“Just over a month now.” Mitch smiled at Chloe.
“Well, come on, have a seat. Let’s get this business over with.” Mr. Lloyd pulled out chairs for each of the men and joined them at the table.
Reese sat next to Chloe, his leg rubbing up against hers under the table. She pulled away slightly but could still feel the heat from his body. She didn’t miss the interested glances Mitch shot her direction, but she ignored him, instead turning toward Reese with a tentative smile.
“Shall we begin?” With great care, Jed slowly removed all the paperwork from the bag and set each oversized envelope on the table. He peeked inside to make sure he’d taken everything out.
Reese took Chloe’s hand and gave it a squeeze as the first envelope was slashed open.
Chapter Seven
It was almost as if they had uncovered a treasure chest. Only it wasn’t as exciting as that, because his brother had died in order for Reese to see the booty. Chloe continue to hold his hand. He could feel her tension, and he felt the same uncertainty.
All eyes were focused on Jed as the he read the first sheet slipped from the thinnest envelope. “This is from the Merchant Bank in Chicago where your family had their accounts,” Jed said. “It says:
To Whom this May Concern:
We at the Merchant Bank are quite saddened to learn of the passing of Ronald M. and Daisy C. Lloyd. They have been clients of the bank for the past five years.
I have enclosed under separate envelope copies of the papers they had stored within a safety deposit box in our vault.
We have allowed their accounts to remain open. The beneficiaries listed are Mr. Reese Lloyd and Miss Chloe Brandt, jointly as guardians for Master Robert Lloyd, minor.”
“Well, I’ll be damned,” his father looked to Jed. “You sure they named Reese and Chloe as guardians?”
“That’s what it says.” Jed said.
“Another reason for me to go to Chicago,” Reese told them. What had Ronnie been thinking? Reese guessed his brother assumed he and Chloe would be married by now. Reese certainly had.
“I reckon you’re right,” his father agreed. “What else does the letter say?”
Jed continued.
“It is necessary we obtain the signature of both guardians to release the funds for Master Robert Lloyd. Once secured, we can transfer the money to an account in your vicinity.”
“He lists the address of the bank, the telephone number and his name as a contact.” Jed handed the letter to Reese. “Looks like you’re both headed to Chicago.”
A trip to Chicago with Chloe. Reese’s heart skipped a beat.
He pulled his hand from Chloe’s to reread the letter. It was just as Jed said. They both had to sign to get Bobby’s funds.
“Let’s keep going,” his father said, leaning back on his chair.
Mitch tore in to the biggest envelope.
Reese watched the attorney’s eyes widen at the contents.
“Oh, my goodness,” Chloe cried. “What in the world?”
Mitch tipped the envelope upside down and three wads of bound Federal Reserve notes fell onto the table.
She reached forward to touch them tentatively, as if they would snap and bite her. She picked up one stack and shuffled through them quickly. “Oh, my word! They’re all one hundred dollar notes!”
“I’ve never seen so much money,” Reese whispered.
“They’re labeled, too.” She handed Reese the stack with his name on it. She gave one to his mother and then held the one with her name on it.
He watched her stare at it, transfixed.
When she met his eyes, he could see tears glistening.
“Where did this come from?” she asked.
“I hate to guess,” Reese told her. “Open your letter, and I’ll open mine.” He pointed to the white envelope with her name on it. “Maybe they will explain.”
With a deep breath, he opened his own note, clipped to the stack of cash, more greenbacks than he’d ever touched in his life. More than he had in the bank at the moment, more than he would maybe ever have in the bank. In silence, he read:
Reese:
If you’re reading this, it means that something serious has happened to me and to Daisy.
When I came to the city, I had so many expectations, so many dreams and hopes for a different life. The farm wasn’t for me. After the war, having seen the world, there was no way I could have stayed in Broken Bow. I knew there was more to life than corn and cows. I’m ashamed of much of what I have done since coming to Chicago. Feels good to be able to admit that to someone. I imagine that’s why you are reading this. I got in too deep. Involved in dealings I had no business being a part of.
