Now Ike opened the FedEx box. And froze like Lott’s wife as he studied whatever was inside. He finally pulled out a rectangular bundle of bubblewrap.
Bubblewrap held together with lots of tape.
Ike rested the bundle on his knees and fished for his penknife again. He opened the knife and felt the blade with his thumb again. He slowly cut the tape, making sure he didn’t puncture a single bubble.
My throat was hurting and I desperately wanted a sip of apple juice. But no way in hell was I going to interrupt Mr. Careful.
Ike rolled that tape into a ball and placed it on the tray. He put the knife back in his pocket. Eric and Gabriella gathered around him for the unveiling.
Ike hooked the edge of the bubble wrap between his thumb and finger and went around and around until it was wound up on his hand. In his other hand was a small wooden box. A beautifully decorated wooden box about the size of a harmonica. The box that Gloria McPhee had placed in Violeta’s niche.
Ike handed me the box.
I waited until he slipped his hand out of the bubblewrap.
He put the wrap on the table and leaned toward me.
Eric and Gabriella sat on the edge of my bed. Very close to each other. The thought that those two might be coupling up made me shiver.
Ike was concerned. “You okay, Maddy?”
I nodded. I put my finger on the tiny brass half-circle latch and swung it open. I opened the box. I gasped and swallowed. Moaned in pain. I reached into the box and pulled out a brightly painted lead solider. The little soldier was seated atop a prancing horse. Holding an unfurled Romanian flag.
I flattened out my other hand and stood the little solider and horse on my palm.
“What’s that all about?” Ike asked.
Pain or no pain I had to explain. “A Romanian Hussar. A gift from Prince Albert of England to Prince Anton’s great-great grandfather.”
Ike could see I needed a sip of apple juice. He made sure I didn’t take too much.
I motioned for him to take the soldier from my hand. There was a letter in the bottom of the box.
I pulled out the letter and rested the empty box on my belly. The envelope, of course, was sealed, and I had to wait for Ike to hand the soldier to Eric then retrieve his penknife and test the blade with his thumb.
I impatiently wiggled my fingers at him. He handed me the knife. I cut the top of the envelope open. I pulled out the letter inside with my teeth. I read it:
Dearest Maddy,
I spent most of my life looking for these little soldiers.
Violeta was looking, too, apparently. And found one.
Anyway, I want you to have it. As fine and rare as it is, you gave me something far more valuable.
Please don’t feel guilty about accepting it. I still have a few years left to find the rest of them. (Perhaps when I do, we can get down on the floor together and play with them!) With deepest respect and, may I say, growing affection,
Anton
PS
Don’t worry. I’ve had it checked by an expert. It is not a fake.
I folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. I put the envelope back in the box. I motioned for Eric to hand me the little soldier. I put that in the box, too. I closed the lid. It was a wonderful gift. From a wonderful man. I reached for Ike’s hand. “How long before we can go home, sweetie?”