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20RICHARDGraham arrived, Laura with him, shortly before four. Katy was greeting them as I rolled around the corner. We regarded one anotherin silence as they hugged her and Gracie, and Laura inquired about Heather. I moved the chair forward and extended my hand.“Graham.”He shook my hand, his grip firm. Laura leaned down and brushed my cheek with her lips.“You are looking well.” “I feel well.”Katy laid her hand on my shoulder and squeezed. Reaching up, I grasped it like a lifeline.“I made coffee,” she said.“We bake cookies!” Gracie exclaimed, tugging on Laura’s hand. “Come, Nana L, come hab cookies!”Laura hesitated, and I smiled grimly. “I’d like a moment with Graham alone if that’s okay. Maybe you can visit with the girls for a while and join us?” I sighed. “I have something I’d like to say to you as well, Laura.”She crossed her arms. “So do I.”Graham followed me to the back of the house. He stopped in the family room, looking at the equipment.“Impressive,” he said. He wa
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He drew in a deep breath. “I don’t know if I can ever drive again. I have trouble getting in a car.”“I know that feeling. I get stressed too. But I’m working through it with Randy. Come back, and we’ll work on it together.”“Yeah?” He sounded dubious.“Yes. Your uncle wants you back, and so do I.” I was surprised to realize I was telling the truth.He sighed, the sound deep and filled with pain.“Don’t let that guy’s bad choices dictate your life, Brad. Don’t do it.You’ll regret it one day.”“Okay. The cast comes off next week. I’ll talk to Graham about coming back.”“Good man.”“Can I come see you?”“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. Gracie would be too.” “I like her. She’s a cute kid. Smart as a whip.”I grinned into the phone.“Of course she is. She’s mine.”looked at the piece of equipment in front of me with thinly disguised disgust. I pushed it away.“Walkers are for old people.”“Or people recovering from spinal injuries,” Colin retorted calmly, pushing the offending walker
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21RICHARDI scream from the house startled me as Katy rushed out the back door. There was no thought, no pain, and no effort in my movements. Iwas on my feet and headed to the water. In seconds, I was in the pool, grabbing Heather and lifting her to the side. Katy knelt at the edge, taking her from me.I pulled myself from the water, dripping, panicked, and terrified. Katy lifted Heather over her knee, patting her back.“We need an ambulance. Where’s my phone?” I managed to get out. “Where is my fucking phone?” I yelled.Gracie gasped from beside me. “Daddy, bad word!”I spied my phone behind Katy and reached for it as Heather began to cough and sputter, spewing water onto the pool decking. Then she started to wail loudly.It was the sweetest noise I had ever heard.“Oh fuck,” I muttered. “Thank fuck. I’ll call Mrs. Thomas, and we’ll take her to the doctor.”“She’s fine. She swallowed some water.” Katy lifted Heather to her shoulder, soothing her. Katy’s eyes were huge in her face.