I regret that Daisy has suffered too because of my greed. Our marriage was not what I had hoped for. She was a farm girl, should have stayed there in Broken Bow. But, I couldn’t come back, and I wouldn’t let her come back or even write. Too many secrets here. She’s been sad, depressed, worse even since our Bobby was born. I couldn’t even share that with you—imagine, a son, Reese!
I’ve become something I never wanted to be. But there’s no way out. No way to go back to what I was.
You were always a good brother. An even better friend. I’ve missed you. I wish you all the best. Use this money to make your life a little easier, maybe even expand the farm as you always dreamed of doing. Be a better man than me, Reese. Raise Bobby the best you can. I know you will. You have a big heart.
Love,
Ronnie
Reese looked up into Chloe’s face, stunned by her intense reaction and the tears streaming down her cheeks. What had her sister written? Maybe after the attorneys left, she would share. He glanced away, toward his mother, who was still reading her letter. Her father held a sheet of paper, as well.
Without comment, his mother stood and left the table. Reese exchanged a glance with his father when they heard the parlor door click closed. His father poured himself some more coffee. Reese could have used a stiff drink.
The attorneys were staring at them expectantly. Mitch was sipping on lemonade. Reese watched Mitch’s gaze stray to the money that lay on the table. Reese had not missed the interest Mitch showed toward Chloe. Reese felt proprietary, as if he still owned her heart.
“What else is there?” Chloe asked between sniffles.
Mitch reached for another envelope, slit it open. He pulled out a small stack of papers. “This is their will.” Mitch looked to Reese’s father. “Shall I wait until Mrs. Lloyd joins us?”
“No,” Reese answered. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Very well.” Mitch started to read through it aloud.
Reese felt his mind drifting off, lost in all the legal words he really didn’t understand, didn’t care to question. His mother would be upset—Ronnie had always been her favorite. Not that she didn’t love Reese, too, but Ronnie had been her first baby.
“Here’s the part you might want to listen to, Mr. Lloyd, Miss Brandt.”
That got his attention, of course. He looked up from his boots and focused on Mitch.
“Legal guardianship of Robert Reese Lloyd shall be given to Mr. Reese Lloyd in conjunction with Miss Chloe Anne Brandt, Uncle and Aunt of said Robert Reese Lloyd.”
“Your mom ain’t gonna be none too pleased with that, Reese.” His father put his cup on the table. “She’s loving on that boy already like he’s her own.”
Reese swallowed and stared down at his boots. He couldn’t raise the boy by himself. How could Chloe? Could they do it together? Would she be willing? What about Isabelle? The questions whirled in his mind. Damn, he hadn’t expected this.
“Can we sign over guardianship?” Reese asked after a few minutes of silence.
“Well, sure,” Jed answered. “But consider, Reese, your brother and his wife wanted you and Miss Brandt to care for their son. This is not a decision that would be made in haste or taken lightly.”
“But they ain’t married,” his father complained. “She don’t eve
n live in Broken Bow. How’s she gonna care for the boy if she’s nursing in some city hospital?”
“What else is there?” Chloe asked, ignoring his father’s concern.
Jed looked back at the papers and read some more. “All worldly possessions listed on the following pages shall be passed down to Robert Reese Lloyd. With the following exception, to Reese Lloyd, I, Ronald Lloyd, leave the three hundred and twenty acres in Broken Bow, registered in the courthouse in my name.”
“Well, that makes sense.” Reese sighed. “I’ve been farming it for the last five years anyway.”
“There is a hefty list of property on the following sheet. Here you go.” Mitch handed him the papers.
Reese looked down at the long list and shook his head. What in the hell had his brother involved himself with?
“Where would all these items be?” He waved the sheet of paper in the air. “He has four Model T’s listed, three addresses, and a boat.” He whistled.
“Perhaps the attorney who drew up the papers will be able to steer you in the right direction,” Mitch said. “I’ll contact him on your behalf.”
