over hers. “I think she did and I’m pleased with what she bought without paupering me.” He and Mr. Hurcutt headed to the bar.
One lesson learned, Carrie thought. Maybe in time, he’d see his ex-wife clearly. Do I have time to wait, she wondered.
“Furniture is a good way to spend part of your inheritance,” Mrs. Hurcutt said.
Carrie shook her head. “Not the inheritance. Part went into a trust for my mother’s care and the rest into one for any children I have.”
Mrs. Hurcutt frowned. “Odd. I met someone today who knows your husband. Marilyn Brinker. She was shocked when she heard he’d remarried and to an heiress. She blames your marriage for his being behind on child support payments and for neglecting to forward the money from the sale of their house. Not that she needs money.”
Carrie sucked in a breath. If Marilyn had appeared, the woman would be missing a bit of her bleached blonde hair. “She lied. Why would she expect child support when Tony has custody of Chad? As to the house, she sold it
and kept the money in return for relinquishing custody.”
“Oh dear, she seemed so sweet and forgiving.” The older woman pursed her lips. “I may have goofed. When I mentioned we were meeting you and Tony for drinks, she got a strange look on her face.”
Surely she won’t walk in here and make a scene, Carrie thought. Then she remembered the night in the hospital cafeteria. Before she could say anything more, Tony and Mr. Hurcutt arrived with the drinks. Carrie sipped the wine. What should she say to Tony? Nothing until they were alone.
The conversation became general. Mrs. Hurcutt asked about their house and the clinic. Tony’s praise for her efforts brought a flush to Carrie’s cheeks.
“Have you read your grandfather’s letter yet?” Mr. Hurcutt asked.
“I’m waiting until we’re home,” Carrie said.
The attorney smiled. “He was a tough old bird and the best friend I had. It’s a shame he never met you until near the end.”
“He could have tried to reach me after I was grown. He almost did years ago, but after the way my mother was treated, he felt she wouldn’t let him near me. He was right. My mom’s still bitter.”
Tony squeezed her hand. “She’s the most stubborn
person I know but she’ll come around.” He glanced at his watch. “Nearly time for our reservations. Are you sure you won’t join us? I’m sure the reservations could be changed.”
Mrs. Hurcutt shook her head. “Perhaps another time. It’s been a long and exhausting day for me.” The older woman rose. “I’ve learned that people don’t always match their appearance.”
“Don’t say anything,” Carrie said.
The older woman smiled. “It’s important that I do a bit of damage control, for your grandfather’s sake if nothing else.”
“Where do you want me to send the things from your grandfather’s house -- the books, artwork and a few family heirlooms?”
“Send them to our house,” Tony said.
The attorney nodded. “I’m glad this is working out. My friend would have been pleased.”
Is it working and would it work, Carrie wondered. Not if the truth were told.
Tony led her to the doorway of the elegant dining room. A multitude of long narrow windows on either side of the room held etched glass panels. Pale green clothes covered the tables. The walls were a rich cream color with gold sconces on the walls between the windows. The head waiter led them to a corner table and held the chair for Carrie.
She glanced at a menu that had no prices.
Tony smiled. “Aren’t you curious about the letter?”
“I can wait. I’ve learned a bit of patience.”
“Why did he reject your mother’s claim?
She had the marriage license.”
“After my father was killed in the accident, several women appeared and claimed a relationship. You saw the size of the estate. Grandfather was grieving and didn’t want to see anyone. He didn’t turn Mom away. His butler did. You know Mom. She turned on her heel and said he’d never hear from her again. When Grandfather learned what had happened, he looked for her, but she used her maiden name and he had no idea what that was.”
Tony rested his hand on her arm. “If he’d found you, we wouldn’t have met.”
She smiled. Maybe he’d begin to see her as she was instead of coloring her with Marilyn’s traits.
A cough interrupted. “Are you ready to order?”
Tony nodded. “Steak for me. The seafood for the lady.”
Salads and rolls appeared. The waiter brought Carrie tea and Tony coffee.
“What do you think Chad’s doing?” she asked.
“Driving the Smithton brothers crazy after a meal loaded with fried food. We’re going to have to teach him to
appreciate good food.”
“Agreed. Maybe he does. He always consumes anything Hazel cooks.” She looked up. “I think fast food is what he’s used to eating.”
“You’re right. Marilyn hated to cook.” He grimaced.
“Is something wrong?” She turned her head and saw the reason for his discomfort. His ex-wife was standing in the doorway with a tall distinguished man.
“Sorry,” Tony said. “I never thought she’d show up here.”
“Neither did I, even when Mrs. Hurcutt mentioned meeting Marilyn today. She let it slip that we’d be here for dinner.” She moved closer to him.
Marilyn detached herself from her companion and threaded her way among the tables. She wore a black form-
fitting dress that must have cost a fortune. Carrie wondered how much the ruby and diamond choker had cost.
“Tony, what are you doing here?” She leaned forward and brushed the air by his cheek with a kiss. “Oh, that’s right, you must be celebrating your new wife’s inheritance. Didn’t think you were smart enough to go for money. Who’s taking care of my darling boy? Not that crude housekeeper, I hope.”
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