Before We Knew

by Wasowski, Mary

  He let out a surprised huff and said, “Apology accepted.” He grinned and continued with, “I bet that stung a little.”

  “I’ll live. I’m getting used to swallowing my pride when it comes to you.”

  “Ouch! I didn’t even feel that one. You have any more you want to hit me with?” he said with a satisfied expression.

  “I’ll think of a few while I’m on the plane.” The tension that was there a few minutes ago was now gone, and we were both laughing. We arrived at the hangar, and the driver retrieved my bag from the trunk. “Thanks, father. I really appreciate you doing this on such short notice. And, again, I’m sorry for being an ass.”

  “You’re in love and worried about your girl, but I think she’s stronger than you think. Have a good trip, and I will see you when you return.”

  “I’m on my way,” I said to Hallie. “I just wanted to call before we take off.”

  “You are going to be so tired by the time you get here, especially with the time change.”

  “Don’t worry about me. How are you?” I asked.

  “Tired. I went through all the mail and sorted it into piles. Nothing too important. I took a ride to UNC today, and admissions have been put on hold for my next year abroad. So London better be a go? Or will I be without a college this term?”

  “No, you’re all set. My father told me it’s all been arranged, and even though I told him no, he is working on housing for us.”

  “You know what? I don’t even care. If he wants to run the show, I say let him. It’s a lot more than what I’m getting here. And, yes, I heard the words come from my mouth. Who would ever think Oliver Chapel would be giving me support?”

  “Yeah, it’s like a daily surprise with him lately, but I get what you mean. It’s going to be okay. I promise. The doors are closing. I’ll see you in about ten hours. Keep my side of the bed warm, because I’m going to want some time with my beautiful wife-to-be.”

  “Future wife, I love when I hear those words Ben,” she giggled.

  “Yeah, get used to that,” I said back. I powered down my phone and covered my eyes with a sleep mask, knowing I was ready to crash. I was emotionally tired and just felt depleted after the last few months spent in London.

  Hallie has been my rock through it all, and now I have to be there for her with Leah and Harry. I don’t care what I have to do to convince them this is the right decision for us. They’re too close and love each other so much not work this out between them.

  39

  Listen

  Hallie…

  “Thanks for coming over and bringing these papers for me. Can I get you a cup of coffee? Or anything to drink?” I asked Mr. Doyle as he took a seat at my kitchen island.

  “No, I’m fine. So, per your request, I have allocated a transfer of funds to be deposited into a school account to use in London. Peter Hallsworth has been in contact, and he sent me the paperwork for the University of London. It’s all in order, and you are set to begin on September 3rd. I have to admit, he worked pretty fast, even for my standards.”

  “Yeah, well you just experienced the ‘Oliver Chapel change your life in under a week’ program.”

  “You’re very funny and right. So, let me ask you a question: How’s your sister handling all of this? I’m sure it has to be tough, knowing you are going to be so far away.”

  “Yeah, we’re not talking right now, but Ben is on his way, and he will help me with Leah.”

  “Good luck to Ben, because the Leah I know is not going to make it easy on you two. Just be gentle with her. It’s only been you two for a long time, and now she’s married, and you are moving to another country. It’s a lot to take in and get used to.”

  “I know it is, but it would also be nice if she could meet me halfway and just talk to me without judgment. It hurts, and I expected her support.”

  “You have it, Hallie. Just give her some time. Anyway, what do you want to do with the house? It’s not recommended for it to just sit here empty. We can rent out, or we can explore the option of selling?”

  “I’m not ready to sell, and I can’t picture someone else living here right now, so it’s going to have to be empty until I can talk to Leah and come up with a plan.”

  “Fair enough. You will be in touch and let me know what you decide?”

  “Yes, or Harry will.”

  “Sounds good. If there is anything else you need, I’m just a phone call away.”

  I walked him to the door, and to my surprise, Leah was standing on the other side with her hand in mid-air to knock.

  “Hi, Leah, what a great surprise,” he smiled a little too cheery for my liking, and I had a feeling I was about to be ambushed. I watched the two exchange a few words, and then he waved at me as he sprinted down my walkway to his car.