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TWO WEEKS LATERToday’s the big day, eh?” Maddox’s voice filled my closet.“Yeah,” I said, tugging on my shirt. “Brad went back to work last week, and today is my first day back.”“You’re not jumping in full time, are you?”“No. I’ll work from home too, the way I have been the last couple of weeks.” I selected a tie—Katy’s favorite one since I had worn it when we got married—and flipped up my shirt collar as I tied the knot. “But it’s time to start back. I’m a lot stronger, and I need to get back into a routine.” I chuckled. “And Katy needs me out of her hair.”He laughed. “I am sure Dee would sympathize with her. I drove her crazy when I was recovering.”There was a commotion in the background—voices and the sound of a loudspeaker, then it cut off as suddenly as it started.“Where are you?” I asked.“Sorry. I walked into the building. The café is busy, and I stepped back out. I have a meeting outside the office.”“Love those.”“Yeah. Listen, I wanted to call and wish you the best for
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That one had a picture of me holding my girls. It was my favorite.All of them made me smile.But one made me throw back my head in amusement.The memories it brought back made my body tighten.There was no doubt who was responsible. My smart-mouthed, brilliant, wonderful Katy.I looked up to see her standing on the driveway, wearing a large grin. “Care to explain?” I asked, walking toward her.“A little welcome home after your first day back.”I laughed, indicating the yard. “I’m not sure all the neighbors needed to be in on the occasion.”She waved her hand behind her. “I think I’d disagree.” I turned and gaped at the people waiting.Graham and Laura. Jenna and Adrian. Adam, Julia, and their kids. Brad and June. Colin. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Other neighbors.The entire BAM office. Bentley, Aiden, Maddox, Reid, and their spouses. Sandy was with them, smiling broadly at me.That explained the noise I heard when Maddox talked to me this morning. He was at the airport, coming here to surp
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She giggled and patted the bed. “Why don’t you come over here and let me decide that.” Her smile grew wider. “Maybe we can disprove the myth that Santa only comes once a year.”I didn’t need a second invitation. I stepped closer to the bed. “Well, fucking ho, ho, ho to me.”I gazed down at Katy, unable to stop my leer. Her shapely legs were encased in silky sheer stockings that stopped mid-thigh with a frill of lace. The red and green stripes emphasized the curves. Her transparent camisole was trimmed in white fake fur and held together with a small bow, which wasn’t going to last long. Her full breasts spilled over the lace, her nipples already hard under the thin, diaphanous fabric. She bent her knee back, her bare pussy already glistening in the low light.“You lost your panties, elf.”She shook her head. “I was saving you time.” “How…thoughtful of you.”Her eyes gleamed. “They were just getting all…wet anyway.” I braced my arms on the bed, grinning at her. “Is that a fact?”Her vo
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She looked excited and nervous all at the same time. Her fingers twisted and clenched on her lap. Her toes wiggled in anticipation.“Must be some present. You’re practically vibrating.” “It is.”“Not a new tie or some funky Maddox-like socks?” I teased her.She shook her head, if anything, looking more nervous now than excited.I grinned. “Okay, Mrs. VanRyan. Lay it on me.”She reached into the drawer and pulled out a small bag. It was festive and glittery, tissue paper hiding the contents. She slipped it into my waiting hands. “Merry Christmas, Richard.”I pulled on the tissue paper and opened a small package. It revealed a ball of yellow fluff. I frowned in confusion. It was too small to be a scarf, and the color was pastel. I fingered the wool, noting the softness.“Ah,” I muttered. “It’s a…?” I let my voice trail off and looked up at Katy. Her eyes were damp, and she was biting her lip in one of her nervous tells.“Look closer.”I pulled on the ball, more confused as it separated
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Life is good for Richard VanRyan.His family is growing. His life is rich. He has everything he could desire, and he is blessed with all he never knew he needed.Until the day his past shows up and tosses a grenade into his future.What happens when the man you used to be casts a shadow over the man you are today?Can the two worlds merge in peace, or will one cause the other to splinter?Can forgiveness be earned or does it come with too high a price?RICHARDT wilight was closing in all around as I stood on the deck, gazing over the water. The last echoes of daylight caught the movement of the ocean,the never-ending kaleidoscope of colors swirling under the fading light.I sipped my scotch, appreciating the smooth, rich flavor as it slipped down my throat. I contemplated my life as I watched daylight bleed into night— Katy’s favorite time of day. It always seemed so odd that someone so filled with light should prefer the inkiness of dark around her, but that was my Katy. Zigging wh