“I’d be much obliged.” Reese cleared his head, struggling to assimilate so much new information. “Is there more?”
“Two more envelopes.” Jed handed one to Mitch and he opened the other.
Inside the envelope was another envelope.
“Says Mom and Dad.” Jed set that one in front of Reese’s dad.
Reese watched his father finger the edge, itching to open it. “I’ll wait for Dottie before I open it.”
“This one’s for you and Miss Brandt.” Mitch handed Chloe the other, very overstuffed envelope.
“Go ahead and open it.” She handed it to Reese.
He looked at her then back at the envelope and did as she suggested. He slid his finger under the edge of the envelope and tore it open. Photographs fell out, along with letters, some open, some still sealed.
Chloe reached over him and picked up two photographs. One was of Chloe and Daisy when they were little. Reese remembered seeing that picture in the dining room at Chloe’s parents’ home. The other picture was Bobby when he was very small, probably in his christening gown. She handed the picture to Reese’s dad.
“Bobby?” he asked.
“I would guess so, yes,” Chloe said. “What are the others?”
“We’ll have to look through them,” Reese answered. “Looks like these are letters she never sent you, Chloe. They are addressed to you at a Lincoln address.” He turned toward her. “I thought you said you hadn’t communicated with them since they left.”
“Daisy sent a short letter right after they got to Chicago with an address. I gave it to your mom.” Chloe shrugged. “I kept writing to Daisy, even though she never wrote back.”
“Well, it appears she did write back but never sent them to you,” Reese said. “Ronnie wrote in the note with the money that he wouldn’t let her write or come home.”
“That doesn’t sound like Ronnie.” His father stood, walked to the sink and set his empty cup inside.
“No, it doesn’t,” Chloe agreed.
“City changes people,” Jed commented and glanced at Chloe. Then he blushed.
Reese figured he realized what he said.
“We best be going. We’ll give you folks some time to digest the information.” Jed said, and he and Mitch stood. “I’ll take the will with me and contact the attorney in Chicago. You reckon you’ll be going up there next week then?”
“Yes.” Reese stood and showed them to the door.
“I’ll set up an appointment next week for you to meet with him.” Jed turned to Chloe. “Nice to see you again, Miss Brandt.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Mitch said. He put his hat back on his head and tipped the brim toward Chloe.
Reese followed the gentlemen out of the house and toward their waiting car.
“Thank you for coming out and helping us through all this.” He stopped walking after the men reached the car.
“You’re welcome, Reese. Talk to that little lady a yours in there. Figure something out about the boy.” Jed opened the driver side door and climbed in. “I’ll be in touch after I get in contact with the Chicago people.”
Reese raised his hand and waved to the men as they left. After they disappeared from his view, he ran a hand through his hair. He’d expected to find a sense of relief from opening the envelopes. Instead, he felt as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Chloe felt lost. Confused and angry. She stood up from the table and wandered from room to room. She didn’t know where Mrs. Lloyd had gone. Chloe’d thought the parlor but the room stood empty, save for the dusty antique furniture.
The parlor mirrored the rest of the house. It seemed Reese spent his time in only the kitchen and the sitting room—at least on the first floor. Those rooms were tidy. The rest of the first floor—the dining room, parlor and front hall—were dusty and cluttered.
Chloe walked up the wooden stairs, her shoes clicking as she went. Bobby was just waking up. She could hear the softly mewing kittens, knew he would be scared about the different home, not certain what to expect.
She walked into one of the spare bedrooms and found the little boy rolling from side to side on the big bed, his little thumb stuck in his mouth. He smiled when he saw her. He reached out both arms toward her and said, “Cwowe.”
She laughed, sat on the bed and pulled him into her arms. “Did you have a nice nap, little man?”
She pushed aside his unruly hair, thinking he could still use a trim. His hair was so fine, but there was plenty of it, with cowlicks and curls resting in odd spots. She pulled his thumb from his mouth, and he pushed it back in. She laughed and gave in, letting him enjoy the security of it.
