Page 25 of A Wanderer's Redemption
I watch the women walk off together and wonder if I should have made up some excuse so we could have left instead, since I am not sure Jessica can keep this secret without me close by. Tyberius must have noticed me constantly looking at the train’s outer door because his light laughter draws my attention back.
“New love. It’s hard to be parted from them.”
“Oh, it’s nothing like that. I just know how uncomfortable Jessica is around most people.”
“Well, she and Victoria should get along famously then, as she hates crowds as well. I was hoping she would want to leave the train tomorrow when we arrive in Chicago, but she informed me this morning that she would prefer to stay on board. I love to see new things up close, and Victoria would rather view them from afar.”
“That seems like a hard compromise.”
“There is no compromise if you love someone; their wants and needs always come before your own, and if the love is strong enough, you never realize you are giving in.”
“That’s a lesson I feel will be hard learned for me. I am spontaneous and like to do what I want when the urge hits. My mother calls me a wanderer, as staying still is hard for me.”
“Reggie, I am going to say this, but you may not like it … it’s because you have no roots of your own. Up until now, you were living in your family’s shadow, doing all the things that were expected of you. Following in the footsteps that laid the foundation and the future they pictured for you. But, and possibly because of your wandering urges, you decided to break free of those bonds to build your own foundation and a path of your own choosing. Life however, has a way of putting us exactly where we need to be, and one day there will be a moment when you reflect on these days past and will remember these words. Especially if the right woman has tamed those wandering ways of yours.”
“I pray you are right, Tyberius. Most of the things I had planned became a jumbled mess when Jessica came into the equation. It is amazing how differently you look at things when you are responsible for someone else. Speaking of poor Jess, she has barely anything with her. I hope we’re in Chicago long enough to find her a few things. To be honest, when she showed me what the maid sent with her, I was appalled! I just didn’t let her see my upset. It really made me realize how blessed I have always been and how much I take for granted if that was all the maid could spare.”
“I am assuming you don’t expect her belongings to be found?”
“No, not at all.”
I glance up at the door again, wondering what is taking them so long. Tyberius raises his hand when one of the servers walks by.
“Kind Sir, would you mind getting us a couple of drinks?”
“Not at all, what can I get for you gentleman?”
“Top shelf whiskey, just put it on my tab.”
He nods. “I will return shortly.”
“Sit back Reggie and relax. One thing you need to learn early is that you will spend a substantial amount of time waiting on your woman. I am convinced they have no concept of time.”
“Jessica and I have not known each other long, so this husband thing is somewhat new to me. I feel like I should always be doing something and then, the few times I do leave her alone, someone is always trying to invade my territory.”
Tyberius laughs, “Lord son, she isn’t an animal. It’s not like you can pee on her so others know you’ve marked your territory!”
I can’t stop the smile on my face as I can picture doing that. “No, but that may not be a bad idea. The men who are traveling with us worked with her, or I should say for her for years and are quite protective to the point that I feel like they are intruding.”
“You are looking at this all wrong. You should be glad that others want to look out for her. It shows the type of person she is, and once they realize you are going to treat her right, they will withdraw. However, unless she is standing by your side, there is nothing on her that shows you two are married. I would think a man of your caliber would have provided a fine wedding ring for his little lady.”
“You noticed that, huh?”
“I also noticed that she is timid, yet strong, quite beautiful, but has no clue how to act in your world, then blushes like she has never been noticed or touched before.”
“I have not done right by her in the short time we have been together, and if you noticed the ring, I am sure others have as well.”
“Did she never ask about it?”
“No, Jess isn’t the type to ask for anything, actually. There is no excuse for me not providing one for her either.”
Running my fingers through my beard, I realize how close I came to telling him everything, and the fact that I really have not thought this through.
“I may be able to help you out.”
“How is that?”
“I am a man of many passions, Reggie. At one time, I collected rare books, then I sold antiques, and even created massive botanical gardens. However, one afternoon, I realized an important date for my Victoria was approaching, and I wanted a specific piece for it. I sat for hours drawing the exact symbols I wanted on it, only for the jeweler to tell me it couldn’t be done.