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A my pulled off a miracle and, in ten minutes, had chocolate milk and a donut for Gracie. She sat with her, stitching her skirt as I changed into another suit, grateful my shirt had been spared the splatter. I sat down, sipping my coffee in appreciation. It was rare Amy brought me a cup, so when she did, I enjoyed it. I looked at the schedule. “Can we switch any of this?”“I already changed what I could. I have explained to the clients, and they are fine for a more casual meeting in your office.”I scrubbed my chin, realizing I hadn’t shaved today. “Okay. I’ll do my best. Can Gracie sit with you for a bit?”She shook her head. “Today is the training on the new software, Richard. If I miss it again, I won’t get another chance. I’ll only be gone two hours. I’m sure everything will be fine.”“Anyone else kid-friendly?”Again, she shook her head. “We’re all scheduled. And we’re already short. We’re swamped.”“I’ll be good, Daddy,” Gracie said, slipping off the sofa and twirling. Her skirt
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TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER TO WORK DAYRICHARDI sat down next to Katy, chuckling as she moved her coffee cup out of my reach. Or at least thought she did. I leaned over and nuzzled her neck.“You smell so good, my Katy,” I murmured, darting my tongue out to taste her.She shivered, and I reached across her, grabbing her cup and sitting back in my chair, triumphant. I took a long, appreciative sip. “Ah, delicious.”She huffed out an annoyed breath. “There is a full pot, Richard. Why do you always have to steal mine?”“It tastes better. I keep telling you that.” “It’s the same coffee!”I shook my head. “Your lips touched the mug, my wife. It’s far sweeter.” Her annoyance turned into amusement.“You think you can sweet-talk me?”I tilted my head, studying her. “Isn’t it working?”She began to laugh. “Such a cheeseball.” She chuffed Heather under the chin, smiling as our baby kicked her feet against the high chair. “Your daddy is such a cheeseball.”“An incredibly good-looking, sexy cheeseball,
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ASHLEYRichard—Dad—peeked out into the room where Luc and I would exchange our vows. The space was decorated with flowers and pine, the scent filling the air. I hadn’t wanted an over-the-top Christmas theme, but I went with gold, ivory, and burgundy and some fir and evergreen to add to the mix.He returned to my side and tucked my arm through the crook of his. He patted my hand in comfort. “Luc is there. Pacing like a lion.”I chuckled. “He does that when he’s anxious and there isn’t a keyboard around to work on.”He nodded in understanding. “He’s waiting for you.” “I hope he’s not disappointed,” I admitted.He gaped at me. “How can you say that, Ashley? You’re absolutely gorgeous. You took my breath away.”I smiled, feeling self-conscious. “I like simple things,” I admitted. “Clean lines, not a lot of fuss. My dress is pretty plain in comparison to some.”“I like your style. It’s classic and beautiful. It suits you, and you look exquisite. He is going to be blown away.”I felt my che
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RICHARDI straightened my tie, glancing in the mirror. My cowlick was acting up today, and I ran my fingers through my hair repeatedly, trying to tamp itdown. I had no idea why I was feeling so nervous—I had done this before and knew my part. Walk her down the aisle, say a few words, then sit beside Katy.But today felt different. As if I had finally finished a long walk and could rest.The door opened, and Katy slipped out, smiling. She walked toward me, lovely in a green dress, her hair swept up. Her dress was longer than usual, but there was a slit on one side that showed off her shapely leg as she walked. I loved her legs.I held out my hand. “You look stunning, sweetheart.”She smiled. “Wait until you see Ashley, Richard. She is so beautiful, it’s beyond words.”“Is she okay?”“Nervous,” she replied, laughing lightly. “Worried Luc won’t show.”I joined in her amusement. “He’s been champing at the bit all day. We could barely get him to eat or concentrate on the game. They’re bot
