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16RICHARDH alton shook my hand and kissed Katy on the cheek. He indicated the chairs by his desk.“Sit,” he said.The days waiting for the test results had seemed endless. Katy and I tried to function as if everything was normal. At times, we almost achieved it.Gracie and Jaxson confirmed that she was pregnant. I hugged my daughter, holding her close.“What amazing news, my girl,” I said enthusiastically. “Everything okay? You’re feeling all right? Jaxson looking after you?”She had laughed. “He barely lets me do anything, Dad. I’m fine. The doctor says everything is good.”Jaxson rolled his eyes. “As if I wouldn’t look after her, Richard?” I slapped him on the back. “Just checking.”I watched Katy hug Gracie, tears of happiness in her eyes. It made me smile to see her excitement. “There’re gonna be babies everywhere.” I chuckled. “We’ll never be home with all the visiting.”Jaxson laughed. “You love it.” “Yeah, I do.”“You’re okay now?” he asked in a low voice.“Yeah, I’m fine,” I
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1 7ASHLEYA couple of days later, my feet pounded the pavement, rhythmic and smooth. My heartbeat was fast but steady. I kept my focus on my stride,blocking out everything else.The moment Luc walked out, I regretted letting him. I wanted to run after him, beg him to come back. To hold me. To help me stop the anger that was choking me, obliterating everything else in my life. To help me sort out my feelings.But I didn’t. I remained locked in place, my hands clutching the counter behind me as if to stop myself. I heard the squeal of his tires as he left. I had never known him to be angry, although some part of me knew I deserved his ire.I stopped on the trail, taking in deep breaths, then pulled my water from my belt and swallowed some of the cool liquid. Wiping my brow, I checked my pulse. I had been running for a while. Luckily, I had already turned back toward the house. Switching up my pace, I began to walk quickly, needing a bit of a breather. My head was always clearer when I
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18ASHLEYL uc pushed me gently in the direction of my room. “Go shower and change.”“But—”He shook his head. “I’ll be right here. I’m going to make you a bagel and some tea.”I loved bagels. I always kept a supply in my freezer. They were perfect for breakfast, snacks, sandwiches—everything.“Okay. I won’t be long.”He kissed the end of my nose. “I’ll wait.”I stood in place, looking at him. Smiling in understanding, he stroked my cheek. “It’s all right, love. I’m not going anywhere.”Comforted, I took a shower and changed, pinning my hair up on my head and choosing casual pants and a shirt.I found Luc in the kitchen, a steaming cup of tea waiting and a bagel smothered in cream cheese on a plate. He pushed it toward me, bringing a plate for himself and sitting next to me. We munched in silence, his presence a calming balm to my soul. He watched me eat, tsking when I stopped after half.“A little more. Bagels are your favorites.”I shook my head. “My appetite is off.”He sighed, tak
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19LUCA shley slept beside me, tucked tight against my body. She was exhausted from the emotional upheaval of the past while and especially from ourfight the other day. I never should have walked away, but she pushed and I gave in to the anger I was feeling. I should have stuck to my guns and let her spew her fury and hatred toward the people I considered family until she wore herself out, but instead, I left her to figure it out for herself. I walked away before I said something I regretted and damaged our still-new relationship beyond repair.That was a mistake I wouldn’t make again. I would stay and fight. Make her listen. She meant too much to me.The day I met her changed my life. Normally one to shun such things, I had attended an event my company was hosting because my new boss asked me to.“Just dinner and a few handshakes. Meet some clients you’ll be interacting with. You can slip out early.”I couldn’t refuse.I had to admit, it was a well-run event. The food was tasty, an
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20RICHARDT he clink of the ice in my glass brought me out of my musings. Curled up in the corner of the sofa, Katy watched me with concerned eyes.“Are you going to drink that or just let the ice melt?” she murmured.I set the glass down on the side table and tugged on my cowlick. “Not much in the mood for it right now,” I confessed.“You’ve been in your head since we left Halton’s earlier today,” she said. “I know. Lousy company. Sorry.”She leaned forward, resting her hand on my leg. “Don’t apologize. But I want you to talk to me.”I sighed. I had been quiet on the drive home from Halton’s office, lost in my thoughts. I’d gone for a run, avoided my friends, shut myself in the office I had here, and pretended to work. Tried to shut off the constant barrage of worries in my head.It hadn’t worked.I had picked at my dinner, then switched on the fireplace, and we had sat in silence, Katy knowing I needed to work through things in my head before talking.Except, this time, I couldn’t
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21RICHARDT he day after meeting with Ashley in Halton’s office, Gracie and Jaxson came to our house, holding hands. Gracie looked anxious, and I bentand kissed her cheek. “Hey, baby girl.” “Dad,” she responded.“Mom has coffee. I thought we’d talk in the kitchen. She made you some herbal tea since you’re off caffeine right now.”She offered me a tight smile. “Kylie with Addi and Bray?”“Yes, the girls are playing together,” Jaxson said with a grin. “Well, Kylie is bossing her littler cousin around, more like it.”I chuckled. “She’s not that bad. They play well together.”“I still don’t know why you asked us to come alone,” Gracie said, her voice worried.“No great mystery there. Mom and I needed some privacy with you to talk.”“That’s what makes this so freaking scary,” she muttered and headed to the kitchen.I looked at Jaxson, who shrugged. “I told you earlier, she’s emotional. She was when she was pregnant with Kylie, and this time, it’s a bit worse.” He put his hand on my shoul
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RICHARDL ater that afternoon, I told Penny, Gavin, and Matthew on a joint Zoom call. Heather was still on her honeymoon, and I didn’t want to interruptthat. I would tell her when she arrived home.Once again, Katy was beside me, calm and supportive. Gavin frowned at my news, shaking his head when Penny asked if he recalled meeting her at Heather’s wedding.“Sorry, Princess Peepee, I was busy dancing with my wife and having a good time. I vaguely recall meeting a pretty girl with Luc—” he admitted, scratching his head — “but nothing concrete. She was tall, I think.”“Stop calling me that.” “Nope. It suits you.”“Then get it right. It’s Lady Peepee. And I can’t believe you met our half sister and have nothing to report.”“I said she was tall. I didn’t know she was related. I would have taken more notes.”“Fat lot of good you are to me.”He chuckled then sobered. “Dad, I don’t know what you want me to say.”I ran a hand through my hair, grateful for their usual banter. “I don’t expect
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I t was late and, unable to sleep, I rolled out of bed, careful not to disturb Katy. I doubted she was asleep, but her eyes were shut, and I knew thatmeant she didn’t want to engage. I had to allow her that, even though I was desperate to talk more. I knew she was exhausted. We both were.I slipped on my robe and headed downstairs. I wandered the house a little, memories flooding my head. When the kids were younger, they loved coming here. The openness, the freedom this compound gave them. They were able to wander and explore. There was always someone to play with, someone to talk to. At times, this place felt more like home than BC did, simply because of the people and the closeness of the group.I poured a splash of scotch into a glass, frowning as a thought occurred to me, unbidden.Ashley had never experienced anything like this. A big family. Safety.I shut my eyes as the conversations from earlier today drifted through my head. Gracie’s anger, Gavin’s support, Penny’s and Matth
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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
