Chapter 15
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
When she’d lived in Chicago, Taylor had been on the train by six and in the office and at her desk before seven. Since arriving in GraceTown, instead of hitting the train at six, she hit the sidewalk for a run before work. The short commute to the office allowed her to still arrive there before seven.
The habit of working long hours and adhering to a tightly regimented schedule at the expense of all else was one she was determined to break.
Right now, she was on hold regarding Sara’s case, waiting for the woman to give her the go-ahead to file the divorce petition. Once that was done, she could request Russ’s business records.
While she waited, she’d been progressing through Elite’s financials and was happy to see how well the firm was doing.
When she returned to the house after her morning run, Taylor felt ready to seize the day. She considered her options, finding it remarkable that she had options rather than having every second of every minute of the day scheduled.
She could grab a coffee, go to the office, and focus on the firm’s years of tax returns. Or she could take time to review once again the divorce petition she had drawn up for Sara .
But that petition had already been sent to Abigail to review, so what was the point? Once she heard back, she and Abigail could discuss it, and Taylor would make any changes.
The other item on her to-do list was to gather the items her dad had requested in the will be sent to her mom.
This was what she needed to do. It was past time to get this task off her plate.
She found it interesting that her dad had mentioned to Mel where these items were stored when he’d listed them in the will, as if he had never planned on moving them. Then again, Bob Higgs had been one to embrace the status quo.
Of course, having the locations made her job much more manageable. If going through her dad’s things could ever be easy…
First item: a family photograph in the sock drawer.
What is this about? Taylor wondered as she stepped into her dad’s bedroom. She’d been in this room once since she’d arrived in GraceTown, to tidy up and clean. Even as she’d dusted and emptied the small trash can that day, she’d left everything else undisturbed.
She knew there would be a time, and it was coming soon, when she would need to gather his clothing, shoes and personal items and make tough decisions. That wouldn’t be today.
Her only goal was to get the family photograph out of his sock drawer. She hoped there was only one photograph in there, but she would make an executive decision if there were more. Maybe she would send them all. If she didn’t have a particular one, she would make a copy and send the original to her mother.
Still, she doubted there was one she hadn’t seen.
Socks, folded into tight little balls, filled the drawer. Many had frayed heels and should have been tossed out long ago. Intent on completing her mission, she pushed deeper into the drawer until she found what she was looking for.
The photograph was in a frame. The wooden look and mat were a style her father had liked, but one that had never been popular—not even fifteen years ago when this shot was taken.
Taylor hadn’t thought of the day they’d spent as a family at Camden Yards in years, and she didn’t recall this photo being taken.
It was of the three of them, all dressed in Orioles attire, smiling for the camera. Her mother had been out of town the week before, and she’d suggested the outing when she’d arrived home. Her father, a huge O’s fan, had jumped at the opportunity for him and “his two favorite girls” to watch his favorite team play.
It was odd that she remembered him saying those words after all these years.
Taylor hadn’t been into baseball and recalled being irritated with her mother about something that day. But, even at fifteen, she’d sensed the increasing tension between her parents and had recognized this as her mother extending an olive branch.
With the frame tightly gripped between her fingers, Taylor pushed the drawer shut with the side of her hand. The second she stepped from the room, she expelled a ragged breath.
Why had her father kept this photo in a drawer all these years? Though the day had been fantastic, at least the little Taylor recalled of the outing, her parents’ marriage had ended not long after.
Had he kept it to remind himself that even when something seemed so good, it could still go bad? That you always had to keep your heart guarded?
That might make sense for some, but her dad hadn’t been that kind of guy. He wasn’t—hadn’t been—a bitter man. And if she considered her dad’s relationship with Abigail, he’d been opening his heart up to love again.
Taylor took a quick picture with her phone before setting the frame on the side table. She wasn’t sure she wanted the image, but she could delete it later .
Two more items to go. According to her father’s notes, those were stored in the attic.
The buzz announcing a text had Taylor praying that simply thinking of her mother this morning wasn’t enough to conjure up another text from her.
