Page 56 of Finding Parker

“See you then,” I agreed.

The phone went silent.

As much as he tried, Kenton’s attempts of late to maintain a professional posture were becoming unsuccessful. Hiding the fact that he was excited for Victoria and I proceeding with our life of love was far more than he was currently capable. I reserved hope he could make it through one night without blurting out some statement or comment which would let the cat out of the proverbial bag.

With my nerves shot and forty-five minutes to spare, I needed to find something to occupy my time besides staring at the ring. I looked around the room for something to entertain me. On the kitchen island sat the contract – in the same location it had been for a month. Not that it mattered so much now, but to kill what spare time I had and to provide a little entertainment, I stood and walked to the island. After picking up the stack of paperwork, I flipped through the pages and wondered where to begin. I certainly couldn’t read it all in the amount of time I had.

Maybe I should start at the end and read it from back to front.

I flipped to the last page and worked my way forward without actually reading any content until something caught my eye.

The word marriage.

14 (d) Marriage: If, during the course of employment, the undersigned employee becomes married to a third party introduced through the course of his employ, the employer reserves the right to either terminate employment immediately or extend the contract indefinitely, at the sole discretion of the employer.

Post marriage contract extension will eliminate all necessary obligations on the part of the employed. Employer post marriage obligations will continue. Rate of pay to the employed during post marriage extension will increase at 20% (twenty percent) per annum.

I re-read the marriage portion again. Considering Kenton’s promise of a healthy wedding gift, I was not necessarily worried about continuing employment or collecting wages, in fact, the entire thought of the contract not all but sickened me. Yet. This portion of the contract fascinated me. It appeared Kenton originally intended to either commit to pay me for life or terminate my employment based on who I was going to potentially become married to.

Interesting.

Two thoughts entered my mind.

What were the requirements to receive a lifetime of employment without obligation?

And.

Why?

VICTORIA. In Kenton’s home, I have always felt safe. I have no way of attempting to determine exactly why, and I’m not convinced it really matters. In guessing, I’m sure a portion of it is having Downes present. After what little time I have shared with him one on one, I have no doubt he would give his life to save any of our lives, he just that type of person. With Kenton, I feel safe, loved, protected, and cherished. He’s truly like the father I always wished for and never had.

And Parker.

In Parker’s presence, nothing else matters. Nothing. I feel loved, cherished, and as if everything is complete in my life. With Parker, I feel as if I have stepped into the final chapter of my life – my journey to the ending – and I am not making the trip alone. I’m taking it with the one person I know I have the capacity to love for as long as I’m living.

In hindsight, I suspect having all three of the men in my life that love me in one home is what causes me to feel the way I’m feeling. Regardless, I feel like a queen in the presence of these men. And, for all of their manners and typical proper behavior, for some reason, tonight it is as if I’m in a room full of fools.

“I didn’t even know you had a formal dining room,” I said as we sat at the table.

Kenton laughed an almost phony laugh, “I’m sure there are places in this home I’m not even aware which exist.”

Downes began to laugh, “I’d have to agree, Mr. Ward.”

And then Parker chimed in, “I know I’ve spent all but every moment here on the darned putting green. Or on the deck drinking tea.”

“Peach tea,” Kenton chuckled.

“Yes, peach tea,” Parker slapped his knee with his hand.

“With floating fibers,” Kenton slapped his knee and began to laugh deeply.

Maybe it’s an inside joke.

Kenton covered his mouth as he began to cough, “Boy, I tell you. Here lately I’ve laughed more than I have in years. I’m going to choke to death if I keep you two around, this is ridiculous.”

He picked up his glass of wine and took a sip. As he lowered the glass to the table, he stopped coughing and covered his mouth with the back of his hand, “But I must admit, I love the company. Second to none.”

“Second to none,” Downes agreed.