"Correct. I returned to Gulf Shores with Greer. True to his word, Bennett filed for divorce the next week. It took a little over thirty days for the paperwork to be completed. Our marriage of eleven years was over in just over a month. Greer and I flew to Vegas and married in a wedding chapel on the strip. When he first suggested it, I thought he was joking, but the idea grew on me over time. After all, it was the quickest, cheapest way to do it. We had both been married before and had big weddings, and look how those turned out. We just wanted to be married and together. That was in July. Rosie was born in late December."
"When did you learn about your connection to Poppy Thompson Carrington?"
"After Rosie was born. But, look, I am not comfortable talking about that. If you want to know more about that, you need to ask Poppy."
Smiling at her like she was hiding something he was determined to figure out, Harvey said, "Oh, I most definitely intend to."
Feeling like she had shared everything she cared to share, Taylor said, "I think I have told you all there is to tell. If you don't mind, I am exhausted and have a long car ride home to Gulf Shores tonight. If it is okay with you, I would like to end the interview here."
Having been a reporter long enough to know when he had gotten all he could from a source, Harvey smiled and thanked her for her time. "Thank you, Mrs. Stone, for taking the time to talk with me. Would it be okay if I took your number and called you with any follow-up questions I might have?"
Not really wanting to give him her number but unable to think of a reasonable reason not to, Taylor gave him her number. Then she went in search of Bennett, Poppy, and their family to say her goodbyes. Bennett and Poppy had left to run a few errands, so Taylor hugged and kissed Ben and the girls and then texted Greershe was ready to go. Ben promised to give her regards to his parents.
In a few minutes, Greer pulled up in front of the home Taylor had called home for many years. She quickly got in the car and gave Greer a quick kiss as she buckled herself in for the long car ride. As they pulled out of the drive, she could not help but take one last look at the house. Having spent the better part of the day recounting everything that had happened eleven years before had left her exhausted and emotionally raw. But one thing she knew for sure. She was as happy to leave that old life behind today as she was eleven years ago. She said a quick prayer that they were making the right decision to air their dirty laundry. Bennett would make a fabulous governor. Only time would tell if doing this would be worth all it was going to cost them.
Part 3 – Ben's Story
Carrington House
Searcy, Arkansas
November 24, 2023
Ben and Ella were in the backyard with Lizzy and Lola. Ben was pushing them on the swings of their playset. Truthfully, the girls had outgrown the structure but still enjoyed swinging, especially when they had their big brother to push them. Ella sat in an Adirondack chair watching.
Harvey Cox came outside looking for Poppy. Walking up to Ben, he stuck out his hand and said, "You must be Ben. I am Harvey Cox. I am writing an article on your family."
Ben shook the reporter's hand and said, "Nice to meet you. Dad said you were here talking with Aunt Taylor. She just left if you were looking for her."
"No, I think I have everything I need from her now. I would like to speak with your mom. Do you know where she is?" replied the reporter.
"She and Dad had to run to Des Arc to Guess and Company. I think they plan to run by Dale’s and hit the Black Friday deals. Ellaand I offered to stay with the girls while they were gone. I don’t think they thought you would finish with Aunt Taylor so quickly. I can call them if you need me to. They should be back shortly."
Nodding, the reporter asked, "That is not necessary. I can wait. Any chance you and I could visit for a few minutes until they get back?"
Ben had known this was coming. His dad had prepared him that he would need to answer a few questions. Ben did not like talking to reporters. He sometimes thought he had PTSD from having to deal with them as a child. But he promised his dad he would speak with Harvey. Now seemed as good a time as any.
Looking over at Ella, he asked, "You're good to watch the girls while Mr. Cox and I talk?"
"Please call me Harvey. I know that calling me Mr. Cox means your parents raised you right, but it makes me feel old.”
Nodding, Ben amended, "While Harvey and I talk?"
Standing up and hugging Ben, Ella said, "Of course."
By this point, Lizzy and Lola had abandoned the swings and were currently racing each other around the yard, laughing, screeching, and being very loud.
Yelling, "Girls, chill!" Ben gave Ella a look. "You sure? They can be a handful."
Giving him a smirk, Ella replied, "Six younger siblings, remember? I got this. We will be fine."
Giving her a quick peck on the lips, Ben said, "Okay, well, if you're sure, let's give it a go, sir." Looking back at Ella as he and the reporter headed back into the house, Ben said, "We won't be long. Have one of the girls come and get me if you need me."
"We'll be fine. No worries," Ella called back.
Harvey followed Ben into the house. Ben entered the kitchen, where he grabbed a couple of bottles of water. He handed one to Harvey before heading back to his dad's office.
Settling into the library chairs on each side of the fireplace, Harvey took a long sip of his water. Swallowing, he sat down his water bottle and picked up his handheld recorder. Showing it to Ben, he asked, "You good for me to record this?"
