Following instructions, he went into his attorney’s office and left the door open, for no other reason than he felt more comfortable that way. He didn’t want to give any illusion of secrecy or snooping.
He held his phone, checked his messages. His mom emailed the itinerary for his family’s flight tomorrow. Once they landed at noon, they’d rent a vehicle then head his way. What they didn’t know is that he planned to be at the airport and surprise them. He had room for his sisters to ride back with him in the crew cab of his truck. His parents would appreciate the hour of silence.
Mr. Winston arrived, announced by the hobble of his cane. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, lad.”
“I haven’t been waiting long.”
“These old bones aren’t quite what they used to be.” The elderly man gave a pleasurable sigh when he sat down. “What brings you in today?”
Gabe wrung his hands. “I have a dilemma.”
“By chance, does it involve a young lady named Cora?” Mr. Winston winked.
“Yes.” Gabe drew a breath, held it for calming purposes, then released it. “I’ve prayed and prayed for a solution. I know my uncle wanted me to have that building, but I can’t put Cora out of business in the process. We’ve both tried finding a reasonable place for her to relocate Mistletoe Mercantile to, but nothing has come up.”
“I see.” Mr. Winston tapped on his chin. “Would I be correct in assuming that you’ve fallen in love with Cora?”
Gabe broke out in a smile. “Is it that obvious?”
“Believe it or not, I, too, was young once. I’ve forgotten many things, but I still remember that day I met Gertrude, my late wife.”
“Is that her in the picture?” He pointed to a sepia framed print on the desk.
“Yes, taken on our honeymoon to Virginia Beach.”
“That’s a wonderful memory.” He wouldn’t mind making those with Cora.
“Does Cora feel the same about you?”
“I believe so.”
“I had a hunch this might happen.” Mr. Winston pulled out a drawer of his desk and withdrew an envelope. “Frank left this for you, but I was only to release it under specific circumstances.”
“Which would be?”
Mr. Winston handed over the letter. “Read for yourself.”
Curious, but wanting to savor the moment, Gabe slid a finger under the flap. Unfolded a single sheet of paper and read.
Dear Gabe,
I’m sure you have many questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them all in this short missive. From the time you were born, you held a special spot in my heart. I saw many of my own qualities reflected in you, including a generous heart, a creative soul, but responsible to a fault.
Your mother worried you’d lose your heart if you stayed in your career too long, and I understood. I enjoyed working in insurance, but like you, photography is my passion. My prayer for you is that your inheritance from me will allow you to follow that dream before you retire. I’ve seen your work, and God blessed you with that talent. Don’t waste it.
Now onto Cora. Her family is my family though not by blood. I would do anything for any of them. I’m sure you’re wondering why I’d give you the building and suggest you open a studio if it means sending Cora and the mercantile on her way. Here is my answer, and take from it what you will.
Life is short. Maxine and I married young, believing we had the world ahead of us. We put off having children, thinking we had plenty of time. Sadly, that wasn’t to be as a car accident took her from me after two years of marriage. I was left with only memories of my time with her, and a lifetime of grieving.
I didn’t speak about her much because it hurt to do so. What I’d like you to know is that while I built my insurance business, Maxine set up a hair salon in a room off my office. I bet you didn’t know that did you? Working side by side with my wife for those two years was a blessing, and years later, I still treasure those memories.
If you’re reading this, that means I’ve gone to join her in Heaven. Don’t be sad, for I had a good life on earth. It wasn’t what I expected, but life rarely is. God blessed me immeasurably in ways I never imagined. It’s my honor to pass those blessings on to those whom I care about.
Your loving uncle,
Frank Dawson
Gabe stared at the letter, processing what his uncle had revealed. Frank had known he’d have to make a choice, but wait—was the solution there in the letter? Had it been that simple all along?