The text was from Polly.
There is yoga at Sunny Acres today…interested ?
Taylor felt her lips curve. She remembered the sunflower farm on the edge of town. The vast fields stretched as far as the eye could see. In early September, the large yellow flowers were in full bloom.
Now, in mid-November, the fields would be covered with short, green shoots of winter wheat.
Taylor had gone there frequently in high school to navigate the sunflower maze and enjoy various specialty events. She hadn’t thought of the place in years.
Sounds like fun. When ? she texted back.
Now? Class starts at noon.
Short notice, but it beat rummaging around in a dusty attic. She quickly replied to Polly.
Shall I meet you there ?
I’ll pick you up. On my way .
Polly arrived within five minutes, indicating to Taylor she must have already been driving her way.
Taylor hopped into the van after taking a child’s jacket off the passenger seat and tossing it into the back seat with her yoga mat. “This is a nice surprise.”
“When I heard about this special event, I thought it’d be a good chance for us to do something together that we both like. You know, just the two of us.” Polly cast an apologetic look in Taylor’s direction. “Sorry ’bout being MIA recently. Between the kids’ activities and putting in hours at the shop, my schedule has been wild.”
“I totally understand. I’ve been keeping busy, too. ”
Polly shot her a familiar sunny smile. “How is everything going?”
“I went to Destiny last night and heard a new band.”
“Which one?” Polly’s eyes lit with interest. “Zach and I go there sometimes during the week when we can get the parents to watch the kids. The burgers are great, and you can’t beat no cover charge.”
“My burger was fantastic, and Cosmic Chaos was so good.” Taylor’s lips curved as she recalled Ajay and his obvious passion for music and performing.
“We love that band.” Polly smiled. “You’ll have to come with Zach and me sometime. I’m sure it wasn’t as much fun for you—going alone, I mean.”
Taylor wondered why Polly automatically assumed she’d gone alone. She could have easily gone with Chloe, Emily or even Jaclyn. Then again, had she ever mentioned her new friends to Polly? She couldn’t recall.
“I didn’t go alone.” Taylor kept her tone offhand. “I went with Jameson Fox, my dad’s partner.”
“He’s a hunk.” Polly slanted a quick sideways glance. “Are you dating him?”
“We’re friends.” Taylor waved an airy hand. “And now business partners.”
“Well, Jameson brings that clunky old Chevy into the garage regularly. Zach and I both like him, so if you ever want to double?—”
“Like I said, we’re just friends.” Wanting to forestall any additional questions about her and Jameson, Taylor added, “My dad wanted my mom to have three things from the house. When you texted, I was ready to head to the attic to get the last two.” She shot Polly a grin. “You saved me.”
Polly’s eyes filled with curiosity. “What did he want to give her? ”
“A photograph of the three of us taken shortly before they split.”
“Why would he want her to have that?” Polly’s brows pulled together as she turned onto the road that would take them to Sunny Acres. “I’m sure she has plenty of photographs.”
“No clue.” Taylor didn’t want to think too hard about it either. Seeing how happy the three of them had once been tugged at her heartstrings.
“What else?”
“A ring and a bracelet of hers.” Taylor hoped there was only one ring and bracelet in her dad's specified location. Although he’d been very specific about where these items could be found, there had been no descriptions.
“Wouldn’t you have thought if the ring and bracelet were special, he’d have already sent them to her?”
“Seems like that to me.” Taylor shifted slightly in her seat. “Tell me about the yoga class. Any idea how this will go?”
“Well, it won’t be in the fields, that’s for sure. The flowers are gone, and it’s too cold.”
“I assumed as much.” Taylor smiled. “Where will it be held?”
She tried to recall what buildings were on the property, but could remember only a gift shop/store that didn’t have enough empty floor space for a yoga class.
“The owners put up a new huge barn last year. It’s heated and super nice.” Polly grinned. “The goats will be there today.”
“What?” Taylor wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly.
“It’s goat yoga.”
“Are you serious?”
“Are you upset?”
