Bought and Paid For
happyhugo
Romance
11,603 words
Copyright (c) 03/02/10
Readers score 7.23
Tyne has always been in charge. She has to pay a
man to become her husband. Can she relinquish
enough control to become happy?
Chapter One
The call came into my office at ten in the morning from the owner’s secretary. “Miss Dumont would like to see you in her office before you leave for the day. Shall I tell her that you will be there? Three o’clock is the time she suggested.”
“Yes I will come up. What is this in reference to?”
“She didn’t say. I will inform her of your decision to be present.”
I worked for a fairly large privately owned corporation. Miss Dumont had taken over from her father six months ago. I liked her father and we had got along great, he liking me for my attention to my job. I rarely saw her and more rarely had a conversation with her, even though I had been introduced and had been bade to address her by her given name. I found the daughter too full of herself after she became head of the corporation. I had no idea of her age, just that she must be short of thirty.
I was thirty-one and had worked here for the past five years. I could be described as a loner. Many times I had been approached with interest by some of the women I worked with. Women did not hold that much of an attraction for me at the present time, although I was aware of them. A former situation before arriving here had determined my mind-set. I had overheard a conversation about myself that I was a hunk, but that I must be gay for I never dated and kept to myself.
I managed the finance department, only having the CFO above me in the corporate hierarchy. I lived by myself in a small condo near the corporation headquarters and most usually walked to work. For recreation I worked out at a gym and was an avid reader, spending much of my spare time in the library. I also watched college football in the fall and basketball in the winter months. One weekend a month I took three days and visited my family. This never varied.
Was I lonely? Of course I was. I had at one time been married, but had found my wife in the arms of another man while partying. This was something I couldn’t accept so I had divorced her and moved here more than three hundred miles away. My wife and I still saw each other for we had two children together, hence the reason for the long weekends. Susan, my wife, had implored me to forgive her and reconcile, but at the time I was hurt and stubborn and refused. She retaliated by flaunting her lovers before me and didn’t stop until I warned her that she could lose custody of the children by such actions.
This happened during the first year after the breakup and after the warning I saw no evidence that she was other than a good mother. She never said anymore about wanting to get back with me, knowing she had lost all chances of reconciliation. We worked together making sure the kids were as happy as could be under these circumstances. When I went to visit, I stayed with her and the children. We acted just as a normal family did for the short period of time I was with them---except I never went to her bed.
I never asked them to visit me, but I did spend the weekend every month and of course my vacations. Over time the children adjusted to this arrangement and I suppose on some level we all had a measure of happiness. It certainly could have been better. Susan and I got beyond wanting to hurt each other. I knew she dated on occasion, and once in awhile I would call an escort service when I felt the need for female companionship. I made no commitments and I never planned to make any.
“Barry Duncan, go right into Miss Dumont’s office. She is expecting you.” I opened the door and went in. I knew Miss Dumont’s name was Tyne, but I kept this on a formal level.
“Miss Dumont.”
She was standing. She had on a woman’s business suit and white blouse. I would say she was five-foot-six, maybe a little less if she had flats on. She was full busted and her hair, a dark brown, was cut to a pageboy style. “Barry, thank you for meeting me. I have some questions for you. I would like to have you answer them truthfully and then I will explain. Please have a seat.”
I waited for her to cross to her desk and be seated before I sat facing her. “I have looked into your personnel records. That tells me you are single and you have an address near here. Is there a woman in your life?”
“No.”
“I know I shouldn’t ask, but are you gay? You are a handsome man. You are tall and trim and keep yourself well.”
“No I am not gay. I just have no interest in women at the moment.”
“That is good. Good for me, I mean. My father has told me some good things about you and of course there are those around here that make comments. If I explain something and it comes to nothing, would what I have to say be kept in confidence?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, I’ll trust you. What I would like to do is buy your name for the next three years. It would mean that we would have to go before a justice and be married. On paper only, mind you, except for one time we would have to come together to consummate the union to make it all legal. I have been promised some money from my grandmother. I must be married and stay married for a set amount of time. Those are the conditions to claim it.
“My first priority has been to take over the corporation from my father, which I have done. My grandmother, though, has been upset that I haven’t married before this. It is a considerable amount of money and although I’m considered well off, I want to make her happy. She doesn’t have long to live and she claims she may not last three more years. In fairness to her, I would stay married for the three years as required. Would this be something you could consider?”
“I might consider it, but I would want several things spelled out. Where would I be living? With you or do I keep my own place? How much am I expected to appear at your side? I am considered a loner and need my own space. Also I am committed one weekend a month for personal business with some of my relatives.”
“I think this could all be worked out. I have lived in my parents’ home all of my life and for the last few years have had my own wing. You would be living in their wing as they have moved south to a warmer climate. There are two bedrooms, a kitchen and a sitting room in each wing. Your apartment is bigger than the condo that you live in now. There is a large common area that we would share and where I entertain. I think I will say you are leasing it from me and there is no reason to say we are married. Except before my grandmother, of course.
“I will keep the times we have to appear together to as small a number as possible. We would be expected to be seen together sometimes and of course, we would often be with my grandmother together. I guess we should go out a few times on dates before we get married. Again this is for my grandmother to see.
“Now as far as compensation, I will pay you $100,000 each of the three years we are married. I will give you a $100,000 bonus if you do this and don’t complain or try to get out of the marriage after the ceremony is performed. I can’t think of any reason you would want to under this arrangement.”
“I can.” Tyne stared at me. I think she thought flashing that much money in front of me would get me to agree to any and everything. “I will not be humiliated in any way. By this I mean if it becomes known we are husband and wife, you will act as my loving spouse in any public situation. If you find yourself needing a companion other than me, you will not flaunt him in front of me and I will extend the same consideration.
“If you find yourself in love with someone, and that could happen, I come first in the eyes of everyone, including your grandmother and your folks. I will not be the butt of anyone’s jokes. If you do, then I will do my damnedest to see you lose this considerable amount of money you say you are working for. I would even give back what you have already paid me. Is all of this clear?”
