In Dreams She Came

Chapter 29: I Want You To Take It

Mari sat there in shock. There had to be some mistake. "Can you repeat that please?"

"It says 'Half of my finances are to go to my daughter Mariah Gerry, and the remaining half, along with my estate, is to go to Isaac Taylor.'"

"Wow," Mari whispered. What would she do with all that money?

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"Hey, Mari," Matt smiled.

"Hi, Matt," Mari sighed. "Look, I'm going to cut to the chase. My father left me a very large sum of money. I would like to give it to you."

"W-what?" Matt stammered. "But- why?"

"I am aware that you and Catherine are wanting to get married. I also know that neither of you exactly has the funds for a wedding, or for the elaborate proposal that I know you'll do, or for the expensive ring I know you want to get," Mari said with a little knowing smile. "Catherine is my best friend and I want the two of you to have everything you want. Getting married is, after all, a very important step."

Matt sat there in silence, letting Mari's words fully take effect. "Mari," he said softly, "I can't thank you enough."

Mari smiled and pulled him into a hug. "You're welcome."

"Do you think I could ask you a few questions about the proposal?"

"Sure," Mari chuckled.

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"Where would you guys even get married?"

"I don't know, Carlos," Catherine moaned. "There's way too many options. I would prefer an outdoor ceremony, but I don't know how Matt would feel about that. Besides, we aren't even engaged. God knows when that will be."

"Wasn't there a time limit or something? I thought I heard you say two months."

"On the nine and a half year mark of Lotte's death, at the masquerade, Matt said that he'd propose in a year. Well, that's in two months. I don't know if I can wait that long to be quite honest."

"Well," Carlos sighed, "I wouldn't worry too much. It'll happen when it happens, and when it does, it'll be perfect."

"Thanks, Carlos."

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"Mari," Matt sighed.

"Don't, Matt," Mari said firmly. "I want you to take it. Money's never meant much to me. It's more important that you and Catherine get the wedding you want. Is it necessary for me to tell you a sixth time?"

Matt shook his head. "It's just- it's a lot of money."

"It's nothing," Mari shrugged, holding the check out to Matt. "Take it. Think of it as a wedding present."

"Alright," Matt sighed in defeat. "I should have never agreed to this in the first place. You really should keep the money."

"I'm single and I like my life. What would I use it for?" Mari scoffed. "You and Cath are trying to start a life together. You deserve this."

"Thank you," Matt smiled. "I think I'm going to visit the jewelry store nearby."

"Okay," Mari chuckled. "Have fun."

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Josh bounced the small rubber ball off the door and sighed. He missed his apartment.

"Josh?" Mari's voice called. "Josh, I know you're in there."

Of course he was in there. He'd locked himself in for the last week and a half.