17
It was after 10 pm when Cora and Ed finally pried themselves away from the Morgans’ home. Cora found it impossible to stop her chatter about their new relatives.
“Can you believe how much alike we are?” She pulled a pack of gum from her purse and offered a stick to Ed. “Think you could tell us apart?”
“Need I remind you of the Pegasi fiasco?” Ed checked the side mirror as a semi rattled past them. “Think of all the people that have been confused by the two of you. George Shipley must’ve seen Emily at the Pegasi and thought it was you, just like I did. With good reason. I’ve never seen two people look and act so similar.” Ed chuckled. “George had to be going berserk trying to pull off his scam.”
She laughed along with her husband. “He was so angry on the phone when I didn’t understand what he was talking about. It’s been a bizarre situation right from the start.”
“Today in particular.” Ed pulled to a stop in the turn lane. “Although, finding that picture yesterday sure threw me for a loop. I thought you’d left me.”
She studied the contour of his face as headlights of the car behind them illuminated the front seat. “Why on earth would you think that?”
“You’ve been acting so strangely, and then your dresser drawer was empty except for that picture.” The traffic light changed and Ed made a left turn. “What else could I think?”
“So you came to the brilliant conclusion that I just packed up my undies and scampered off? Have bloomers will travel? Didn’t you consider the fact I’d need something a little more substantial than that to wear?”
“Well, it was in the heat of the moment, Toots. I didn’t think to look in your closet.”
“You should have. What happened is I tossed all my stuff into the hamper, because George had his filthy paws on everything when he put the picture in.” She shivered. “It still gives me the creeps.”
Ed glanced her way and nodded. “Well, that makes more sense. Anyway, I’m glad you’re still with me.” He reached over and patted her knee.
”And to think, I was afraid of losing you, Eddie.”
“Why? My unmentionables are still in the drawer where they belong.” His hearty laugh filled the car. “You know, I think I’ve experienced every emotion possible the last few days.”
Cora sighed. “Me too. I’m so glad it’s over.”
“Let’s hope our minds unwind before we get home or it’ll be ages before we can settle down. And we both know I won’t be catching any Z’s until you do.”
She snickered.
“We’re so exhausted, we’ll both sleep like babies.” Her laughter ceased as she reflected on Ed’s accusations of that morning. Her tone was somber as she asked, “Hey buster, speaking of babies, exactly when did you think I’d have time to have a child behind your back? I know you were on the PGA Tour a lot, but honestly, Ed, what a silly assumption.”
The comment momentarily silenced Ed. His voice was husky as he apologized. “I’m sorry. Evidence was mounting, and I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I’ve been a major clod.”
“I should say so.” She stared out the side window. “It really hurt when you accused me of having an affair. If the tables were turned, I’d like to think I would’ve trusted you.”
“Forgive me?”
Her heart took a leap as she reached over and gently stroked the light stubble on his cheek. “Oh Eddie, of course I do.” An undeniable attraction grew in her. Warm currents raced and melted the once icy hold on her heart. Cora grinned mischievously. “Now, let’s get back to discussing that mysterious son you thought I had.”
“Oh.” His voice reflected guilt. “Well, can I be blunt?” He squinted over his glasses to see her in the darkened car.
“Go on, but measure your words carefully, and keep your eyes on the road.”
Ed shifted in his seat and adjusted his seatbelt. “We didn’t meet until you were nineteen. Then, yesterday, seeing that photograph in your drawer, I realized I might not have been the first man in your life. You even told me you bought coconut cookies for your son, so my mind immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion.” He reached over, took her hand in his, and pressed his lips to her palm.
She felt the electricity of his tender kiss. “I understand. Actually, with everything going on, I was beginning to doubt myself.” Cora remembered something else. “Hey, since we’re clearing the air, wanna tell me about that big life insurance policy you took out on me?”
“For crying out loud, Toots, is this some sort of interrogation?”
“You betcha. I’ve had so many questions on my mind and we haven’t been able to talk. Now, tell me about the policy.”
“Aha! I thought you trusted me.”
“Just tell me about it, Ed.”
He took a deep breath. “Remember when I saw George and Roger at Sugar Dips?”
“How could I possibly forget?”
“Well, George was still feeling guilty about stealing from me. That’s why he couldn’t look me in the eye and left as soon as I went to their table.”
“What’s that got to do with the insurance?”
“When I got to work the next morning, Roger told me George was working for McFarland Group Insurance and was trying to sell him a policy at Sugar Dips. When I learned that was the reason they were talking, I took out the policy to help him.”
“Oh.”
“What did you think?”
“I thought maybe, well, never mind. It isn’t important now.”
Ed looked at her. “Did you think I had plans to knock you off and collect the money? Come on, Cora. We’ve got more money in the bank than we’ll ever spend in this lifetime. Do I really need that penny-ante insurance money? Now, who’s not trusting whom?”
“Busted!” she exclaimed with a throaty giggle. “Maybe we should change the subject?”
“Good idea.”
Cora watched the lights as they approached the Saguaro Valley Complex. Thoughts of the photograph and the brother-in-law she never knew came to mind. “You know, that was probably Philip in that picture. It was so sweet to see him holding Em in his arms. Hey, why didn’t we remember to give it to her this evening?”
With a heavy sigh, Ed searched his breast pocket. “You’re not going to believe this, but I might’ve left it at the Pegasi.”
“Well, you have to go back and get it. And while you’re at it, would you mind getting a copy made, so I can give the original to Em? She’ll be glad to have it.”
“Right, I’ll do that tomorrow. Do you want me to leave the copy in your dresser drawer?”
“I’ll answer that with another question, dear,” Cora said as the car pulled into their garage. “Do you want to wear your putter as a necktie?”
“Point taken.” They shared a laugh as Ed helped her from the car. In one forward motion, he took her into his arms. His kiss was soft and searching.
Cora smiled as he guided her to the door.
Before they crawled into bed, Cora listened as Ed offered thankful prayers. First, for bringing his wife through traumatic times and for their newfound family.
“…but most of all, Lord, we thank You for restoring our relationship.”
When the prayer ended, Cora thought she detected a playful flicker in Ed’s eyes. Was there a deeper significance to his gaze? The implication sent waves of eagerness through her. She ached for his love, and reached out to him.
Ed gently gathered her into his embrace and held her tightly. Cora spontaneously wrapped her arms around his neck and experienced his heartbeat against her. She felt like a breathless girl of eighteen as he reached over and turned off the lamp.
As they snuggled, Cora’s head fit perfectly in the recess of his shoulder and neck. She inhaled the familiar spicy scent of his cologne and was wrapped in the invisible warmth of his love. The anguish of the past few weeks dissipated as he tenderly pressed his lips to hers. She answered with a sweetheart’s kiss.
****
In the wee hours, Ed still mulled over the day’s events. He visualized the photograph of Emily and Philip and remembered the words on the back. “Does your old man know?” Was the man in the snapshot Philip? Exactly how did George fit into Emily’s life? Where did the money come from and how did she end up with it? Was it blackmail? After meeting Cora’s sister, it was difficult to think of her ever being a party to anything illegal.
Niggling thoughts continued to hound him. Something didn’t add up.