Chapter 4

Ben Morris was not a man driven by his career. Climbing the corporate ladder of importance was indeed thrilling to think about, but not what made him spend over ten hours a day in front of this desk. What he could appreciate was the view from his windows that offered him a few moments peace each day. And standing there now, seeing the traffic in a jumbled hurry, and watching the people walk briskly about their business, he was glad that he was safely tucked away watching from his office. He glanced at the quickly fading light on the horizon and took a minute to see the colors changing the clouds to hues of purple and orange. He returned to his desk just as his phone buzzed with his secretary’s voice.
“Mr. Morris, your mother is on line one. Would you like to take it now?”
“Yes, send her through Amy. Thank you.” It only took a second for the transfer and then my mother’s voice was saying hello.
“Hi, mom. How are you doing?” I looked down at my calendar, Thursday. “How was the club today?”
“It was just bustling with activity dear, but with the weather warming, the ladies expected lunch hour to be more crowded. How has your day been?”
“The usual, a few meetings, and had a discussion with the advisor board on the merger. I’m just finishing up some paper work now.” And I would be here all night by the looks of the stack on the desk unless I convinced myself to leave soon.
“Steve and Lina are going to be coming for dinner if you want to join us.”
It was the perfect excuse to make it an early night. My mother was wonderful at understanding how busy my days were, and always offered a meal as a hint to take a break and come by. More importantly, it was an added benefit to see her kids and fill up her day as well.
“Sure mom, I can be there by seven.” The half hour drive out of the city would hopefully help alleviate the tension I was beginning to feel bunch around my neck and shoulders.
“Okay. I will see you then.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Hitting the speaker button I leaned back in my chair. I had an hour to make a dent in the folders next to me, and hopefully I could bury these errant thoughts to the back of my mind until I was leaving the office.
An hour later I called Amy in. She had her purse over her shoulder and her coat on her arm. “I’m sorry; I caught you as you were leaving. Thanks for staying to finish up that letter for me.” Despite how I was feeling I tried to paste what I hoped was an appreciative smile on my face.
“Not a problem, it’s in your slot with the schedule for tomorrow. What can I help you with?”
“Nothing major, I assure you. I was just about to leave myself. Headed to my mothers for dinner and I wondered if I had gotten any of those clothes back from the dry cleaners.”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you that they came back yesterday, they’re in the closet right outside. Want me to get you something more comfortable to wear for tonight?” She smiled at me and turned to step past the door. Sometimes I think she can read my mind.
“That would be wonderful.” She was my secretary but more like a sister. After six years she knew me better than most. She had started out as a temp and I couldn’t send her away. She was too good from the start and I insisted on keeping her full time. She had been thrilled with the idea. Thankfully her husband was as well, and she had accepted without a moment’s hesitation. Seeing her step through the door holding a shirt on a hanger snapped me back to the present and the fact that I had to leave within five minutes. “Which one did you pick?”
“The light green cotton pullover,” She handed it to me and started striding for the door. She turned and smirked, “It brings out your eyes.” As she passed the doorway and headed down the hallway I heard her shout back, “And I suggest you change quickly if you plan to make it by seven! See you tomorrow boss!”
I took her advice and left minutes later. Leaving the parking garage and heading north I couldn’t help but think that the weekend couldn’t come soon enough.

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“So big brother, when are you going to find the time to settle down and get married?”
It was just the sort of question I knew would come up. It always did. It was normally just hinted at by his mother. She’d subtly throw out the fact that she didn’t have any grandchildren yet, or tell him about how many weddings were happening in upcoming months. But without fail, he could count on his family to keep his mind coming back to the subject time and time again. Lord, I want it too, but other than Sunday mornings, I have not had free time to get involved with the type of women I would even consider seriously.
“Of course, you know, it does have its benefits,” Steve said it as he saw his wife, Lina, come through the dining room doorway. She was perfect for Steve, I had to admit. She kept him in line and never let his smile fade for long. She fit in quite well, and seeing her dimples meant she had no doubt heard his first question, and his second comment.
“Steve, Ben has no need to rush. Besides, they do say good things come to those that wait. Maybe I just didn’t wait long enough,” she winked at me and set down the salad she was carrying. I turned to see Steve’s mouth drop open.
“I’m tempted to tell you to take that back, but I’ll let it slide.” The glare Steve sent to his wife was a playful one, packed with words that I assumed only the two of them knew.
I couldn’t help the chuckle that started to build inside. She was a keeper alright. And after just three years of marriage they looked like they had it down pat. She could still get him riled with just a few words. With a jolt I remembered words from another woman, the one from yesterday. Out to grab lunch, I had walked the few short blocks to a small café that wasn’t as packed as most during this hour in the city. I came around the corner just as she had stepped out of her car, and stumbled on the curb. She had just about fell on the sidewalk as I reached to stop her. And although it had only been a few seconds, the feel of her in my arms had startled me. How long had it been since I held someone that close? Other than the occasional date in the past, it had been years. And it had felt oddly wonderful.
“Ben. Hello? You’re not here.”
I blinked a few times and realized everyone was at their seat ready to sit down. My mother was waving a hand in my line of sight. How long had I been standing there? Hurriedly I stepped to my chair and sat down with them. “Sorry,” I mumbled. “Let’s eat. I’ll pray.” Everyone grabbed a hand and with heads bowed I asked the Lord to bless this meal, the conversation, and our time together.
Halfway through dinner, Lina said that she wanted to make an announcement. I looked across the table at her and noticed for the first time that night that she was glowing. And right now she looked like she was about to burst with something.
“Actually,” Steve said, grasping her hand, “We’d like to make an announcement. Go ahead honey, you tell them.” He was grinning and my mother was already covering her mouth with her hand. I looked back to Lina as she said it.
“I’m pregnant! We’re having a baby!” My mother was hysterical and shared screams of excitement and tears with her daughter-in-law. My brother had only looked happier the day he had gotten married. I clasped his shoulder and stood to pull him into a hug.
“Congratulations, baby brother! I know you’ll make a great father.” He slapped me on the back and pulled away with a depth to his gaze I had not seen until this moment. He was growing up faster than I realized. I hugged Lina and my mother and let them start talking in clipped and hurried sentences. Like they couldn’t say enough and didn’t want to stop to take a breath. Steve looked at me and we both grinned and settled back into our chairs.
“I’m going to be an uncle. Have you already thought about names?”
“We’re still talking about it, but we’ll let you know when we settle on anything. She goes to the doctor next week and she’s already picking out colors and border for the spare bedroom. It’s amazing. After two years of trying, we’re positive this baby is nothing other than a miracle.”
“I couldn’t agree more. This baby will be something special, that’s for sure,” I said as I blinked a few times and tried to concentrate on finishing my meal as the two women discussed when to have a baby shower, who to invite, and where to have it. An hour later, bidding everyone goodbye with promises to see them again soon, I headed for my car and started the drive home. Maybe it had been wrong to take over dad’s business; maybe I could have had a different life. Rolling down the window for some fresh air I let that idea ride out on the wind and forced it out of my mind. Thoughts like that wouldn’t get me anywhere. I could only alter today.