“You are serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but as long as we are honest about this arrangement, there shouldn’t be a problem. How much time before you must be married?”
“I have five weeks.”
“That’s not long so I guess we better get started. Tyne Dumont, may I have a dinner date with you this evening?”
Tyne studied me. “Then you are agreeing to everything we have discussed?”
“Why not? I’m soon to be your husband. We will have to trust each other. I’ll pick you up a seven-thirty for cocktails. Now if you will excuse me, I have just a little more paperwork to do to finish the day.” I turned and opened the door. I glanced back at my future wife. She looked as if she didn’t know if she had done the correct thing or not.
We had a very nice evening. It was a first date with some uncertainties, but overall it was fun for both of us. We were fairly close while dancing, but I didn’t kiss her when I returned her to her door. She was a lovely lady. I sent her flowers the next day to be delivered to her office. It wouldn’t take long before a lot of people would know I was dating my boss.
Two days later I was asked to go with her to meet her grandmother. Talk about lovely ladies, this one stole my heart. I knew if this marriage with Tyne went down in flames, I had at least met someone that I could love and respect as a friend. Tyne was amazed at how well I got along with the old lady.
Again I dated Tyne on the weekend and we ended the evening with her showing me the quarters I would be living in. “My quarters are almost identical in the other wing. Dad planned it that way. By the way, I called him and told of our dating. He was very pleased.”
“I do like your father very much. I have never met your mother, but we will probably meet at our wedding.”
“Getting comfortable with the idea?”
“Yes as much as you, I assume. It is a big step for both of us. I must remind you that I will be away next weekend, Friday through Sunday.”
“Where does your family live?”
“Quite a distance from here. I have to fly. I will be back on Monday and we can finalize our wedding plans. Will we be going on a honeymoon?”
“One week, that is all. Barry, do you expect to move out of the position you hold and are you willing to forego the next step up?”
“I really would prefer to stay where I am. I know I can do Pete’s job as CFO, but that would mean more traveling and more involvement in policy making for the corporation. I don’t think I want to do that at this time.”
“You aren’t too demanding in your role as my husband-to-be. Are you going to be satisfied staying where you are then?”
“Yes, for the three years I will.”
“What are you going to do with the money I’m paying you? You haven’t said how much of a consideration it is in your agreeing to all of this.”
“I’ll invest it, I think. You haven’t said, but you will be taking care of all the household expenses. I probably will be buying a new car for myself. That will be my only large expenditure. Let me ask you what you are going to do with the money you get when we are married as your grandmother wishes?”
“I haven’t thought about it. Gram said she was giving it to charity if I didn’t come through. That seems like such a waste.”
“Let me get this straight. You are rich already and yet you see more money out there and to keep some needy people from having it, you are willing to spend $400,000 to get it.”
“That sounds terrible to put it that way. I could give some to charity as well as Gram, you know.”
“Yes, but will you?”
“Barry, I think you better leave. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I could see that I had touched a nerve in Tyne’s thinking and she was displeased. I did send flowers again. She would probably take it as an apology, but it wasn’t---I was just keeping up the charade of loving suitor.
Midweek I received a note from the grandmother asking me to come visit Thursday evening. It was more of a command than request. I complied.
A maid answered my knock and after announcing me said she was leaving. I found my way to the older lady’s sitting room as directed. “Sit down young man. It was nice of you to come. How are you getting along with my granddaughter? You know I have always been very close to Tyne. I have noticed something strange about her lately. She doesn’t look me in the eye like she used to. I’m sure it has something to do with you. Would you tell me what is going on?”
I didn’t want to answer. She continued, “It is about the money I promised to leave her, isn’t it?”
“You will have to ask her. There are some things that we have talked about I have promised not to reveal. I’m sorry.”
“Okay, I think that answers my question. Now I want to know some things about you. When are you going to tell her that you are divorced and have two children? When will you tell her you also stay with your ex-wife in her house three days a month?”
“You have been checking up on me. I wasn’t going to tell her anything. I have truthfully answered every question Tyne has asked me. She just hasn’t asked the correct ones. I did sidestep where I go, but I did say I had to fly. She could easily find out where I go the same as you have. You evidently have found out much more. As to when I’m going to tell her about my family, I don’t plan to tell her anything. I don’t see that it will interfere with Tyne’s and my life at all. She has agreed that I will have the one weekend a month free.”
The lovely old lady was looking intently at me and I had to explain. “I love my children dearly and I still regard my ex-wife with affection. I can’t live with her and I’m not ever going to be intimate with her. The way I have things set up, my kids have as much of a stable family as I can give them. Susan knows someday I may marry, but I have also promised that I won’t change what she and I have agreed to.”
“Your wife hurt you pretty severely, I take it.”
“Yes, she about ripped the heart out of me. She made it worse by compounding the situation when I wouldn’t come around to a reconciliation. My family isn’t any great expense to me for Susan has money in her own right. I only spend on my kids and then only when Susan informs me they need something. Or I gift them with something I’d like them to have. She makes sure that they know it is from me. Susan is the one that screwed up and she is willing and able to pay for her mistakes.”
“So is Tyne going to make you happy? She is strong-willed, you know.”
“I know. I don’t know if she will make me happy, but I am willing to give it a try. She is a lovely person. Who knows, she may be the one I have been searching for.”
“I like you Barry. You know Tyne was going to get my money whether she married or not. What I told her was just to get her going on the road to happiness with a man by her side. I worked too hard just to give my savings to some people I don’t know and cut out my own blood. Now that is a confidence I’m asking you to keep. So you just go along with Tyne and I will see that you come out better than just what she is offering.”
Gram changed course. “Do you play chess? I'll bet you do. You look like the type. I bet you a kiss I can beat you.” I did beat her, but it was close. She got her kiss. As I was leaving she said, “You know my doctor says I’m as healthy as a horse and tells me I’m good for another ten or more years. I expect to have many more evenings with you like this.”