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EPILOGUEA FEW MONTHS LATERASHLEYM y phone rang, and I smiled as I picked it up. “Luc,” I answered. “Hello.”“Hey, love. Listen, I got invited to a dinner on Friday. I checked your schedule, and you have no events. Will you come with me?”“Of course,” I replied. “Where is it?”He chuckled. “Of all places, the winery.”I laughed with him. “Shoreline? Great.” I loved that place.“Actually, they had some extra spots, so I asked Heather and Reed as well. It’ll make it more fun.”“Sounds good.”“It’s semiformal, so I need a suit, and you need a pretty dress.”“Pretty sure I’ve got that covered,” I said dryly, thinking of the closet at home with all the dresses I used when I worked events.“I kinda want to treat you to a new one.” “Luc,” I scolded. “I have plenty.”“I might have already bought you one. I saw it when I was out to lunch, and it just looked like you. You’ll wear it for me, right?” He paused. “Please?”I couldn’t say no to this man. Ever. “Yes, I’ll wear it for you.”“Perfect
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Matthew shook his head. “Not my fault Mom and Dad kept having kids until they got one they liked. Me. You notice they finally stopped. Deal with it.”Everyone chuckled, but I felt the flicker of worry. “I’m not trying to—”Matthew waved his hand. “It’s inevitable. You’re new. You’re going to find all of Dad’s stupid jokes funny. All of his old ad stories fascinating. His anecdotes clever. You’re fresh meat.” He patted me on the arm. “It’ll wear off. Soon, you’ll find him as boring as we do. You’ll fall in rank too.”Richard sputtered. “I’m not boring. Your mother doesn’t find me boring, do you, Katy?”Katy looked at me with a not-so-subtle wink. “Never.”“You laugh at my jokes! You love my stories!” he protested, looking aghast.Matthew snorted. “It’s habit, Dad. Face it. Boring. I’m telling you—you’re not all that and a bag of potato chips.”I tried not to laugh at Richard’s expression. Jaxson was smirking, trying to hide his amusement. Reed was shoveling eggs into his mouth like a s
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32ASHLEYK aty and Richard left not long afterward, making me promise to call if I changed my mind. Richard wasn’t happy about leaving, and his genuineconcern touched my heart. It felt nice to be worried about by a parental figure.It felt nice not to hate him.I sat on the sofa, rereading my mother’s letter. Richard had left his envelope behind, and after a while, I slipped both letters into the manila envelope and put them back where I found them. I would replace the glass for the picture tomorrow and return it to my nightstand. The letters belonged with the pictures. They showed me growing up with my mom, and her story was connected to those pictures. I would keep them together.Luc called when he took a break, his voice concerned when I answered. “Ashley, love, you called? Is everything okay?”“I’m fine,” I assured him, then told him everything that had transpired.“Holy shit,” he muttered a few times during my explanation, otherwise remaining silent and letting me talk.When I
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3 1ASHLEYT hey arrived in record time, both looking concerned. I had read my mom’s entire letter, often crying at points, feeling her fear, her regret,and her love in the words. She said so many things to me in the letter that she had felt yet never expressed. She regretted that and begged me never to do the same thing.If you love someone, tell them. If you have things to share, say them. Don’t live with regrets. Don’t make my mistakes. I loved you so much and never told you enough. Never showed you enough. That was how I was raised, and I should have done it differently.She had done it differently. I always knew I was loved, although I had always longed for more hugs and kisses. More cuddles and bedtime stories. I never knew how deeply her feelings ran. I always wondered if she regretted having me. Her letter had laid that to rest. She raised me the only way she knew how, although I suspected she showed me more affection than her parents had shown her. She had struggled daily to
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30ASHLEYA couple of days later, I looked around at the few unpacked boxes Luc had brought over before he’d left on his business trip. His clothes nowhung in the closet, his T-shirts and underwear in the dresser Joyce had left behind and we had moved into my—our—bedroom. He hadn’t brought any furniture, laughing and shaking his head as he assured me none of it was salvageable after the years of him and his wild roommates abusing it.“We’ll pick out some new pieces together when we’re ready.”Joyce had left her few pieces of furniture behind, taking only her clothes and personal items. I had offered to buy them, but she refused, saying she was happy to know they were being used and to consider them a gift. So, the spare room was now a guest room, and I didn’t have to replace the side tables or the TV stand. The sofa and chair, I had purchased, as well as the TV, so it was an easy transition for everyone.It was hard saying goodbye to her, but she was so excited, I couldn’t be sad. Th