She looked beyond the little boy around the room. Reese had put an iron bed in the room with a chenille blanket over the top. There were crates in the corners and an old dresser under the window. No pictures on the walls but plenty of cobwebs decorating the corners.
“Are you thirsty, Bobby? Should we go see if Reese has some milk for you?”
“Uh-huh.” He nodded and bounded off her lap.
She held his hand as they walked down the narrow hallway to the stairs.
She wanted to stop in the first room, the one where they’d made love and plans for their future together. Did he still have her picture on the bedside table? She hadn’t noticed the last night she was here. But why would he? She’d left him.
As they started descending the stairs, she held on tight to Bobby, whose little legs weren’t so steady. Reese was standing at the bottom, waiting for them.
“Was he awake?” he asked, taking the boy’s other hand.
Together, he and Chloe lifted him so his feet were off the ground, and he was swinging in the air. Bobby laughed, and they swung him higher. Finally, they let him walk and watched as he ran off to the end of the hall into the kitchen.
“My folks are in there.” Reese turned to her, shoving his hands into the pockets of his trousers. “Could we talk for a bit?”
“Of course,” she agreed.
“Maybe I should send the folks home.” He started walking toward the kitchen. “I’ll run you back there when we’re done.”
“All right.” She followed him into the kitchen.
“We’re gonna talk,” he said to his folks without hesitation. “I’ll run her home later for supper.”
“There’s plenty we gotta decide all together, son.” Mrs. Lloyd looked between Reese and Chloe. “I think it best we work this out together.”
“Dottie, they need to talk.” Mr. Lloyd held his wife’s elbow. “They have plenty to sort out before we get involved. We’ll meet up later when he comes by for supper. We’ll take Bobby with us. Give you two some quiet time.” He took Bobby’s hand. “Come on. Grandma’s got cookies at home for you. Some ice-cold milk too.”
Bobby looked back to Chloe and Reese and waved goodbye.
“We’ll see you later, Mom.” Reese walked them out the back door. When they were out of the house, he turned back to Chloe, a disgruntled, serious look on his face. “So, you wanna get married?”
Chapter Eight
“I thought your parents would raise Bobby. It never occurred to me that Daisy would ask us to do it,” Chloe said. She didn’t know how to answer Reese’s offer, didn’t know if he was serious about marrying her or if it had been said in jest.
“Well, she and Ronnie did.”
They’d moved out onto the porch, where a cool breeze cut through the humidity of the afternoon. Reese lit a cigarette and threw the match on the ground.
“I can’t raise the boy by myself. That wouldn’t be fair to him. Little boys need a mama.”
When Reese asked Chloe to marry him years earlier, she’d said yes with great pleasure. She’d never imagined having an opportunity to leave Broken Bow and pursue a nursing career. His proposal this time was bittersweet.
“What about Isabelle?” The woman popped into Chloe’s mind without warning.
“What about her?” Reese snapped.
“Have you considered marrying her?” She fussed with her hairpins, not sure what else to do with her shaky hands. Chloe didn’t want to know the answer, but they had to lay their cards on the table. It was only fair for Bobby to do things this way. Honestly.
Reese met her gaze but didn’t answer. He leaned back in the rocking chair and set it to moving. Tension continued to spike as they stared at each other in silence.
“I suppose that really is none of my business,” she told him finally when the silence was about to choke her. She settled into a chair opposite him.
Despite the strain between them, the sound of the wooden legs of his rocker as they rubbed rhythmically on the porch calmed Chloe’s nerves. Her life had taken a spin without warning, and she didn’t like the loss of control.
“Under any other circumstances, I would say you are right, but this isn’t just any situation.”
“I’ll sign the papers,” she told him. “I’ll name you and Isabelle as guardians for Bobby.” She stood again, agitation and his unwavering stare making it difficult to sit still. “I don’t know anything about raising children.” It came out as a whisper. It was the truth, and no matter how much her heart had already been stolen by Bobby, he deserved better. He and Reese both deserved better.
Choices of the Heart Page 7