I debated telling Susan that I was getting married. In the end I told her as I was leaving to come home. She took it well, not asking for details and reluctantly offering congratulations. I asked her to tell the children and that I would be back to see them the same time every month. This had not changed. I did leave my new address and said she could contact me if needed, but only in an emergency.
Saturday, Tyne and I were married before a justice of the peace. Gram was the only member of the family who was there as her folks were busy. The justice’s wife was the other witness. I booked a condo in Florida for our honeymoon.
It was two days before Tyne said we should consummate our vows. It was nothing special for either of us. We got it over with and were now married in the eyes of both the law and God. I spent a lot of time on the beach and the last day before going north, Tyne joined me and we held hands.
“You know we are going to be together for three years. We are going to have to act like we are married and happy. I know you feel as if I bought you and as for me, I feel funny paying for a husband. You have to admit this was a damned expensive way to get my way with you.” This struck us both funny and we laughed. We slept in the same room, but I wasn’t invited into her bed. I didn’t push for it. After all I was paid only to be her husband, not her lover.
When we got back to her home---mine now, we went to our respective apartments in the different wings. There was an envelope on my dresser containing a check for $100,000. I rang her number shortly after I saw her lights go out across the way. “Thank you Tyne. Have a good night.”
Tyne kept her maiden name rather than have it changed to Duncan. I didn’t mind. For a short time Miss Dumont and Barry Duncan’s names generated some rumors. It was explained away as her needing an escort on occasion and in return, she made the extra wing available for me to lease. The rumor soon died away.
Gram Dumont saw more of me than her granddaughter did outside our work environment. At least once a week we played chess and sometimes I joined her for dinner. The agreement and terms that Tyne and I had slowly came out. Not from me telling about them, but through deduction made by this sharp old lady.
On the first anniversary of our agreement, Tyne invited me into the wing that held her apartment. Consuming a magnum of wine together, we ended up in her bed. I never was much of a wine aficionado and rarely drank it. Needless to say, I consumed the alcohol---I remember that. The rest was a blur and I came awake in the morning sometime after Tyne had left. I lay there lonely, angry and feeling cheated. I swore then---never again! I felt even worse when I returned to my apartment, finding a check on the dresser of $100,000 for the second installment.
I knew Susan’s much younger sister, Shannon, and I had met her several times before my wife and I were divorced. When I went on my monthly visit, it was announced that Shannon had moved in with Susan and my two children. Shannon was California beautiful and had just completed a course in accounting at college.
Shannon was still there when I made the next monthly visit and had made no effort to secure employment. My two kids, Mary twelve, and Mark ten, adored her. I had made a habit of ignoring how Susan appeared for the last six years. This time I looked at her and could see she was appearing sickly. “Susan, you are not well, are you? Is that the reason Shannon is here?”
She nodded. “Barry, I am dying. I have only a few months to live. I’m glad you noticed for this makes it easier for us to plan for the children’s future. I know you are married now and I’m hoping you will take the kids with you. Shannon has been a godsend, but she should be able to get on with her life. There will be money when I die and if you can’t take Mark and Mary, she has promised to mother them for a few years.
“I know you love them so if you can’t take them, would you find a place near where you live so you can see them as much or more than you do now?”
“I’ll start looking and come up with something. Susan, would you forgive me for being so harsh on you? I don’t want you to die. I never wanted that.”
“I know that and there is nothing to forgive. I was wrong. I made a mistake and kept on making them. When you threatened to take the kids away from me, I knew just how foolish I had been. These last few years I have loved you and have looked forward to you coming every month. If I had only loved you before as much as I do now, we would have been together all of this time. No, don’t you ask me for forgiveness, it is me that needs to be forgiven.”
We slept together that night although not intimate, and I went home Sunday the same as usual. I promised to return the following month. During the week I had to talk to someone and Gram Dumont listened to me as I explained what was happening. “Got yourself in a little bind, haven’t you? What will Tyne say to all of this when she finds out? More importantly, what will she do?”
“I have no idea, but what can she do? Of course you can tell her that you are going to leave your money to her anyway and she will undoubtedly divorce me. That probably would be the best way to resolve this.”
“Is that what you want? Barry, you have never told me what your plans were after the three years were up. That is the agreement isn’t it?”
“Yes, that was the agreement. The minute she has the money our agreement ends.”
“Again, is that what you want?”
I didn’t answer the question directly. “I had no idea that Susan was going to get sick or is going to die so soon. I thought when Tyne had her money, I then would tell her all and at that time let her know I had a daughter fourteen and a son twelve. At that time I would tell her that I did have feelings for her and ask her to let me court her as a man should---a free man, if you will.”
“You do have feelings for her right now, don’t you? Why are you waiting? Why don’t you assert yourself? Maybe she has feelings for you as well. Personally I can’t think of a person I would rather have for a grandson than you.”
“I wish you were younger. I would divorce Tyne and marry you.”
“Too old and it isn’t going to happen, so why don’t you start romancing the one you are married to? We will work on this problem of your children together and I’m sure we will come up with something.”
I made the flight as usual, making no excuses to Tyne. Susan’s health had continued to deteriorate much more rapidly in just the one month since I had seen her. Shannon and I talked about what I was going to do. I said I was looking into purchasing a small house, but couldn’t move into it for six weeks. I said I did know of a dear old lady that would put the kids and her up temporarily. The doctors thought that Susan would live beyond the six weeks, so we weren’t too worried.
At the family conference I was surprised at how well the kids took their mother’s impending death. This I suppose was due to the fact that their aunt was going to be with them and some because they would be where I would be near them all of the time. It was a sad time, but the kids warmed to me when they could see that I had loved their mother all along and was going to miss her as much as they did.