“Why would I be upset?” Taylor experienced a shiver of excitement. “I’ve always wanted to do goat yoga. Thanks to you, I’m about to have that chance.”
Polly drove through the open gate onto the property. Instead of sunflowers, the fields were indeed covered with the beginning of winter wheat.
With the sky a brilliant blue, the vibrant green color of the field made for a gorgeous picture—especially when you added a big red barn.
Though other cars were parked near the barn, Polly had no trouble finding a spot near the building.
When they stepped inside, a fit young woman with Bantu knots in her hair and a bright smile greeted them.
“Welcome to goat yoga. I’m Tibby Washington, and I’ll be leading the session today.”
Once introductions were completed and Tibby discovered that she and Polly were yoga enthusiasts but had never done goat yoga before, Tibby’s smile widened.
“You’re going to love it.” Tibby glanced down at the tiny black-and-white goat pressed against her side. “These goats are young, small and accustomed to human interaction. As you can see, they enjoy being around people.”
“I love that.” Taylor bent over to pet the animal, who emitted a sweet-sounding bleat. “Aren’t you a little cutie?”
The goat nuzzled Taylor’s hand, making her smile.
“Enjoy the session.” Tibby turned her attention to a group of three, looking around as if this was all new to them.
The class started on time. As Taylor stretched and flexed, she relaxed. During the session, the goats roamed the barn. One climbed onto Polly’s back, causing her and Taylor to laugh uproariously.
By the time the session ended, Taylor had realized that streaming a workout online after arriving home late at night could not compete with this.
Just like running, she needed to make time for this in the future.
“It was a fun class,” Taylor told Tibby. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. ”
“Me, too,” Polly added.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Tibby said, handing them each a card. “I have a studio downtown, Vital Yoga. The first class is complimentary. I hope to see you again.”
“I should have given her back her card,” Polly said once they were out of earshot.
Taylor had tucked hers into the tiny bag she’d brought with her. “I thought you enjoyed the session.”
“I did, but I’m never going to find time to attend a class.” Polly laughed. “The kids keep me busy from the moment they leave school until bedtime.”
“I’m glad you thought of me when you had time today.”
Polly squeezed her arm. “I’ve missed you so much, Taylor. It may sound cliché, but I see us as being forever friends. I believe we make time for what’s important to us.”
“I agree. Which is why we’re going to make time for each other,” Taylor told her friend.
“Darn right.” Polly grabbed her hand. “Look, let’s get a few pics with the goats. The kids and Zach will die when I tell them all about our fabulous goat adventure.”
Darkness was falling when Taylor decided to cap off the day with a walk in the crisp night air.
Her time in the attic had sent her upbeat mood plummeting. Taylor couldn’t understand why, if her dad had wanted her mom to have these two jewelry pieces, he wouldn’t have sent them to her long ago.
“Hey, you.”
Taylor turned, and there was Emily on her front porch, setting down her cup and leaving her spot on the glider to stride down the steps .
“Hi, Emily. I’m taking a walk.” Taylor raked a hand through her hair. “It’s been one of those days.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Emily stopped, and her smile fell away. “If you prefer to be alone, say the word. I know how it is. Sometimes a woman needs a little private thinking time.”
“I’d like company,” Taylor said, surprising herself. “I’ve had time alone with my thoughts. It’s gotten me nowhere.”
“Hey, no pressure, but if you need to talk, I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”
Taylor didn’t doubt that was true. Something about Emily reminded her of Til. Emily looked nothing like the older woman had and was many decades younger, but Emily possessed the same quiet way that encouraged confidences that Til had.
“In his will, my dad specified certain items he wanted me to gather to send to my mother. Two of the pieces are jewelry.” Taylor took a deep breath and found her calm. “One is my mom’s wedding ring.”
“That surprised you.”
“I’d have thought she’d have taken it when she left.” Taylor’s voice reflected the confusion that had filled her when she’d seen the diamond solitaire in a velvet ring box. “It wasn’t a family heirloom, so why leave it? Did she see it as a reminder of a promise that hadn’t been fulfilled? Or…?”
