Chapter 3 #2
The sun is just coming over the horizon, but my heart is still beating out of my chest as that dream plays on repeat in my mind.
I need to talk to Dad about my decision, so I force myself to get up and get dressed.
And because he is a creature of habit, I know he is already up, starting his day.
I am still trying to button my shirt when I open the door to his study.
“Son, this is a nice surprise. I heard you and Bells come in late last night. Do you want some coffee? Trisha just brought the pot in.”
“Yes, please. I didn’t even drink much last night, and I still have a splitting headache like I’m coming off an all-nighter. Mom in bed?”
“Yes, it will be several more hours before she gets up; she has never been an early riser.”
“I hope one day I have that same smirk that you do right now about my own wife, if I ever find one that wants to put up with me daily, that is.”
“Good luck finding one with all that hair. I agree with your mother, you look wilder every day.”
We both laugh, “You know Dad, I am only keeping it now to bug Mom, that and the fact that I just can’t seem to find the time to get it cut.”
“Don’t let your mother hear that; she will run you down with a pair of scissors while Judy sits on you.”
“Oh dear, I didn’t realize my life was in danger!”
Father smiles smugly, and through the years, I have learned that smile means he is reflecting on something.
“Your mother keeps me young and her smiles and playfulness are like a drug I am unwilling to live without. I have built this fortune and this environment solely for her happiness. My goals and dreams as a young man faded slowly as she replaced them all. She became all I needed after a while, and even on these quiet mornings, I catch myself watching the doorway, awaiting her arrival. But you didn’t come down here to talk about your mom. What’s on your mind?”
“Many things actually, but there’s one that I have often wondered about. Why only me? Why did you two not have a dozen of me running around?”
“I’m shocked it took you becoming a grown man before asking me this.
Fanny’s pregnancy, for the most part, was uneventful.
She glowed like every other woman does, but I felt like I was walking on eggshells the closer her due date came, as she had lost her own mother in childbirth.
The very idea that I could lose her because of my own selfish wants lay heavily on my mind, even though I tried to hide it, as she had enough to worry about.
When the day came, she lay in pain for over thirty hours before she delivered you.
She tried to appear strong for my sake, but I knew that if it had lasted much longer, I would have lost both of you.
I swore the moment they handed you to me that you were it.
I would never put her or myself through that again, and I took every precaution from that point on.
Thankfully, she never asked for another child.
We were both happy with you, as we could give you all our attention and love.
I’d like to think you are the man you are today because there were no other distractions in your life, as you had our entire focus.
Yes, you were and are spoiled, but in a healthy way.
I should mention that I do appreciate that you still allow your mother to dote on you, even though you are grown. ”
“Hey, I am a momma’s boy, and I’m not a bit ashamed of it.
I am one of the few who doesn’t complain about his parents.
I saw how others were raised, and that’s one of the reasons I never wanted to spend the night or travel with others.
My home was full of love and laughter, and even as a child, I realized how wonderful that was.
Now, because I am my mother’s favorite child, I know how to get the things I want.
Mom was always a pushover when it came to me, but I also hated it when I got that look.
Being a disappointment to her was never something I enjoyed, Dad.
I have been thinking about what you two are getting ready to do, and I want you both to know how very brave I think you are to make such an extreme change at this stage in your lives.
And I figure if you two can close your eyes and jump, then so can I.
Even though I will miss this house and everything in it, I have decided to head West with Grant.
I’ll miss you both immensely, but I have a strong feeling our paths will cross often.
You know I feel smothered here and have been anxious ever since my return. ”
“Reggie, you’ve never been one to sit still long, and if it does not work out there, you know you’ll always have a home with us.
That was the one thing your mother was adamant about in the new house plans: a set of rooms for you.
If you don’t take the furniture in your suite, we will have it transferred to the new house when we finally pack up. ”
“I have no idea what type of interior space will be available when I arrive in Utah.
All Grant said in the telegram was that the home on the property was small.
I am going to take a few pieces with me, but I would like you to take the larger ones.
It will be nice to have a slice of my history in your new home when I come to visit.
I am going to head out early this morning to start arranging things for my trip, since it’s not just about moving Grant’s possessions now.
I also need to send him an urgent telegram along with the funds to purchase the property he wrote to me about.
Damn, I have so many things rushing through my mind that I’m not sure where to start. ”
“How much is the property, son?”