I returned on Sunday early enough to take Tyne out to dinner. I put off explaining about my having a family. I would have, but I couldn’t figure out how to broach the subject. When we returned home, I entered the common area with my wife. Usually I left her at the door and went around to my entrance. “Tyne, I had a wonderful time with you tonight. May I kiss you before I leave?”
“If you wish, Barry. It has been more than a year and a half since we made our agreement. I’ve often wondered if you regretted becoming my husband.”
“No, I have no regrets. There are times when it is inconvenient and degrading. Sometimes I wish we acted more like husband and wife. That is the reason for my asking for a kiss.”
“I suppose you shouldn’t have to have a reason to kiss me. You may kiss me and if you feel like it anytime when we are alone, it is fine with me. Just a thought to leave you with, Gram should do with her money what she wants. However, I am into this pact of ours and want to see it to a finish. One other thing, I notice you go to see Gram at least once a week. She looks forward to your coming, so would you please continue to visit her? I know you aren’t really anything to her, but I like to see her happy and you seem to do that for her.”
The kiss we had was short and I didn’t hold her when she pulled away. She looked into my eyes and then quickly kissed me again and left me standing alone. I hesitated and then I opened the door to my own wing. Something happened tonight. I suppose time would tell me if it was a significant change.
Tyne called me from her office in the morning. “Barry, I have to go out of town for three weeks.” I was surprised at her calling me directly. Usually any call from her came through her secretary. “I just thought I would inform you if you didn’t see me either at the house or here.” She paused so long I began to wonder if we were still connected.
“Tyne?”
“I’m sorry. I just wanted to thank you for last evening. I’ll see you when I return. Bye.”
Chapter Two
Things happened fast in the next two days. Tuesday morning I received a call from Shannon saying Susan had passed away unexpectedly due to a blood clot. Mark and Mary were handling it well, but wished I was there for them. I immediately made reservations to fly out and was with them before evening.
Shannon met me at the airport and was relieved to be able to pass some of the burden onto my shoulders. In the morning I made all of the final arrangements, those that Susan hadn’t made herself. Friday afternoon we laid Susan to rest with her parents in the family plot.
Saturday morning I rented a locker for Susan’s personal effects and had some of the utilities turned off. I knew I would have to return. There was the will and what to do with the house and personal properties. Susan had warned me that I would be named executor. She did have a large estate to deal with.
I called her attorney to confirm, which he did. The only thing that Susan had not been able to get done was to name Shannon guardian if I didn’t take over the children. I informed him that Shannon was going to be with me and I was becoming a full time father to Mark and Mary. I gave him my address and he said there would be a reading of the will after the two cousins of Susan’s were contacted.
Sunday morning the four of us stood in the common area of my home. I had two bedrooms. What to do? I ended by calling Gram Dumont. Simple. Put Shannon in Tyne’s guest bedroom. Give Mary my guest room and for myself and Mark, bunk together. We dined with her that evening.
As we were leaving she drew me aside saying, “If my granddaughter doesn’t fall in love with your children she is no blood of mine. You might have a little more trouble getting her to love your sister-in-law. Shannon is fourteen years younger than her sister, and blonde and as beautiful as they come. You watch yourself, for she adores you and could fall for you without half trying.” Another possible complication!
It was to be two more weeks before Tyne would be home according to her secretary. During that time Mark and Mary got used to my being with them all of the time. They enjoyed having a pool to play in. I was working half days and spending much of each afternoon on the phone winding up details concerning Susan. Shannon was a gem. The kids loved her and treated her more as a favorite sister than an aunt.
I became increasingly nervous as it came time for Tyne to arrive home. We had settled in. I asked Gram to be with me when I explained everything to my wife. She promised to be here when she arrived. Hah!
It didn’t work out that way. Tyne arrived late at night on a Wednesday. I heard her screaming from the common area. When I opened my door, she stood pointing at Brutus. Brutus was a full grown black lab and had arrived two days previously by pet transport from the kennel we had lodged him in. “It’s just my dog. I got him a day ago. Go to bed, I’ll explain in the morning.” She turned and went into her wing with a very sour look on her face.
At six-thirty she was back pounding on my door. “Barry, you promised you would never do anything to humiliate me when we made our agreement. You have one of your whores in my shower. Get her out of there and get out yourself. I won’t stand for it.” Tyne was so angry, I almost laughed in her face. Mark peeked around me to see what the commotion was. Brutus, all awiggle, went between my legs and nearly upset me. He went for Tyne and immediately put his nose where it shouldn’t be. She backed away turning as she did and ran into Mary.
By this time Tyne was screaming so much no one could understand her. She went into the common area and curled up in the corner of the couch. The four of us stood there. Finally, “Shannon would you make coffee? You might as well get breakfast for all of us. Mary and Mark you help her. I’ll call Gram. Tyne, you can’t scream at your grandmother and would you get dressed? When your grandmother gets here I will explain.
“Just so you know Shannon Briggs isn’t a whore. She is my sister-in-law. I didn’t have any place for her in my wing. She has been sleeping in your guest room. She is mothering my two children for the time being.”
I got a look of disbelief tinged with hate, but all she said was, “Keep that damned beast away from me.”
Gram arrived sooner than I thought possible. Tyne had not appeared from her side of the house. I knocked on her door and asked her to come out as her grandmother had just arrived. Everyone was dressed, but it was as if time had paused. Gram came in and hugged me, then proceeded to collect one from the two kids and Shannon. I poured her coffee and gave her the events as they had unfolded. When I told it I tried to keep it light and I guess it came off that way, for Gram was laughing as hard as she could at her granddaughter.
“Tyne let me explain and I know this isn’t funny to you. I thought I could give you some warning before you met this family of mine. Unfortunately that hasn’t happened. To tell it all, I’ll have to go back to before I came here to work for your father. You see, I was married before to these children’s mother. Susan was my wife and these are my children.