Emily offered only a sympathetic smile.
Taylor lifted her hands and let them drop. “I got nothing.”
Silence stretched before Emily spoke. “Could she have left it behind perhaps to symbolize closure on that chapter in her life? Having the ring with her would have been a reminder of the past.”
“Out with the old, in with the new.” Bitterness laced Taylor’s words. “She never gave me or my dad a second thought.”
It wasn’t fair. Worse, even as Taylor said the words, she knew they weren’t true.
“Is that really how it was? ”
After a long moment, Taylor shook her head. “No, even after she left, she remembered me on my birthday and at Christmas,” Taylor grudgingly admitted. “She still texts regularly.”
The most recent text had come midafternoon today.
“Sounds as if she wanted to stay in touch.”
“That’s what she wanted.” Taylor fought to keep her tone steady. “For me, it wasn’t so clear-cut. While parts of me desperately wanted the closeness, at the same time, I wanted her far, far away.”
Emily nodded as if the statement made perfect sense. When, in reality, Taylor knew the push-pull of feelings engendered by her mother’s leaving made no sense.
“I don’t know why I’m telling you all this,” Taylor said with a little laugh. “We don’t know each other. Not really. Yet, here I am, baring my soul.”
“Sometimes talking to a stranger is easier. You and I are at similar places. We’re both forging a new life in GraceTown and searching for a healthy balance.”
Taylor nodded, accepting the truth of the statement.
“I guess, deep down, I kept hoping she’d miss me and my dad enough to return. When that didn’t happen, I punished her by rebuffing her efforts to stay close.”
Reaching over, Emily squeezed her arm but remained silent.
“It sounds pretty childish when I say it aloud,” Taylor murmured, wondering what Emily would think if she told her she still felt that way.
“You were a child. And you were hurt,” Emily continued as they strolled down the sidewalk. “My mother passed away, and for years, I was angry with her for dying and leaving me. How’s that for childish?”
Taylor gave a strangled laugh.
“Now, and it’s likely the same for you, we can look back through an adult lens and see things were not quite as black and white as they appeared at the time. My mother didn’t want to leave me. My father didn’t want to depend on me to keep the household running, but there was no one else to take on that task.” Emily studied her for a long moment. “I don’t know your parents’ situation, what led to the divorce and your mother leaving, but you and I both know that life is filled with difficult choices. Leaving a marriage and respecting a daughter’s wish to stay with her father couldn’t have been easy.”
Taylor only shrugged, but she realized Emily’s words had brought to the surface what she’d been grappling with ever since returning to GraceTown. Had she been too quick to judge her mother?
Taylor and Emily continued to walk past mostly dark houses, the chirping of crickets the only sound until a dog let out a loud woof from a backyard. A cat streaked across the yard and then disappeared up a tree.
The scene was so peaceful. So serene. So at odds with Taylor’s tangled emotions.
They walked in silence for several more seconds before Emily said, “You mentioned two jewelry items.”
“The second was an embroidered bracelet I made for her the year before she left.” Taylor had planned to change the subject but hadn’t been quick enough. “It was a Mother’s Day gift. She told me she loved it.”
Emily offered an encouraging smile. “Tell me about the bracelet.”
“It has a leather band with a magnetic closure, and I embroidered a scene of the three of us on a raft in a river surrounded by green trees.” Taylor blew out a breath. “Like the ring, I assumed she’d taken it with her.”
“Now you’re wondering why she left it.”
How was it, Taylor wondered, that this woman seemed to be able to know exactly what she was thinking?
“I suppose it could have been an oversight.” Taylor knew she was grasping at straws. Still, she continued, offering another possibility to excuse her mother’s behavior. “Or maybe at the time she left, she viewed the split with my dad as temporary and believed she would be back, so there was no need to take everything with her.”
“A breakup of any kind is usually intensely emotional.” Emily met Taylor’s gaze. “Even things that mean the world to us are often left behind.”
Things, Taylor thought, like a daughter in the throes of puberty who needed her mother close.