Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
RICHARD
The last thing I had expected that evening was a phone call from Ashley. Hearing her emotionally charged voice brought out the same protective feeling I got when Grace or one of my other children called me. It was instinctive and strong.
Holding her when she came to the door, still crying, felt oddly right. It was the first time she’d accepted any sort of physical contact with me, and she burrowed close, desperate for the safety of my arms. Katy made tea as I held Ashley, allowing her to weep. I had no idea what was going on, except I knew it was big.
Mixed with the curiosity, the worry, and the suddenness of it, was the grim satisfaction that with Luc away, it was me she turned to for help. It gave me a sliver of hope for our relationship. She had been so angry with me the last time we saw each other, I had stepped back, giving her space to determine the next move. I had gone about it all wrong, so I was leaving it to her to reconnect. Hoping, praying, that she would do so. I hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.
Her hand shook as she held out the letter, and I accepted it, wrapping my fingers around hers.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Whatever’s in this letter, we’ll figure it out.”
Katy stood, pulling a blanket off the back of the sofa and draping it around Ashley’s shoulders. “Have some tea, Ashley. You’re shivering.” She fussed, her voice low and soothing. Ashley took the cup she offered, giving Katy a tremulous smile. I had a feeling she needed that maternal touch right now.
I stood and took the letter, reading it silently. The shock waves that ran over me as I read it were constant. Reading Juliet’s words, her fears, her struggles, and her guilt ate at me. The fact that she had been in love with me wasn’t a shock, yet seeing the words made me uncomfortable. Back then, I had no idea what love was. I couldn’t accept it in any form. I didn’t understand it.
I hadn’t been a good man. I was never given to kindness or sentimentality. How she saw anything but the cold, distant man in me, I had no idea.
I finished the letter and folded the papers, approaching the sofa. “May I read the other one?”
Ashley nodded. “It’s addressed to you.”
I took it, opening the flap, the glue long dried and gone. It was simple and brief.
Darling Richard,
Since you prefer to cut to the chase, I will do so as well. I’m pregnant with your child. I want nothing from you, although my greatest hope is that you will rejoice in this news as strongly as I am and be part of our child’s life. That is all I ask. To be a family.
I realize this has come as a shock to you—I assure you it did to me as well—but I hope once the shock passes, you will get in touch.
I love you.
Juliet
I sat down, silent. I took the cup Katy handed me, sipping the hot, sweet liquid. She’d added sugar. Katy always added sugar when she thought someone was in shock. She insisted it helped, and I never had been able to convince her otherwise.
I handed Ashley the note. She read it quickly, then offered it back to me. I gave it to Katy, who read it and slipped it back into the envelope.
“Don’t hate her,” Ashley whispered.
I turned to her, taking her hands. I was glad to feel they were warmer now and the shaking had eased. But her eyes were still glossy, the fear and anxiety in them clear.
“She made a huge error in judgment…” She trailed off, then cleared her throat. “She was young and afraid.”
“I don’t hate her, sweetheart. I’m not angry. I’m sorry for her pain and worry.” I touched her cheek. “Your mother was right not to tell me. I wasn’t a nice man, and the chances were, I would have rebuffed her. I would have had nothing to do with you—emotionally, at least. I would have demanded a paternity test after you were born and given her money once it was confirmed. But I wouldn’t have been there for her—or for you.”
She blinked at my honesty.
“I have no idea how I would have reacted if she had approached me later. I probably would have offered support and not tried to take you away from your mother—at least, I would like to think so.” I glanced at Katy, who smiled and nodded in reassurance.
“But your mother was scared.” I barked out a humorless laugh. “She had seen what I could do. How ruthless I could be. I don’t blame her for being frightened. I’m only sorry her fears made your life harder. That she carried this guilt and responsibility alone.” I sighed, rubbing my eyes, feeling the weariness of the emotion draining me. “That I never got to know you growing up. I would have liked that.”