Letters in Time, Reiss Susan [read me a book TXT] 📗

men in my life. "Let's trust our plan. If it doesn't work the way we hope, we'll deal with it together."

Chapter Forty-Five

“The butterfly I folded when I first came to the Cottage helped me transform my life. I can only wish the same for Daniel.”

—Emma’s Journal

On the day before my release from rehab, I sat down at the desk in the out-of-the-way corner I'd used before. With paper, inkwell, and pen, I began to write what I hoped would be my last letter to Daniel. I wanted it to be ready when TJ came to visit so he could put it on the plantation desk tonight.

My Dearest Daniel,

At last, all is in readiness. I am coming to you. Stay by the desk. Remember the miniature I wear on a necklace. I yearn to stand with you by the water of our favorite creek and to gaze at the majestic Oak Tree where we've spent so many happy hours. Know that I believe with all my heart that love transcends all. I am coming to be with you for all eternity.

Your Beloved Emma

The next day, my day of independence, TJ picked me up. I was eager to get home to the Cottage. It would be my first opportunity to see the results of TJ’s labors. He'd spent a lot of time walking the shoreline of the creek, looking for the spot where Emma had stood for her portrait. We were both surprised that it was at the dilapidated cabin down the way from the Cottage.

As we drove down the main road to St. Michaels, he took his right hand off the steering wheel and gestured towards the back seat. “I know you’re anxious to get out of rehab, but you’re coming home with only a cane. Is that wise? Are you rushing things… again?” He gave me a crooked smile.

I too remembered that awful night after the writers group meeting when I had fallen. The night he had taken care of me. I smiled again. His concern touched my heart. “I am much stronger. Not to worry. There is no way I want to go back.”

Carefully, he made the turn for the long driveway down to the Cottage. It was wonderful to see the field of golden stalks that surrounded the Cottage. He pulled up at my front door and I released my seat belt.

“Just leave my things in the truck.” I scrambled out with my cane. “Let’s go to the cabin. I can’t wait to see it.”

“I hope you like what I’ve done. The guys will be here soon to move the desk.” He hustled behind me. “Hey, wait up! Be careful. The path isn’t like the smooth floors at rehab.”

“I’m sure you’ve done a great job, but it doesn’t matter what I think,” I called back over my shoulder as I scooted along. “It’s all up to them.”

At the curve in the path, I stopped and gazed at the cabin that was no longer in danger of collapse. It looked better than it had during my years visiting Uncle Jack. I could feel a tear tracking slowly down my cheek.

Catching up to me, TJ asked with a little hesitation, “What do you think?” He saw the tear on my face and his face crumbled. “Oh no, you hate it,” he declared, his Southern accent clear which signaled how much he cared. “I’m sorry. I’ll—”

“It’s perfect!” I wiped away the tear. “TJ, you’re the best!”

“Hey TJ!” a gruff voice called out. “We’re here and ready to work.”

It was time to put our plan into action.

I made my way back inside to my writing den to prepare the plantation desk for its new home. I gathered the stapler, scissors, and ruler along with the modern pens and pencils. I emptied the drawers of the thumb drives and chargers, anything from the modern world. If everything worked out, there would be no need for such things. I put the inkwell, bottle of ink, and what was left of the paper that had started it all in the box. I had a plan for them, too.

The men transferred the parts of the plantation desk down the narrow path and reassembled it in the restored cabin. I think we convinced them that I'd be working on a book at the desk there.

“I’ll go with the guys and pay them. Be right back,” TJ said.

Finally, I was left alone in the renovated cabin in the middle of the woods by the water. This was the place I’d spent many magical hours as a child. Where I sat in an antique dining room chair just months ago feeling lost. Now, I felt like I’d not only found myself again, but discovered I shared my love of this place with another Emma. I had to tackle one final task to complete before we’d lock the cabin.

I wanted to leave an origami shape in the cabin for the young lovers. Research showed that the butterfly symbolizes a soul set free. Color is always meaningful in origami as well. I found that dark red was often used to represent love and a bond with a special someone. What could be better than a crimson butterfly? I’d practiced folding the butterfly in the final days at rehab. Now, with confidence, I calmly folded a butterfly for Daniel and Emma. Now, it sat on top of the things in the box that TJ carried down to the cabin for me.

TJ soon returned and we looked around the renovated cabin, now solid and watertight. “You did a beautiful job, TJ. I’m so glad you added the