“Mark is eleven and Mary is thirteen. Things happened and we divorced. What caused the split was serious enough that I couldn’t live with her. I do love Mark and Mary and wanted them to have a somewhat stable life, even when I wasn’t with them. For seven years now, I have seen them once a month for three days. A few months ago when I visited, Susan informed me she was dying and only had a few months to live. She didn’t know it then, but she didn’t even have that much time. She died the day after you left three weeks ago.
“Her funeral was on Friday two weeks ago. In preparation for her death, Susan had persuaded Shannon to come take care of the children. Suddenly I have a family thrust upon me. I have made arrangements to purchase a home for us, if you find it impossible to have them here with me. It will be ready in about a month from now.”
Tyne was staring at me, not happy at all. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a family? You should have.”
“I didn’t, and I’m destroying your confidence with Gram here, because our arrangement was for only three years and I didn’t see the status quo changing in that period of time. It has. I lost my ex-wife, whom I still had some feelings for and my children have lost their mother. Also remember Shannon has lost her sister too. She deserves some consolation.”
“Where does this leave me? Are you going to divorce me now?”
“Not unless you want me to. You purchased me for three years and I will fulfill the contract. Of course you may be the one to end up wanting a divorce.”
“What’s the point? You have broken the agreement by letting Gram in on it. She’ll not leave me the money now. I think I want all of you out of my house as soon as possible.” Tyne turned and faced her grandmother. Shame was written all over her face. “Gram, I don’t really care about the money. I have enough. I guess I was greedy in wanting more.”
“Tyne, I’m disappointed in you. You are going to ask your husband and his children to leave. They have all lost the one they loved and that includes your husband. Barry is sad because she was the mother of his children. Are you sure you want him to leave with them?”
Tyne was near tears. Brutus got up from the corner and slowly walked over and put his head beside her and kept his sad eyes on her face. She unconsciously put her hand down and patted his head. Then she looked at him and his sad eyes and burst into tears. He put his paw up and poked her. She leaned down and kissed the top of his head and realized we were watching. She got up and went around to her room and passed from view.
Gram, with concern, said, “Go to her Barry. She doesn’t know what she wants.”
I went in and found her in the sitting area that each wing has, staring into space. “Hi, I came in to talk if you want to. I know I have upset your life, but remember I didn’t plan this. Having it happen the way it has is terrible for all of us. Not being able to warn you before coming home has made it especially bad for you. You should know by now I wouldn’t hurt you for the world.”
“But Gram knows all about me and my money grasping ways.”
“What would you think if your grandmother only set those hurdles before you so that you would go out and find a husband for yourself? The money could be coming to you regardless. You aren’t the only one that has their own agenda.”
“Do you know this or are you saying this to make me feel better?”
“Educated guess, but pretty certain. After all I see her at least once a week and have for the eighteen months you and I have been married.”
“Why have you been seeing her? Are you after her money as well?”
“No, I’m not after her money. Believe it or not, I have money in my own right. Money that came to me when I divorced Susan and my expenses have been minimal. What you are paying me to be your husband is so little it is of no consideration to me. Gram wants something from me though, and I confess I do humor her. It doesn’t look as if I am going to be able to give her what she wants, but I don’t feel as if I am a complete loser. Over time I have made a wonderful friend and I love her for her own self.”
“Tell me what she wants and why you can’t give it to her?”
I didn’t say anything and stood and walked over to the window, looking out over the swimming pool. Shannon had taken Brutus out and was playing Frisbee with him in the area beyond. I became engrossed in watching. Finally I turned. Tyne had gone and looked out the other window.
“I’m sorry Tyne, I lost my thought for a minute. What your grandmother wants is for you and I to fall in love and be happy. I don’t see how that can happen under the present circumstances. You offered certain moneys to me to do something for you. I accepted and in my mind that precludes anything more in a closer relationship with each other.”
“I see your point. Now we have other things in the way where we can’t even continue as we have been. Shannon, for example. I saw you watching her. She is so beautiful.”
“Yes she is. She looks much like my ex-wife. There again though, other than being my sister-in-law, she is being paid to look after Mary and Mark. That pretty much puts her and I into the same situation you and I are in. I am not interested in getting into a relationship with her if that concerns you.”
“She certainly has the equipment to make you notice her. If she tried hard enough she would be very hard to resist.”
I walked around the room aimlessly. When I came face to face with Tyne, I said, “I think about some things when I have a quiet moment. Mostly at night, but it happens at other times as well. You know you are just as beautiful as she is. We came together when we first were married and consummated the event because you felt we had to. I don’t know about you, but there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t wanted to repeat what we did and I want to make it better. I want to make love to you, not just have sex. So there you know. I still can last the next eighteen months, but I won’t be all that happy.”
I didn’t get any answer and I couldn’t read my wife’s expression. She changed the subject. “Barry, you have become friendly with Gram. I’m ashamed for what I have done. How am I going to resolve this with her and get back into her good graces the way I used to be? I couldn’t take her money under any condition now. I want her to know that.”
“I’m sure she will forgive you if there is anything to forgive. That lady has a heart as big as the whole world.”
I had been directed to leave and take my family with me. I had to know. “You have asked me to leave. Does that still hold? Before you answer I have to tell you that I don’t want to go.”
“No. Stay please. Asking you and your family to leave is too complicated on such short notice. Do just as you have been doing the last two weeks. I think I will go spend a few days with Gram. We can talk Sunday afternoon and we can come to a reasonable resolution to all of this. I have some things to work out about the corporation by next week too. I can do that from Gram’s at the same time.”
I wanted to kiss my wife at this moment more than I ever had. She knew it too. She went to the door and held it for me to precede her. I did get a beautiful smile just as I went by her. It wasn’t there when we faced those that were waiting for us. “Gram, may I stay with you until Sunday? I haven’t been visiting you as much as I should. Barry is staying here with his family. I have some difficult decisions to make and I think it would be better to make them out of his presence.”