“I don’t have the total yet, but I’m sure he sent the final numbers to his solicitor, and I’ll be meeting with him later today for the final sale of Grant’s two homes.
But when Grant and I last talked, it was going for around a dollar twenty-five an acre.
I know they need a down payment of twenty percent to hold the land, and I am going to transfer that to Grant’s bank today.
Some time back, the government initiated a homesteading program, offering one hundred and sixty acres to those willing to settle.
The land would be granted to them free of charge if they made the proper improvements.
That’s how Eliza and Toby got their start, but from what Grant has told me, he now owns almost everything for miles around that original homestead. ”
“You know son, all you have to do is ask if you run into financial hardship out there. Building from scratch is costly, and you will spend more than you bring in at first.”
“The perks of being an only child! Thanks dad, but I have some savings held back. If I am not frivolous with what I have, I should be fine. If not, it’s nice to know you have my back.”
I hear the rustling of skirts heading our way, and just as I am turning in my seat, mother walks through the door, her smile lighting up the room as always.
“Ahhh, what a way to start my morning with my two favorite people. I had a feeling you two were shut up in here, and I thought we could enjoy a nice breakfast on the back veranda before you take off to defeat and conquer the world today, Reggie.”
At first, I start to decline, then I remember that our days together are coming to an end, and I should enjoy my family while I can.
“Sounds perfect, Mom.”
Standing up, I give her my arm, and she beams up at me before holding her hand out for my father, who grasps it lightly in his hand before bringing it up to his lips, kissing it gently.
Their open affection for each other is odd in most homes, but common in mine, and I think that’s one of the reasons none of the stuck-up gold-digging daughters of the families around here have ever interested me.
I need someone warm and open that’s willing to break the laws society deems appropriate.
I want my woman to grab my arm not only for comfort but because she wants to be close to me, or to sit on my lap anytime she wants.
To kiss me when she feels the need, no matter where we are or who we are around, and who lights up when I enter the room.
She’ll also need a temper that matches my own, so that she is never afraid to tell me when I am being an ass.
Lost in my own thoughts, I miss the conversation mom and dad are having, even though my mother is holding onto my arm like I’m going to disappear. Before I realize it, we are on the veranda, and I am helping her into her favorite chair.
“What a beautiful morning, and such a blessing that we are all here together to enjoy it. I asked Judy to make your favorite stuffed French toast Reggie, as I know you have a busy day ahead.”
Before I can say a word, Trisha and Judy roll a cart out, loaded down with plates.
Judy picks up a plate, sets it down in front of mother, and immediately starts talking to her about the day’s meals.
“Ma’am, I will say the bacon fried up well this morning and I put a few pieces back for sandwiches later.
For dinner, I am planning a roast with all the fixings, if that’s acceptable? ”
“Oh, that will do fine, Judy. You know we are always pleased.”
“Wonderful, let’s get these plates passed out, Trisha, while it’s all still hot.”
Simply because I can’t help myself, I tug on Judy’s apron when she hands me my plate. “Speaking of pleased Judy, how attached are you to my parents?”
A true look of horror flashes across her face as she looks at all of us, and it instantly makes me feel bad.
“Have I done something to displease you?”
I stand up, pulling her short form into my own in a familiar hug, and I feel her instantly relax.
“Heavens no, I just wanted to steal you away … maybe you should just marry me, that way I will always have a clean house and good food in my belly. What do you say Judy, run away with me? Make me envied by all other men.”
She smacks me on the belly playfully before pulling away. “Reggie, you little devil, you have been asking me to marry you since you were five years old.”
“Hey, you are the love of my life, besides mother, of course.”
“You just love my cookies.”
“Well, that is only part of it.”
“You’re lucky I am not twenty years younger, and had I not chased your naked butt all over the halls as a youngster, I would take you up on that offer. Now eat your French toast before it gets cold and quit giving me heart attacks. I am too old for your teasing.”
“You have broken my heart, Judy. How will I survive in the wilderness without you?”
“My advice is you’d better stop looking at all the girls around here waving their fans in the heat because they’ve got the vapors and find you a little woman who can cook.”
“Wise advice, my dear Judy, I will take it to heart.”
Mother has had a smile on her face this entire time. “I swear Reggie, you are shameless.”
“You love me.”
“Yes, I do.”