Reader plans to bequest money to the soul mate he deserted long ago

Dear Abby: Many years ago, I had a romance with a young girl in a faraway town. After a year, thinking I could do better, I moved on. With the benefit of hindsight, I now realize she stood head and shoulders above all the others, and I had tragically discarded my soul mate.

By chance, I ended up settling in the same city as she. She eventually married and raised a family. Now and then we would run into each other, exchange a few friendly words and a quick hug, then move on. On one of those occasions, she was accompanied by her husband and introduced me as a “friend” from back in our younger days.

In the course of getting my papers and estate arranged, it is clear I have done fairly well in terms of money. I divorced years ago and have no children.

I am leaving money to a relative or two, some assorted charities and, for two reasons, I have decided to leave a reasonably large sum to my soul mate. For one, she was, and is, perhaps the finest person I have ever known.

Second, it is obvious to me that they can use the money.

But what happens when this windfall drops out of the sky into their laps? I have no wish to cause problems in their apparently happy marriage in any way, but I cannot help but think that despite my good intentions it might cause a disturbance in their relationship.

Am I doing the right thing, and is there a better way to do it?

— “John Beresford

Tipton Jr.”

Dear “Mr. Tipton”: Ask your financial adviser or the person who will administer your estate how to discreetly pull off an anonymous bequest, and I’m sure the person can make it happen.