I had my own little family gathering after Tyne and Gram left. “To start with, you still have a home for a few days. Tyne hasn’t mentioned that Mary and Mark were too much of a problem. Her problem seems to lie more with you Shannon and how pretty you are. But I think she is coming to the conclusion that you are necessary to Mark and Mary.
“The biggest difficulty is that I didn’t mention I had a family when she and I were married. That was my mistake. I love you all and someday this will all play out and we can be happy together. You are my first consideration even before my wife. If I don’t stay here, we will have our own home somewhere. Nothing to worry about, I promise.”
I was home Saturday morning. A furniture delivery truck drove up. The driver came to the door informing me that he had orders to remove the queen bed from the east wing and install a set of twin beds in its place. The queen bed was headed for storage. An hour later a delivery truck left linens and blankets for the twin beds.
A call from Gram directed me to move Shannon into the room containing the twin beds with Mary. “Barry, I think you will be more comfortable in the room Shannon vacates. Mark is old enough to have his own room. Shannon and Mary can get along fine in the same room, I’m sure. Tyne has some other plans she will tell you about. You might put together a lunch tomorrow for all of us.”
“Gram, what about Tyne? Tyne and you, I mean. Is everything okay between you? I don’t want either of you hurt.”
“We are closer than ever. I’ll tell you all about it during our next session playing chess. See you tomorrow.” I went ahead and made all of the sleeping arrangements, becoming excited thinking Tyne and I were to have only the connecting door between us. Would it ever open? From Shannon I received a knowing smirk as the changes were taking place.
Gram and Tyne arrived in their respective vehicles shortly before noon Sunday morning. They both flashed me a smile when they came in. Tyne had made some changes in her appearance, but I didn’t have time to comment on them.
I had a crab meat salad prepared. Mark had said yuk, so he was having a hamburger. I had French bread to go with the salad and iced tea for a beverage. “You must have beer, Barry?” I found what Gram indicated she wanted and joined her.
Shannon and Mary picked up after lunch and we all adjoined to the common area. Tyne spoke, “For your information Barry, Gram and I have put several of the issues I had at rest. She has also given me some advice and I am inclined to see things her way. At this time I would like to welcome your family into our home. There is no question but what they should be with you and as long as you are my husband, their place is here. That also includes Shannon until she makes other plans and gets on with her life.
“I feel Mark and Mary must see much of their mother in her and need her near for a period of time. This is a sprawled out house and there is no reason it can’t sprawl out a little more. There will be a room constructed on the end of each wing and Shannon will have her own room in the east wing. This was in the original house plan, but I ended up being an only child so there was never a need. Now there seems to be. What I am trying to say is I want all of you to feel this is home.”
Shannon spoke, “Thank you Mrs. Duncan. We will cause you as little trouble as we can.”
“The thank you is a good start, but I think you had better call me Tyne. Mark and Mary, why don’t you do the same, although I am almost old enough to be your mother. Rest assured I won’t try to supplant her, so to call me Tyne will be fine.
“Barry, I would imagine you are surprised at the way I’m embracing your children and sister-in-law. You have Gram to thank for all of this. The first day I stayed at her house was a rough one for me. I thought for awhile I was going to lose her and of course you wouldn’t be here with me anymore. You said a few days ago that Gram had a heart as big as the whole world. Nothing truer was ever said.” The look she gave her grandmother showed how she felt.
“Now if the rest of you would excuse us, I would like a few private words with Barry. Maybe you all would like to sit around the pool for awhile. That includes you Gram.”
Tyne said no more as everyone went out to the pool. I followed her into her little sitting room where she turned and faced me. “Would you tell me about your wife? In some ways you are as much an enigma now as when I first met you. I’ve been drawn to you and I don’t know why. That is why when I set out to buy a husband, I chose you. As I think back over my moves this was the wrong way to approach you. First tell me about your life before you came here.”
“Not much to tell. I’m from a middle class family. I had an adequate education and went to work for a company in the financial department. The owner had two daughters, Susan and Shannon, fourteen years apart. Susan was the ultimate party girl and for some reason became interested in me. God I was in heaven when she agreed to marry me. We had two children, Mary and Mark.
“When Mark was two, her parents were killed in an accident. Money came to Shannon, Susan, and to me as her husband, and the kids of course. To Susan it was as if she had to go out and spend as much as she could all at once. This to her meant party time. The company lasted two more years and then broke up. I knew it was coming, holding the position I did in the company. By this time my marriage was on the rocks because Susan’s lifestyle was one I couldn’t condone. At first she thought it a huge joke I remained so straight-laced---those were her words.
“She did several things to entice me to join her lifestyle which turned me completely off. Disgusted when she wouldn’t give it up, I filed for a divorce. At this point she did an about face, but it was too late. We tried to get past our own agendas and concentrated on Mary and Mark and we succeeded to some extent. Maybe I should have given in for I still looked on her with affection, but she had gone way too far. The day my divorce was final I moved here and went to work for your father.
“For seven years I have traveled to see my children once a month for a long weekend. I vacationed in my old home town and spent it with them. That has been my life. Can you see why the temporary husband you bought didn’t think his lives wouldn’t continue to be separate from each other? The earlier one and the present one?”
“That is why you felt you didn’t have to tell me?”
“Yes. I must tell you this. Over time Susan and I came to respect each other again. She turned her life around in the kids’ best interests. She never asked for me to rejoin her. I thought about it some for I never lost all of my love for her.
“I did do many things to ease her life. I managed her investments and when she died she was quite well-to-do. She regained nearly all of the money she squandered during her wild period. Mark and Mary will never lack for anything. Shannon either for that matter. Shannon might not have if Susan had continued the path she was on for Susan was close to dipping into her younger sister’s inheritance.” Tyne was mulling over what I had just told her. I wanted to get away from being the subject of conversation.
“Your turn now. Is your company going under and am I going to have to change employers again?”
Tears came into Tyne’s eyes. “How did you find out the company isn’t doing that well? I’ve never said anything. God if anyone finds out how bad off the corporation is, that alone will sink me.”
