Finders Keepers (30 page)

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Authors: Fern Michaels

BOOK: Finders Keepers
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“Are you refusing to marry me? Are you refusing to give the child my name? A lawyer might have something to say about that. My father knows the best of the best.”
“That sounds like a threat. Are you threatening me, Tanner?”
“I have rights just like you have rights. The child, even though it isn't born yet, has rights, too.”
Jessie schooled her face to blankness. He
looked
so sincere,
sounded
so sincere. Lawyers meant a whole new set of problems. Lawyers poked and pried and demanded answers. They might even find her parents and bring them back to testify to what a hateful daughter she was. It was true that Senator Kingsley had clout. “Then I guess I'll have to get myself an attorney, won't I?” She was surprised at how strong and cold her voice was. She'd learned from the senator how to bluff. If it came to that she would hire Sophie's lawyer, Arthur Mendenares.
“This is stupid. Attorneys cost money. In the end they're the only ones who walk away happy with their pockets full. I'm asking you to marry me, Jessie, for both our sakes and for the sake of the child. I'm trying to do the right thing here. Help me a little, will you?”
“What about me? What about us? If we were in love, it would be different. Parents who don't love each other will take a toll on the child. It isn't healthy for anyone. You're moody, thoughtless, and cranky—not to mention selfish. The only time you're affectionate is when we're in bed. We aren't even friends, Tanner. We're both too young to trap ourselves in a loveless marriage. I would never deny you your parental rights. You can see the child as often as you wish. We can trade off holidays and summer vacations. A child needs stability. As a mother, I can give that to our child. I'm sorry to say, Tanner, right now I don't even like you. What's best for our child is the only thing that's important. Do you agree or not?”
Tanner's voice took on an edge of anger. “What we had was good, Jessie. How can you deny that?”
“I don't deny it. In bed, Tanner. When we got out of bed it was miserable. You want everything your own way. Marriage doesn't work like that. It's give-and-take.”
“It would appear we have a standoff here. I don't know what else to say, Jessie.”
“There isn't anything else to say. Where do we go from here?”
“I don't know, Jessie. I guess I'll go back to Texas, and you'll go back to Washington at some point. I assume you'll get tired of waiting around here for a friend who seems to have forsaken you. I think, Jessie, we could make it work if we both try. I'd like the chance to at least try. We'll be starting out even. Neither one of us has been a parent before. We can learn together if you're willing. I could turn out to be the best father in the world. How can you possibly deny me that chance? If you do, you aren't the woman I thought you were. I am sorry if I acted like a louse. I never thought . . . A baby wasn't something I had in mind. I dare say it wasn't in your mind either. You need to cut me a little slack here. I'll be staying at the Monteleone Hotel in the French Quarter tonight. If you feel like talking this evening, call me and we can have a drink in the Carousel Bar. If not, that's okay, too. I'll give you a call tomorrow before I leave. I hope your friend comes back, Jessie. I really do. I remember what it was like when I lost a friend. I left the name of the detective agency on the kitchen counter along with this number and your number back in Washington. One last suggestion—you could file a missing persons report. I'll see myself out, Jessie.”
Jessie sat for a long time without moving, her brain whirling and twirling as she played Tanner's words over and over in her mind. He was right. How did she know what kind of father he would make? He might well turn out to be a better father than she would be a mother. He was right, too, about being in a state of shock just the way she was. Would marrying Tanner be best for the child?
Where are you, Sophie?
It was midafternoon when Jessie, still in the garden, had her second visitor. She knew it was Jack Dawson immediately. Sophie had described him in detail on many occasions. He introduced himself. She did likewise. At his questioning look, she shook her head.
Jack Dawson was as handsome as Tanner Kingsley, but in a more effeminate way. His features were fine where Tanner's were rugged. He had the same piercing blue eyes and strong jaw. He combed his sandy hair to the left, Tanner combed his to the right. He was leaner than Tanner, but muscular. He was dressed casually for the summer heat in crisp khaki trousers and white dress shirt whose sleeves were rolled to his elbows. He wore expensive Italian shoes. “I guess the wedding is off,” he said morosely.
“I guess so. I weeded the garden hoping . . . This is not like Sophie. I don't understand. Were specific wedding plans taken care of?”
“I don't know. Sophie said she was handling everything. She told me all I had to do was show up. My family arrived last night. I guess I'll show them the city and send them home. Sophie is the most efficient and conscientious person I've ever met. This is totally out of character for her. It's our wedding for God's sake.”
“Did you argue? Did Sophie change? Did you do something that would have made her change her mind?”
“No to everything. We argued. Everyone argues. We never fought if that's your next question.”
“Sophie said she was going to open her own business. What do you know about that?”
“She said she was looking into it. How long are you staying, Jessie?”
“Another day or so.”
I don't like him,
Jessie thought. She'd bet her last dollar there was no family in town. So, what was he doing here? She stood and offered her hand. “I'll say good-bye then.”
It was dusk when Jessie entered the house. She forced herself to go to Sophie's closet for one last look at her friend's wedding dress. Her heart aching, her stomach in knots, Jessie closed the closet door. She would close up the apartment and leave for Washington early in the morning. Perhaps she would be able to think more clearly back in her own apartment.
The loss she was feeling stayed with her all evening.
The following morning, Jessie tidied up the apartment, drank a quick cup of coffee, and called the hotel to leave a message for Tanner saying she was on her way back to Washington.
