Page 10 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
“Tell me.”
“About four months ago, just before my accident, a new fellow came to work for the company. As my immediate superior, he was fully in charge of the factory’s distribution center, the invoices, payments, everything in the office. His name is Bart Hamilton. He had good credentials, and I looked forward to learning a lot from the man. It soon became evident that he cared nothing about the employees, and he started firing good men and replacing them with duds. When I disagreed with his behavior, he told me to mind my own business. Not long after, I had the accident that put me out of commission.”
“I wondered what happened.”
Steve explained in detail what led up to his ending under a pile of boxes, writhing in pain. “It was a freak mishap. The kid who was responsible had no business being on a forklift, never mind in the area where the collision took place.”
“What if it wasn’t an accident?”
“You mean they wanted to put me out of commission? I’ve wondered about that possibility. They’d already intercepted memos I’d sent to your father wanting him to come to Bedford Falls and check out the shady transactions.”
“Ahh… so they kept Dad and Harry in the dark.” Noel thought back to September and added, “My mom took a fall that month, ended up in the hospital, and we were all consumed with helpingher get over the disaster, especially my dad. He spent a lot of time with her.”
“Yes, I remember. I tried calling a few times also and got messages he was out of the office.”
“So you’re aware, I talked to the county District Attorney, my cousin, Bill Harrison, today and they’re putting some agents on the case to look into it. I want you to work with them closely, okay? In the meantime, I’ll sneak inside the plant and try to find out more about what they’ve set up. I’ve been told by a friend who knows about these things to look for criminals who are all about the money and will benefit financially.”
Suddenly, Mary appeared in the doorway and Noel found his heartbeat going all wacky, speeding up and thumping hard. Breathing was difficult, and his throat became dry. The constant memories of her all day long were spot-on. She was truly beautiful.
Bounding from his chair like a randy teenager, he stepped closer. Their eyes caught and held, neither wanting nor able to look away.
Feelings of bliss attacked, leaving him floating. He smiled and loved seeing the sweet welcome of happiness spread across her face, lighting up her sparkling blue wonders. Finally, she licked her lips, causing an instant reaction in certain parts of his body. Without intending to, his hand reached for hers, wanting… needing to touch.
In an adorable way, she appeared somewhat flustered by his action, though without hesitation, she slid her palm into his, squeezed and spoke, “Dinner is served.”
Chapter Twelve
The scrumptious meal passed with a lot of happy reminiscing from everyone at the table. Feeling more like his old self since the night of the tragedy, Noel relaxed.
Mary spoke first about the city of Bedford Falls. “I spent some of the happiest times of my life there with my aunt who lost her husband not long after they were first married. He left her their family home which she turned into a small, elegant hotel for mostly spinsters. Those wonderful ladies took in a lonely girl every summer and gave me two months of pure magic. They spoiled me with so much attention; it helped pass the rest of the year at home living with two hardworking, career-oriented parents who were always kind but never available.”
Noel just had to ask, “Is that why you opened the place for kids in need?”
“Yes. There’re so many mixed up teens who deserve a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on and someone who gives a damn about them. I was working as an accountant for a small firm inthe city, dissatisfied with my career choice or should I say my mother’s choice. I spent more and more time here with my aunt, especially after she became ill. It was her idea for me to open the place to help the underprivileged.”
Josie spoke up. “Bless your aunt, Mary. I thank God every day for that haven. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been there, a place for me to hide. You protected me more than once from that monster, Ralph.”
Steve shook his head, a solemn look on his face. “Bless you for what you’ve done for Josie. My daughter and I will always be there for you, Mary, help you in any way we can with your home. I don’t have a lot of funds to donate, but I’m getting stronger. Soon, I’ll be able to help with the upkeep. I imagine an older building like yours needs a lot of repairs.”
Smiling gratefully, Mary nodded. “You have no idea. Most of the kids who stay with me look after their rooms properly, but we do get those who either have no idea how to manage, or don’t really care. So, we’re in constant need of a handyman. I try to do as much as I can, and so does my helper, Sara, but to be honest, our main tools are duct tape and crazy glue.” She turned to Noel. “Have you ever spent time in Bedford Falls before?”
“No. My father and Harry used to come around a lot more, but over the last year, we’ve had some family problems. First, Dad got a cold which developed into pneumonia, and he ended up in the hospital. Finally got that taken care of, and mom took a fall and broke her hip. To make matters worse, my brother’s girlfriend of five years left him for another man, and he was devastated. It’s been a hell of a year for the Bradfords.”
Mary slid her hand over his and squeezed. “And then your family was taken from you in the recent car crash. I’m so very sorry.”
Noel twisted his palm so he clutched hers. Then Josie’s hand touched his arm with sympathy. Amongst friends, he felt safe tolower his guard. His eyes filled, and he answered, “Yes. I was shattered. Just came off a horrendous court case, which we won, but at a huge cost to everyone involved. Our plane was leaving that afternoon, and they arrived to pick me up. But the jury had stayed out longer than we’d expected, and I was running behind. I opted out of leaving with them that day and selfishly decided to follow the next. I’ll never forgive myself. If I’d driven, the accident wouldn’t have happened.”
Mary pulled away and sharply slapped his hand, startling everyone - Noel more than the others. “Don’t be silly. What was the last thing your mother said to you before they left?”
Sitting straight, his attention solely on the woman who faced him with determination, he answered, “She hugged me, told me I worked too hard and needed to baby myself.” As if listening to the memory, he closed his eyes. “She held my face and kissed me, her smile so damn pretty. Her pride shone for me to see, and I remember feeling warm and fuzzy. I hugged her and teased her. “In your eyes, I can do no wrong, mama bear.” And she said, “That’s because you’re a good m-man, my son.” His voice wobbled but he kept speaking. “Dad also gave me one of his infrequent hugs, telling me to get some rest so my eyeballs wouldn’t be rolling on my cheeks. And… and Harry. He promised to let me sleep in at the lodge and not pester me to go skiing first thing in the mornings. He hugged me too, saying take care of yourself, Bro. You deserve it.” Silence followed while Noel strove for calm. When it washed over him in waves, almost as if a loving hand touched his soul, he finally lifted his head and looked around the table to see tears shining in everyone’s eyes. Warmth developed from shared emotions and surrounded them.
Nodding, Mary added, “Never belittle their love for you by wallowing in the type of grief they’d have rejected. Their legacyis what’s important - kind loving people who cared about you, wanting only the best.”
So very gently, Noel leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for making me remember their farewells. It’s amazing how much it soothes the pain and alleviates my regrets.”
Mary lost herself in the sweetness of his adoring gaze. Moments passed without either of them noticing.
Finally, Josie wiped her eyes and began clearing the table. “No one move. I’m going to bring in Mary’s dessert. I’ve been waiting all day to get a taste of what she describes as The Best Carrot Cake in the whole wide world. And if the smell is anything to go by, I’m a believer.”