“Remember what my position is. I count every penny that comes in and every one that goes out. I suspect you are aware of where the company is financially. I also suspect the three weeks you were gone, you were visiting your father looking for advice. Did you get any?”
“Yes, did I ever. He suggested some changes I should make. Will you back me up on some that concern you directly?”
“As a financial manager or as your so-called husband?”
“Both. Definitely both! You may have to come out of the closet I have hidden you in to be the most effective though.”
“Well, I don’t think I want to tear the corporation down so I’ll do my best to help in that regard. As your husband, it behooves me to back you in your endeavors, so yes you have my full support.”
Tyne was all smiles. “That is exactly what both Gram and Dad said you would do. I’ll go ahead and implement some of the changes they suggested. Some that you will approve of and some you might not, but I will expect your backing. I guess we can go out and rejoin Gram and your family.”
“Just a minute before we go. I’d like to compliment you on your new hairstyle. You are attractive and this makes you even more so. I think this is the first time I have ever seen you wearing a flowered print dress. It makes you look---oh happier. More approachable, anyway.”
“Thank you. That was a nice thing to say. I appreciate it.”
I was a little disappointed that Tyne didn’t tell me about what some of the changes were going to be. Monday morning Tyne walked in as I was swinging out of bed. I was a boxer guy in the summer and a pajama guy in the winter. “Barry, I’ll be making some changes early this morning. I wish you wouldn’t appear in your office before ten. I’ll explain more about what is going on at that time.” I shrugged my shoulders as she turned and retreated back into her room.
Before I was showered and dressed I heard her car leave. I had a leisurely breakfast which Shannon and I collaborated on preparing. “Shannon, why don’t you use my car today? You can drop me off at work and I’ll come home with Tyne. We may have to get another vehicle for you so why don’t you look around to see what you would like to drive.”
I walked into my office. It was empty. My secretary smiled when I asked what was going on. “Come with me, Mr. Duncan. I’m supposed to escort you. I’m still with you. Who would have known I would be in this position?”
“What position would that be?” I didn’t get an answer, just a bright smile. I followed her up to Tyne’s office. Sarah, my secretary, pointed out my name on the office door. The door was lettered---
Mrs.Tyne Duncan
and
Mr. Barry Duncan
CEOs
Sarah stepped through the door, swinging it wide for me to enter. Gathered around Tyne’s desk were all of the officers of the corporation and those managers on my level. Tyne came to me. “Good morning dear. A little announcement and then we will get to work.” She raised her lips to be kissed, which I obliged.
“Gentlemen, some of you may have known that Barry and I were married eighteen months ago. To some of you this may be news. Barry has resisted moving up here where he could share my duties. The shape the corporation finds itself in dictates that he make the move at this time. He has been invaluable in the position he has held and will become even more so in his new position. An announcement will be made to our employees and posted on the bulletin boards before the day is out.
“There will be some downsizing and I have agonized over having to do this, but find it is necessary. It is no secret that the corporation is having a rough time in some areas and I take full responsibility for it. I will speak with those individuals involved before the end of the day. Good day, gentlemen.”
Tyne watched the staff file out and then turned to me. “That was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I wanted to get it cleared up so that you and I could start fresh. I didn’t want this to end up in your lap and have you blamed. Now I have the new personnel plan sketched out and we can go over it.”
“Tyne, what happened to Miss Dumont?”
“I think she grew up and got married. She finally realized that she wasn’t equal to the job that she so coveted. The one thing she was intelligent enough to do was to pick someone that could come in and turn things around.”
“Maybe, but it hasn’t been done yet. We can do it, but it will be a struggle. I said I would work with you and I will---gladly.”
“Let’s get to work then.”
I suspect the employees might call this Massacre Monday. We terminated the chief financial officer, two managers and several floor personnel. This meant more work for me as I was the only officer and manager in my former department. I also had duties as CEO along with Tyne. Tyne still was the one to make the decisions, but only after I reviewed everything.
Surprisingly we worked well together. Hours were long and when we were home we wanted to relax and give attention to Mark, Mary and Shannon. Shannon gladly took over running the household much like she had done for her sister. She was the one to meet with the architect when he came to see about enlarging the house.
It was a month later and all of the changes had been put into place at work. It looked as if they had been made in time and if things kept on track, the corporation would have a good chance to reverse its downward spiral. “Barry, we need a night out. Let’s have dinner somewhere and maybe go dancing for awhile. We have been married over eighteen months and you have never taken me dancing.”
I looked at her, wanting to ask whose fault that was. She was smiling. “Don’t say it. I know it was all my fault, but we can change. In fact I want to change. I want this to be a night of change. Honestly, so many cares and worries have slipped from me. The corporation looks as if it will survive. I see how much you love your children. You give me confidence in making the correct decisions that come before me. I think I’m going to enjoy life again.”
“Dinner and dancing it is.” I made a call to Gram when Tyne had to leave the office for a few minutes. I chose a quiet restaurant for dinner. I even picked up a corsage for her to wear. I next took her to a club that featured ballroom dancing and spent a couple of hours holding Tyne in my arms.
When we returned home, Tyne made the comment that she guessed that everyone had gone to bed for it was dark and quiet. I heard Tyne turn the shower on. I tried the connecting door. It was unlocked. I sat on my bed and waited for the shower to be turned off. I so wanted to go to her. She was my wife. I analyzed my feelings. The problem was, I still was never sure where I stood with her.
I knocked gently on the bathroom door from my entrance. No answer. I gathered my things and went in and took my shower, coming back into my room. I had pajama bottoms on when there was a knock on the connecting door. “Come.”
The door didn’t move, so I went and pulled it open. Tyne stood there with a silken robe covering her. “Tyne we have the house alone. I asked Gram to take the kids and Shannon for tonight.”
“I know. She told me. May I come in?”
