His expression changed completely.
The calm, tender man I thought I knew disappeared.
For the first time, he looked frightened.
“Margaret, please listen—”
Nora reached into the envelope and pulled out a small black notebook.
Harold lunged toward her.
Before he could reach it, someone seized his arm.
Peter.
I had not even noticed my children entering the garden.
Suddenly, Peter stood between Harold and Nora, while Elise rushed toward me, breathing heavily as though they had run from the road.
Nora placed the notebook in my hands.
“I found this in his trailer,” she said.
The Plan He Had Written Before Meeting Me
The first page was dated three weeks before Harold’s initial phone call.
At the top, he had written my name.
Beneath it were short notes.
Widowed nine years.
Owns house.
Adult children protective.
I turned the page.
Favorite flowers.
Daniel’s date of death.
Peter married to Laura.
Elise attends St. Mark’s.
Difficult occasions: Christmas, wedding anniversary, Daniel’s birthday.
The information became increasingly personal.
Then I found instructions.
Ask about Daniel. Never appear jealous.
Mention yellow dress early.
Save chemistry note for later.
If children become suspicious, suggest they fear losing control.
Do not agree to postponement.
I could barely breathe.
Near the back of the notebook was a page titled:
After Wedding.
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