Matches Made in Heaven: An Unforgettable Journey

By B.J. Forte

"Matches Made in Heaven- An Unforgettable Journey" is the first in a trilogy that will change your perspective on everything and everyone in your life.

Written from her heart, the author delights in hilarious stories from real-life heroes. She proves that treasures are everywhere, and magic is real if you search with your heart and not your mind.

An extraordinary friendship, a lifetime of stories, plus an ending you won't expect.

Come along and share the unforgettable journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734104813

Book preview

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 978-1-73410-480-6

Contents

Introduction

Visit with Dr. Triebel

Ruby and Morgan

Gapstow Bridge

Red Bench Treasures

Time Stands Still

The Sitters

The Real Moon River

Standing Guard

The Sleepover

The Perfect Tree

Buzz Me Number Two

We Need A Dog

A Trip to The Breeder

Transforming a Town

A Day at the Park

Message from the Vicar

The Visitor

Everything Changed

As the Rain Fell

The Suitcase

The Last Train

Introduction

Once upon a time, there was a boy who spent his childhood in a quiet English town, a place where time practically stood still. He was surrounded by heroes, rebels, and great teachers who taught him certain truths, that treasures are everywhere if you take the time to look. He learned very early on to believe in magic too. This boy would spend his entire life in pursuit of treasures and magic, always trusting in something much bigger than himself. Come along as we go back in time and share his journey. Maybe you will laugh, cry, and discover some treasures and magic of your own.

Based Upon a True Story

Dedicated to Vincent

Chapter One

Visit with

Dr. Triebel

It was late spring in New York City as Vincent made his way to the Upper East Side, trying his best to tune out the uncomfortable pace of a Manhattan morning. He was headed to an appointment with Dr. Triebel.

After checking in, the nurse escorted him to an exam room and closed the door behind them. He stepped up and sat down, careful not to wrinkle the sterile white paper beneath him.

The pretty nurse got straight to work with the usual protocol. She scanned his forehead for a temperature, took blood pressure, and proceeded with all the routine questions. Vincent responded with his standard lies.

Vincent, are you taking any new medications?

No.

Any recent changes in your health?

No.

Any aches and pains?

Vincent insisted, One hundred percent, no complaints!

Realizing he wasn’t much of a talker or only too proud to admit the truth, the nurse finished her notes and smiled. Doc will be in soon.

He politely returned the grin.

As the door shut behind her, his smile quickly faded. Reaching up for his temples, he took a deep breath and groaned. Ugghhh!

At seventy-five, he could no longer escape the aches deep inside his bones. He wiggled around a bit, trying to get comfortable, but these days even sitting hurt.

For the first time in his life, he felt the pure cruelty of time. His sky-blue eyes were the only familiar feature and reminder of his youth.

Being at the doctor brought out his impatient side. Glancing down at his Rolex, he said out loud, Six minutes after nine, hmm, Doc, you’re late again.

Doc and Vincent have known each other for decades. An unspoken friendship had formed through the years, and even though Doc insisted Vincent call him Stephen, not once had Vincent taken him up on that. The two made the most out of their visits. Doc enjoyed Vincent’s reserved but dry sense of humor while Vincent appreciated Doc’s joyful, caring demeanor.

After what seemed like hours, Vincent heard hurried footsteps and a quick knock, knock, knock as Doc pushed his way into the room.

Hello, Vincent, it’s good to see you.

Doc was fussing, a folder in his left hand while the other hand investigated the pockets of his lab coat and trousers for the glasses he’d just had. He stopped directly in front of Vincent, appearing defeated. Doc laughed. Vincent, I swear I’m going to have my glasses surgically attached.

Vincent smiled and reached out toward the top of Doc’s head, retrieving the spectacles, carefully folding and placing them in Doc’s hand.

You need some help with that, Doc?

Doc was frustrated for being late, It’s those reps, Vincent, they will drive you mad. Do you have any idea what it’s like to deal with salespeople every day? They are always trying to sell something, always trying to impress with their knowledge and nonsense, bagels, and coffee. Well, I do like bagels.

Pausing for a moment, Doc remembered that Vincent was once in the business of sales.

Smiling, he added, You know what I mean, Vincent - those other sales guys, of course.

Vincent smiled. Oh, yes, they’re all mad-men, every one of them.

Doc laughed with embarrassment. You always seem to show up on the day I need a good laugh and friend. Who’s helping who here!

Doc straddled the swivel stool and spun around, his back facing Vincent as he opened the thick folder.

Well, Vincent, let’s take a look here.

Lifting each page carefully, he scanned one after the other, mumbling Hmmmmm, OK, and then total silence.

He reached the last page and closed the folder, removed his glasses, and placed them on the desk. He was unable to turn around and look at Vincent. He didn’t want to. No friend wants to deliver this news, and no doctor wants to say what he’s obligated to say now.

Clearing his throat, Vincent, there are treatments we could try.

Before Doc could finish, Vincent interrupted him in a slow and forgiving tone. No, Doc, you know me well enough by now.

Doc began to spin his stool around, searching for the right words, any words.

Vincent was no longer seated on the exam table. He was at the door, his hand on the knob. He turned slightly toward Doc, careful not to make eye contact.

In a quiet and sincere voice, he questioned, Stephen, did it feel good all these years having someone watch over you?

Doc humbly replied, Yes, it did, my friend.

Good to know. I’m going to get my suitcase and go for a walk in the park.

That would be his last appointment with Doc Triebel.

Vincent was numb on the long walk to his car, where he retrieved his treasured suitcase and set off to Central Park, his favorite place in the city.

He was still numb from the appointment when his phone rang from his pocket. It was his best friend, Dave.

Hello?

Vincent, it’s Dave. I have to talk to you about something. Are you busy?

Not busy, just a little distracted, Dave, that’s all.

It will only take a minute, and it’s important. A good friend of mine, she’s fallen on hard times, and I think she’s perfect for that project of yours.

Dave, this might not be. . .

Dave interrupted. "Vincent, there’s something about her. It’s hard to describe. I need you to meet her.

She doesn’t see what I see, but I know you will."

I’m just a little tired at the moment, and I’m on my way to the park to sort it all out.

For years, you’ve been looking for the right person to write your book. She’s the one! You have to trust me.

Vincent knew Dave well enough to know that if he was this certain about something, it must be right. So, he obliged. I trust you, Dave, and to be honest, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Vincent, what does that mean...?

Nothing...not important, Dave.

Great, I will meet with her and tell her the good news. Her name is Ruby. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and Vincent, she is a single mom. Her daughter will need to tag along.

That’s not a problem.

Before I forget, how did it go with Doc Triebel today?

No complaints, Dave. Everything is where it needs to be.

Vincent was happy to see his favorite bench waiting for him. He sat down and placed his suitcase next to him on the seat. The park looked different today. The sky bluer, the smells bolder, even the ducks seemed a little happier than usual.

Vincent’s quiet thoughts were soon disrupted by the sound of a squeaky wheel, and then it stopped. A petite older woman pushing a hand cart stood before him. She reached into her basket. Would you like a bottle of water?

He reached out to take it and searched his pockets for money, but before he could hand her the bills, she and the squeaky wheel had disappeared. He looked in both directions, but there was no sign of the stranger.

Chapter Two

Ruby and Morgan

Ruby lived upstate in a small town. At forty-five, she had recently lost her business, became single, and was without income for her and her twelve-year-old daughter, Morgan. Making matters worse, Ruby struggled with a recent life altering health setback. She battled twenty-four hours a day with the invisible pain and aggravation of a brain tumor.