I opened the door wide and waited for her to go by me. She sat on the edge of the bed not looking at me. “This is very awkward for me. I haven’t treated you very well, but you just go on being the same person all the time. Barry I have some things to say and I could say them best if you weren’t looking at me. Can we get into bed and turn out the light?”
I was dumbfounded for she slipped off her robe as she folded herself under the covers. I turned out all of the lights except for a faint night light by the bathroom door. I went around and slid into the other side. I turned to face her and absorbed the jasmine scent she was wearing. I could only see her as an outline.
“Barry, I want to tell you about myself. I should have told you much of this the week we were on our honeymoon. Boy, that was a fiasco, wasn’t it? My face gets red when I remember how I treated you. I was going to make it up to you on our first anniversary. You got drunk though. Oh, I don’t blame you, just myself. Do you remember any of that night?”
“No. I do remember the next morning waking up to an empty bed. I think I hated you at that moment.”
“I know. Through your drunken mumbling I learned just what you thought of me. You must have wakened with those thoughts still in your mind. I’m sorry. I’ve made such a mess of my life. First I wanted to be the boy my father wanted. I succeeded to some extent for he turned the corporation over to me. I find it isn’t what I expected. I had a rush at first, but then things didn’t go as I anticipated. The charade of Gram’s money which I didn’t need. It has been a distraction and bothered me for I was afraid I might lose her love.
“Luckily she and I straightened that out. Then you know how the corporation is doing. I should have done six months ago what we did a month ago. I just couldn’t make the decisions that had to be made. I admit I didn’t see many of the problems coming when I took the helm. The last quarter we lost a million and a half dollars and I have lost confidence in myself. What I’m saying is that I need you.”
“Are there any other little things bothering you? You know like a husband showing up with two kids and a beautiful attendant for them.”
“That was a shocker, but I guess I’ve come to grips with the situation. Was your wife like Shannon? I mean you said you divorced her. How could you bear to let someone that beautiful go?”
“So far Shannon has all of Susan’s good qualities and none of the bad. Susan had a wild side to her. Some of the things she did to me almost made me give up women for the rest of my life. But, and that is a big but, she gave me two kids and she was an excellent mother. Shannon wasn’t very old when I first met her. She is just a kid sister to me and always will be. That is the way I see her anyway.
“Let’s get back to you. Where are we? Why are we lying in bed together, right now tonight? What do you want? You say you need me, but after the last year and a half, I need to know where I stand with you.”
“I’ve said I need you. Your plans for the company look as if it would pull us out of the hole I put it in. I guess I will give you anything you want to keep you. Barry, I’ve heard you say you hate me when you were drunk and a few times I have seen your displeasure.”
“So this is all about the corporation?”
“Some of it. I won’t lie. I’m almost thirty and unhappy. I’m hoping you might be able to change that. I see the love you have for your children. I want some of that.”
“You are beautiful so it should be easy for you to receive love. The trouble is, you come across as having to always be in control. I don’t know if you could lower that barrier enough to find love.”
“If I put myself totally in your hands---if I’m not acting as I should, you tell me. No you teach me, that is what I want.”
“Starting when?”
“Tonight. Barry I have to confess that I have only had sex a few times. I don’t know how. When I think about it I tense up. I know it isn’t good for me or my partner. You must know that as it is what happened on our honeymoon. Sometimes I think somebody should go ahead and ravish me and make me like it.”
“No, that won’t work. Not with me anyway.”
“Well do something.”
“Okay, we have been talking for a long time. Turn away from me and let me spoon against you. That is the most comfortable and relaxing position. We will see where it leads to.” I guess Tyne found comfort in my arms. Fifteen minutes later I heard her snore and that was comforting to me so I slept myself.
It was light when I awoke. I opened my eyes and Tyne was looking right at me from about ten inches away. She leaned forward and kissed me lightly. “I liked waking up in bed with you.”
“Me too. It’s a really nice feeling. I’d like a few more of these mornings if you don’t mind.”
“Anytime. When are you going to make love to me?”
“Do you want me to this morning?”
“Yes.”
“Who’s agenda? Yours or mine?”
Tyne was puzzled, then she remembered our conversation of last night. “You think it would be just sex and it is too early in our relationship for love. That is what sleeping with me without anything else was all about?”
“Yes. Let’s take a shower together. You know you are beautiful and I want to see you.”
“Okay, you’re the teacher.” Tyne was a neophyte as far as men were concerned. I think she was as curious about my body as I was about hers so all we did in the shower was some touching. I reminded her when we eased back onto the bed that I had promised Gram we would join her for breakfast.
“You are being cruel, you know. It isn’t going to be too long before I’m going to be demanding sex---to hell with the love.” I made the call to Gram asking to be excused, saying I had overslept and that Tyne was still sleeping. (Little white lie) Gram promised she would have everyone back home in time for lunch.
Eighteen months I had waited for this. I admit this morning it was mostly sex, but there was some love blossoming too.
I believe I was the one to have to make the most adjustments in my life with those around me. For years I had pushed women away from me. For a year and a half I had resented the position I had taken as Tyne’s unannounced husband. I knew I was capable of heading up this corporation and by the time that Tyne was too big with child to want to go to the office, I was in charge.
Shannon came to me when the plans were made for Tyne to stay home. “Barry, I’ve mothered Mark and Mary for two years now. I want a life of my own. I want to buy my own place. I want to go out on dates and find someone to love. Also I’m a little rusty in my chosen field. Would you and Tyne find a place in your finance department for me?”
“Of course. Tyne and I have asked more of you than we should have and it is time for you to move on. Don’t hesitate to ask for any help you need. Let’s go tell Tyne. She and I have discussed your situation several times.”
Tyne and I had often discussed Shannon. I think Shannon was going to be on a fast track to move up in the corporation. She had become the sibling that Tyne’s parents hadn’t provided. Tyne became the beloved stepmom that every child wishes they could have when their own mother isn’t there.
Gram is still with us and she manages to beat me at chess one out of three times.
The End
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