John started to respond, but Tim went on.

“We forgot about the woman we knew and liked. I can say loved when it comes to Sue. Sue thought and still thinks the world of Claire. Their ages helped to make them fast friends. Then, after Claire returned, it only took being with her for a few hours to remember. We remembered the woman we knew, the one we never believed could have hurt Tony. John, she could have hated us all. She could, and maybe should have hated Tony, but she didn’t. I’m not asking you how she’s doing now. I’m telling you that she has one of the most forgiving hearts I’ve ever known. I hope that you can see that by working for Rawlings Industries, by forgiving the injustices that were done to you and to your family, and by concentrating on what Claire would want… building a better future for not only her and Nichol, but for thousands and thousands of employees who need their paychecks, that you will be helping so many.”

“I have to ask where Anthony stands on this?”

Tim nodded. “I expected that question.” He reached into his breast pocket and retrieved an envelope. “This is for you. If you’ll excuse me while I make a call, I’ll leave you alone for a moment. By the way, I have not read what’s in there. All I know is that I proposed your hiring to Tony a few weeks ago. I was still technically in charge, but he was back. Anyway, he said he wanted to think about it and asked me to wait. Four days ago he gave me that envelope and told me to follow my gut. He already knew his sentence and said that he felt secure with Rawlings Industries in my hands. He said that I should do what I want to do: currently the decisions are mine. However, if I still wanted to pursue offering you a position, he made a few requests. The first was that I discuss it with Brent and Tom. If I found support, he asked that I bring it up to the board of directors. He said if I had the support of the company, I had his. His last request was that I give you that envelope before you make a decision.” Tim grinned. “I hope he doesn’t screw up everything I’ve just said, but despite it all, I have faith in him, too.”

John tried to swallow the anticipation as he laid the envelope on the table. He wasn’t sure why his hand had begun to tremble. Looking up at Tim, John nodded. Smiling, Tim walked away to make his call. Once alone, John lifted the letter, broke the seal, and removed the page. The letter was hand written.

John,

I don’t know where to begin. If you’ve received this letter then you’re at least considering working for Rawlings Industries. You should know that I had nothing to do with this job offer. It is not like the last time. I have no excuse for what I did in the past, but I do have an explanation.

I saw you as a threat—which I hope you know is a compliment. I’d followed your career and knew all about you. From your modest roots to your Midwest education, I saw how you took what I honestly believed to be a mediocre beginning and turned it into success. Your record was impeccable. Before meeting you, I knew you were a force with which to be reckoned.

That said, I did what I do. I decided to capitalize on your ability and at the same time create a situation in which you would be indebted to me. At the time, I didn’t consider Claire’s feelings. When she found out that I’d offered you the job, she was apprehensively pleased. She spoke about us living closer and being a family. All I could think about was having you under my control.

It’s no secret that I wasn’t happy with you at our wedding rehearsal when you didn’t give Claire away. At that moment, when I saw the anguish in Claire’s eyes, I was determined to stifle your paternal, protective instincts. Claire was no longer your concern. She was MY wife and your actions caused her anguish.

I said she was apprehensively pleased. The apprehension came because Claire was concerned that you’d refuse the offer. She told me it was a possibility. I didn’t give her concern credence, until you refused. After all, I, via Tom, had offered you so much more than you had in Albany. I was certain the money alone would entice you. However, as you know, Claire was right, and once again, you demonstrated that you were indeed a formidable opponent.

As I stated, that wasn’t meant as an excuse or even a feeble attempt at an apology. I believe we are beyond that.

You currently have guardianship of two of the most precious and important people in the world. The only reason that I have not fought harder to regain my rights regarding my wife and my daughter was that I knew I had a debt to pay. I’ve accepted that commitment and will pay what I owe. Once I am done, be forewarned I will fight for what is mine.

In the meantime, I have to believe that those protective instincts that I witnessed years ago, and loathed, have resurfaced. For peace of mind, I have to believe that the decisions you’re making in your life and for your family have my family’s best interest at heart. To that end, I want you to know that I welcome you at Rawlings Industries. My company is Claire’s company. One day it will be Nichol’s. I have the utmost faith in Tim. If he believes in you, I do too. I also want you to know that I will not interfere in his decisions regarding your employment. If you choose to work for him at Rawlings Industries, he will be whom you are working for.

I trust that you will take that arrogant, protective attitude that I hated and use it to better the lives of my wife and daughter, as well as the employees of Rawlings Industries. All of these people need what I will temporarily be unable to provide.

To that end, if you choose to do that in my absence, I thank you.

Anthony

Shaking his head, John placed the letter back into the envelope. He wasn’t sure what to think about his brother-in-law’s attempt to communicate. However, for the first time that John could remember, it didn’t seem manipulative or calculating. It seemed like—in Anthony’s own way—he was almost humbled. Before John could give it too much contemplation, Tim returned.