Jessie took one last look at the house Sophie loved so much. She was drenched with sweat and it was only seven-thirty in the morning. She wiped at her eyes knowing she was only fooling herself if she blamed perspiration for the trickles on her cheeks.
Where are you, Sophie?
14
Jessie stared at the ringing phone knowing it was Tanner on the other end of the line. Should she answer it or not? She needed to go to the grocery store, needed to unpack her bags, needed to dust the apartment and open the windows. She needed to
think.
The moment the phone stopped ringing, she sighed. It had been her plan to think things through on the long drive from New Orleans. Instead she'd shifted her thought processes into a neutral zone and listened to the radio. Somewhere, somehow, on that long drive she had relegated Sophie's disappearance to a dark shelf in the back of her mind. She'd done all she could in regard to her friend. Now she had to think about herself and her immediate problem.
It was late, almost midnight when Jessie dried the dishes from her skimpy dinner. Now she was going to sit and drink tea and contemplate her life.
Tanner was right when he said a child needed two parents. Did she want a messy go-round with a batch of money-hungry lawyers? No, she did not. Tanner was also right when he said he could turn out to be the best father in the world, just as she could turn out to be the worst mother in the world. Anything was possible. Did she have the right to deny him the chance to prove it? Maybe yes, maybe no. Did she want to marry Tanner and become Mrs. Tanner Kingsley? Yes and no. Her heart, her mind, her gut told her Tanner wasn't marriage material. More to the point, was
she
marriage material? At one time she would have said yes. Now, she wasn't sure. Financially she was secure. Her child would never want for anything except a set of parents and a set of grandparents. If she married Tanner, the child would have an aunt in Resa. The senator would probably make a wonderful grandfather. The first Kingsley grandchild. Alexis didn't bear thinking about. If she did marry Tanner, she could always pull Alexis out on Halloween and dangle her as the Wicked Witch. The thought brought a smile to her face. It left almost immediately when the phone rang. This time she answered it.
“I'm sorry, Jessie, I forgot about the time difference. You sound like you haven't gone to bed yet. I was concerned that you made the trip home safely. Are you okay?”
He sounds like he cares
, Jessie thought. “I'm fine. A little tired that's all. It's been a stressful few weeks.”
“Stress isn't good, Jessie, for expectant mothers. Did you give any thought to our . . . situation?”
“I was doing that when you called.”
“And?”
“Where would we live, Tanner? I told you, I will not live at the ranch.”
“Would you consider a short-term arrangement until I can find us a place?”
“Define short-term.”
“A month, five weeks. I didn't say anything to my family, Jessie. For some reason I didn't think you'd want me to. Will you give me some credit for trying? I'm the first to admit I'm no white knight. If I ever had any armor, it's full of holes.”
“Yes.”
“Yes what?”
“I'll give you credit. It's such a big step. We aren't in love. That's what bothers me.”
“Jessie what does
in love
really mean? I care for you very much. It isn't just the sex thing either. I know you feel the same way. Look at your friend Sophie. You said she was crazy in love with whatever that guy's name is. Did that work out? She stood him up. And she wasn't pregnant. We can make it work, Jessie.”
She was so tired. So weary. “Okay, Tanner. No planned wedding. You come to Washington and we'll get married by a justice of the peace. I don't much care if your mother likes it or not. I will not tolerate her interfering in our life. I want your assurances that you won't allow that to happen, Tanner. I will agree to live at the ranch only for five weeks. Not one day longer. One hour past that time, Tanner, and I walk away. Can you handle my terms?”
“I can handle it.”
“I want it in writing.”
“You what?”
“I want our terms in writing. I want a lawyer to look at the agreement. And I also want a prenuptial agreement.”
Tanner blinked. “What's that?”
“A financial agreement that says what's mine is mine and what's yours is yours. Prior to the marriage. Anything we acquire during our marriage will be divided equally if we should divorce. That kind of thing. Lawyers work it up, and we both have to approve it. We'll set conditions for our child. In case something should happen to you or me, our child will be taken care of. Do you agree to that?”
“Yes, of course,” Tanner said, reluctantly. “I'll have my attorney draw one up.”
Jessie closed her eyes to ward off a wave of light-headedness. Her robust trust fund would be safe. “My attorney will look over whatever your attorney draws up. But I will have one drawn up for myself.”
“That isn't necessary, Jessie.”
“Yes, Tanner, it is necessary.”
Tanner chuckled. Once she had loved the sound. Once she'd been breathless with the sound. Now the sound was sending chills up and down her arms.
“Then you're agreeing to marrying me. You know, Jessie, I always thought a proposal was supposed to be romantic. This is like a business deal. When do you want to get married?”
“How long will it take to draw up the agreement?”
“I'll go to the attorney's office first thing in the morning. When will you go?”
“First thing in the morning.”
“That sounds good. They should be able to hash it out in a week's time. If you have a pencil, copy down the name of the law firm. Then the lawyers will do it all. We'll just sign the papers.”
“To answer your question, ten days should give us enough time. I have some things to take care of. Is there anything else?”
“Is it okay to tell Pop?”
“No. All kinds of things can go wrong in ten days. I think I'd like to wait.”
“Are you going to change your mind?”
“No. Are we going on a honeymoon?”
Tanner chuckled again. This time chills raced up Jessie's spine. “I think I can work that into my schedule. How about Key West, Florida? Or Key Largo?”
“How about a six-week cruise to wherever?”
Tanner's tone changed.
A week, Jessie. I can't be away from the ranch longer than a week. I have to think about Pop, too. We can plan a long vacation over the holidays or right after the new year.”
“I'll think about that. I'm going to go to bed now, Tanner. Good night.”
 
