Page 24 of Christmas Rings

Jed went back for a glass for himself, then sat next to Alissa. “What’s up, Mom?”

“I wanted to come and say hello,” Mrs. Marsh said. “I didn’t realize you’d have company.”

“We’re together, Mom. You can expect to see her if you want to see me.”

“Right, yes. So you indicated the other night,” Mrs. Marsh said.

“Alissa heard everything you said,” Jed said. “Even if she hadn’t, I wouldn’t be returning your calls. Mother, you can’t treat someone I love like that and expect we’ll have a relationship.”

“Yes, of course. My apologies that I made you upset. Both of you.”

Jed didn’t say anything. Alissa could almost hear his thoughts.That’s not really an apology, Mother.

“Anyway, I wanted to make sure you were still coming to your father’s birthday party, next weekend.” She paused for a moment. “You’re both invited.” That second sentence reminded Alissa of the sound a balloon makes when the air is suddenly released.

“Thanks, Mom. We’ll discuss it and let you know.”

“Your father has been slowing down of late,” Mrs. Marsh said. “It’s more important than ever that he feel sure of your dedication to the business.”

“Mom, you’re the one who threatened to kick me out.” Jed spit out the words.

Mrs. Marsh folded her hands in her lap. “That was wrong of me. Your father has no intention of giving your spot to anyone else.”

Alissa suspected that was about as much of an apology as they were going to get from Mrs. Marsh.

“Okay, well, that’s good to know,” Jed said.

“We know you went to an attorney,” Mrs. Marsh said.

Jed set his wineglass on the coffee table and then looked directly at his mother. “Let’s be clear. I went to a labor attorney to have an outside party look at my employment agreement. I found out I’m just a regular employee like everyone else. Instead of a son, who gave up any dreams of his own, so that Marsh Distilleries always stayed in thefamily. Did it ever occur to you that I might want to do something else?”

“Did you?” Mrs. Marsh’s gaze locked on her son. Alissa could almost feel an electric current pass between them. “And what would that possibly be?”

His gaze moved to the floor. “I’ve learned something over the last few weeks. I don’t feel safe being vulnerable with you. Even if I felt inclined, I wouldn’t share it with you. But I’ll say this. I’ve been a good son, bowing to your wishes, even buying into the legacy of the business being passed from father to son. However, I cannot have you in my life if you’re disrespectful to the woman I love. If you don’t like my choice, then you’re free to fire me and kick me out of your lives. But this relationship is nonnegotiable. Do you understand?”

“Yes. You’ve made that quite clear,” Mrs. Marsh said tightly. “Which is why I’m here to clear the air. Your father is ready to retire. He wants to talk to you about a transition plan. We plan to enjoy ourselves with whatever time we’ve got left. He’s worked a lot, as you know, Jed. He’s promised me some travel, for leisure, instead of business. We need to understand if you’re still loyal.”

“My loyalty has never changed,” Jed said.

“Good. I’ll let your father know.” Mrs. Marsh nodded to Alissa. “I should be going and let you enjoy your evening.”

“Thanks for stopping by.” Jed’s voice softened. “I appreciate it.”

Mrs. Marsh stood. “Yes, of course. I’ll look forward to seeing you at the party.”

After he walked his mother to the door, Jed came back to sit with her.

“Do you really mean it?” she asked. “You’d give up everything for me?”

He stroked the side of her cheek. “You and me, baby. It’s all I need.”

“What would you have liked to do other than take over the business?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Maybe a therapist specializing in dysfunctional families?”

She smiled. “I’m serious.”

“I would have liked to be an English professor and talked about books all day long.” He looked up at the ceiling.

---