Epilogue #3
Holy hell. What could be that pressing? “Sure. That’s fine. Why don’t I meet you at the town library?”
“That’s fine. I’ll see you around 3:00 p.m.”
The afternoon rolls around, and Char and I walk hand in hand inside the Sycamore Mountain library. The doors have barely closed behind us when an older gentleman dressed in a bespoke gray pinstripe suit approaches.
“Mr. and Mrs. Newtown, I presume?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Walter Spornack. We spoke this morning. Why don’t you follow me?” He extends his arm toward the back of the library, and we follow along, Char and I looking curiously at one another the further we make it into the stacks. Once we’ve reached a private meeting area, he ushers us inside.
I pull out a chair for Char and have a seat beside her, anxiously taking her hand. I’m not sure why I’m so damn nervous. I mean, can they take back Grandfather’s money once it was deposited?
“I know this is all very mysterious. But I want to reassure you that you’ve done nothing wrong. There’s no need to be nervous. I’m simply trying to right a wrong.”
Char and I look at each other, baffled.
“It has come to my attention that your father has misrepresented your trust.”
I shift in my seat.
“While I have worked with the firm that represented your grandfather for many years, I was not his personal attorney. Yet once your grandfather’s attorney retired and handed his files over to me, I stumbled on some information that didn’t add up.”
“I don’t understand.”
“From my research, it appears that David Newtown, Jr. has been working with his attorneys for years, hoping to find a loophole to acquire the trust left to you by your grandparents. Basically, his money has been drying up, making him more and more desperate to tap into your holdings.”
I slump back in my seat, flabbergasted by this news.
Not that it should surprise me that my father would sink so low as to basically try to steal my inheritance.
He’s a snake. This is just one more example of how abhorrent a man he is.
“So, all of the encouragement to work with him year after year, so I could acquire the money my grandfather had supposedly put in trust if I joined the firm was a lie?”
Walter clears his throat. “In essence, yes. Because the money has always been yours. There were no stipulations placed once you turned twenty-five. I had no idea the money hadn’t been transferred into your name until I was privy to your files.”
Char blinks up at Walter, appearing as confused as I am. “I’m lost. What does this mean exactly?”
Walter gives her a broad smile. “Well, if I may be so bold. It means that you two will never want for anything financially for the rest of your days, my dear.”
Once we made the return trip back home, we sit silently in front of the fire for a long while. We’re both more than a bit stunned by the news. Lifting her hand to my lips, I kiss her knuckles before rubbing circles over her soft skin with the pad of my thumb. “What are you thinking?”
“Ha. I don’t know how to put words to it.”
I hold her hand, hoping she’ll elaborate.
“We have this perfect little life here. I’m not sure I want money to change anything.”
God, I love this woman.
“I’ve lived with that kind of power and wealth. It scares me. The very notion someone might think that their financial status makes them more important than someone else. That it warrants them to take whatever they want.”
I slip an arm around her, pulling her close.
“I know. I’d seen what greed had done to my father.
That’s why I put so much distance between us.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have the nest egg if I needed it for anything.
My mother’s health issues and living situation could have bankrupted me if my grandfather hadn’t provided for me.
But I agree. We have a great life. Why don’t we find a way to use the trust to help others? ”
Char sits up. “That’s a fantastic idea.”
“I’m not sure how yet. But remember I told you I’d love to develop a youth program here in Sycamore Mountain?
Well, if we could get a pilot program working here, we could try to replicate it in other communities around the country.
Especially underserved areas that would benefit from after school youth programs and little league opportunities for kids who might not otherwise have a chance to play? ”
“Yes. And if it’s okay with you, we could discuss our ideas with Margaret. She’s managed to stay grounded while doing philanthropic work for years.”
“Oh, you’re right,” I agree, instantly feeling lighter. How had finding out you were suddenly a multimillionaire become so agonizing?
I notice Char’s face contort and instantly become concerned. “What is it?”
She bites her lip. “Are you going to press charges against your father? For trying to manipulate you and steal your inheritance?”
I have to admit, the idea had crossed my mind. “I’m not sure. But to be honest, I think I might take a page from your playbook.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you knew it would be healthier to walk away and protect yourself from your stepfather. Dragging my dad through court would be messy. It would make our family drama public. That wouldn’t do anything but draw more attention to me and Mom.
And potentially you. That’s the very last thing I want. ”
I push up from the couch. “He’ll be in his own private hell, watching me give away the money knowing his is growing scarce.”
After pouring a glass of water, I make my way down the hall, needing to walk off some of the agitation that has built since learning the news.
Standing in our study, a smile returns as I peer down at the framed photo of our wedding day.
I’m standing with my two favorite people, one arm around Char, the other around my mother.
I jolt as two arms slide around my waist.
“Oh, sorry.” She giggles. “Didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” Running a finger down the silver frame, she sighs. “I can’t believe how my life has changed.”
I look down at her. She seems so relaxed. So happy. Despite the rollercoaster our lives have been on over the last few years.
“I feel safe for the first time in years. My stepfather is behind bars. I’ve allowed myself to embrace a happy, healthy future with a man who adores me.” She gives me a playful squeeze. “One who’s helped me open a new salon. And provide the family I’ve always dreamed of.”
I run the back of my hand down her soft cheek.
“I adore Liz. And I’m incredibly thankful that she and Frank took me in and treated me as their own when I so desperately needed them. But having your mother here with us means everything to me.”
I drop my forehead to hers. “You brought her back to life, Char. Well, you and that crazy fairy godmother of yours.” I chuckle.
She grows quiet, and when I pull back, I realize she’s staring over my shoulder. Following her line of sight, I notice the Elizabeth Kübler-Ross quote framed on the wall next to my desk.
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.
These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.
Char pulls away, walking toward the window.
“Hey, you okay?”
My wife looks back at me, moisture pooling in her brilliant green eyes.
“Baby?” My heartbeat stutters.
She quickly waves my concerns away. “They’re happy tears,” she interjects before spinning to face the window again, placing her palms on the glass as she’s done so many times when staring out into the frosty abyss.
“I honestly never allowed myself to imagine I could have all of this. My own happily ever after. No matter what comes our way, I’m so grateful to have found this life with you. ”
I come closer, placing a kiss to the crown of her head. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than snowed in right here with you.”
The End.