On a referral from Arthur Mendenares's offices in New York, Jessie walked into the prestigious law offices of Rupert, Rupert, Elton and Stennis to sign the final papers on Friday, five days later. She read the papers carefully, her index finger running under each word. Then she read them a second time.
The attorney was brisk, efficient, his eyes wary as Jessie held the pen in preparation to signing the stack of papers. “If you are having any doubts at all, Miss Roland, do not sign. If something's bothering you, we should discuss it. The child's welfare is at issue, and these papers have taken care of it.”
“I want to be absolutely sure I am protected here. Whatever Tanner has in his name, whatever holdings or funds, at this point in time, I will have no claim on. Our child will, however, on his or her eighteenth birthday. Is that right?”
“Yes. If you and Mr. Kingsley venture into a business during your marriage, then both of you have a claim to it. Usually things are divided down the middle unless it can be proved otherwise.”
“Where exactly does it say the same thing applies to me?”
The attorney's eyebrows shot upward. “Page four, second paragraph from the bottom. Your six thousand dollars will remain intact,” he said tongue in cheek. “In fact, as you can see, no amounts of money are mentioned either by Mr. Kingsley or you. I thought it best.”
“I'm afraid it's a little more than that, Mr. Rupert.”
“How much more, Miss Roland?”
“Twenty-one million dollars. It's my trust fund. That's why
I
asked for the prenuptial agreement.”
“I see. If your question is, is it safe, the answer is yes. Mr. Kingsley will never be able to touch it. Do you have a will?”
“No.”
“Then I suggest we draw one up right now before you sign those papers. It will only take about twenty minutes. Just give me a name of the person you want to take care of your child's finances in case anything happens to you. When your child is born you will call me and give me his or her name. We'll insert it at that time.”
“Sophie Ashwood and Arthur Mendenares.”
“Arthur's client? Arthur himself?” The attorney's eyebrows shot upward a second time.
“Yes.”
“There's a very good restaurant on the first floor. Go down and have some coffee. When your will is ready I'll send my secretary down to fetch you. Later, you can update your will and be more specific with bequests and the like. This is for now. Do you understand?”
“Yes. Do you happen to know where Mr. Mendenares is?”
“I believe he's in Europe. Don't hold me to that.”
“I'm trying to locate Sophie. I thought he might know where she is. Is there any way you can find out for me?”
“I'll put my secretary on it. He's a hard man to track down. We'll do our best.”
“Thank you.”
 
Jessie sat down at the small desk in the corner of the living room, the thick packet of papers in front of her. She read through every one. Satisfied that everything was just as Mr. Rupert said it was, she snapped a rubber band around the prenuptial agreement. She skimmed through her will before she inserted it between the rubber band. She carefully addressed a manila envelope to Sophie, writing in bold black letters, HOLD FOR SOPHIE in two different places. Ten stamps should do it. Before she could change her mind she walked up to the corner to drop the envelope in the mailbox. Done.
A week to close out her savings account, cancel the utilities, tidy up the apartment for the next tenant, and pack up her car. She also needed to buy an outfit to get married in. A tear rolled down her cheek. She brushed at it angrily. A second tear followed when she listened to the overseas operator speaking with Arthur Mendenares's Paris office, only to be told the attorney was on his way back to the States.
She had time on her hands now, so she might as well use it wisely and go for her wedding attire. She also needed to take out a marriage license and get her blood test. Tanner said he would take his test in Texas and bring the lab report with him. With the senator's office pulling the strings behind the scenes, Tanner would find a way for it all to work. She was sure if a waiting period was involved, there was a way to get around it. After that she would go to Rock Creek Park and sketch.
Four more days until she became Mrs. Tanner Kingsley. “It is what it is, Jessie,” she murmured to herself as she made her way to Fourteenth Street to buy her wedding suit. “It is what it is.”

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