  “Hi” was the only word I could come up with, considering she hasn’t returned any one of my calls or texts.

  “May I come in?” she asked.

  “You’re asking as if you need permission to come into your own home. Yes, come in,” I said, and still she didn’t move. “What?” I asked, waiting for Leah to come inside.

  “I just didn’t think that I would be welcomed since I behaved so badly.”

  I left the door open and walked back into the kitchen to pour Leah a cup of coffee. I held it in my hand and raised it up as my version of a white flag surrender. “Please, come inside,” I said, and then she finally did and closed the door behind her.

  “Thank you for the coffee and not slamming the door in my face.”

  “Well, it’s too pretty, and that only happens in the movies. I’m far less dramatic.” She took a sip of her coffee, and the ice slowly melted and we became us again.

  “I’m sorry, Hallie, and I know I’ve been saying that a lot lately, but I really am. You are amazing and such a bright girl with an even brighter future. You are just taking life by the horns and running with the bulls. I can barely keep up with you. Come here,” she said and then brought me in for a hug. She took my face in her hands and said, “I love you so much, and I want you to go to London and be just as amazing as you are here. I am going to miss you like crazy and probably Skype with you a lot, so don’t ignore my calls. And you have to promise to visit when you can and have a spare room for me when I visit with Harry and the baby. It will be a while for that, but I just want you to be prepared.”

  “Oh, thank you, Leah. I promise it’s going to be great. And you know you can always stay with us, and knowing Ben, our place will be huge. I’m hungry. Do you want to order a pizza?” I pulled out the menus from the junk drawer, and then I turned around to my sister cradling her stomach. “Oh my god! You’re pregnant?”

  And then she lifted her shirt to reveal the cutest baby bump ever. “I am, due in January.”

  I then did the math in my head and covered my mouth to stop from laughing. “You were knocked up on your wedding day?”

  “Yup! I told you that Harry was hungry for kids, and he couldn’t wait any longer and asked me to stop taking the pill. I got a check-up, and it was all good. Dr. Crienton gave me the all clear, and once I told Harry, I swear I was pregnant in a matter of days following my appointment. Or he has superpower swimmers. I don’t know. I just know I’m pregnant, and it’s another reason why my hormones have been out of whack more than they usually are.”

  “I can’t believe this is happening! I am really happy for you and Harry.”

  “Thank you, it’s a great thing. Anyway, I didn’t tell you to make you feel bad about leaving. It’s what I wanted to tell you so many times over the phone, but I didn’t know how after we argued, and for that, I’m sorry.”

  “I think we have had enough apologies to last us for the next ten years, so new subject.”

  “I believe you requested pizza? And I’m always hungry these days, so order two pies.” She picked up the menu and looked at the choices.

  “Leah…” I said.

  “Yeah?” she answered without taking her eyes off
the menu. “Mmm, I want pepperoni.”

  “Leah, can we hold off on the food for a minute? I have to know something first.”

  “Okay, what is it?”

  “When we last talked, you said I was making a mistake? And I have to be honest when I say that hurt me deeply. I know we’ve had our fights before, and some of them were pretty big ones, but this one hurt me, like totally gutted my insides.”

  “Yeah, well my little sister telling me that she’s engaged and now moving to London kind of gutted me too. Listen, it was a shock, and I’ll admit that I didn’t handle it all that well, but that’s over now. You have my blessing, little sis. You are not making a mistake, and one more apology for the road: I’m sorry for ever making you feel that way. Now, can you feed me? I’m hungry, and my Apple watch is literally timed to a food schedule.”

  “Hug me first, and then you can have your pizza.”

  Leah spent the entire day with me. We talked so much about a million and one subjects. Harry came over after he was done in court and ate the leftovers while we waited for Ben to arrive. Leah took a power nap, and then I ordered more food, knowing my guy would be hungry after his long flight.

  “Honey, I’m home,” I heard Ben call out as he entered the house. I was so excited I could barely hold it together.

  I called out, “In the kitchen.”

  He walked in, and we all shouted “Welcome home” as I jumped into Ben’s arms to give him a kiss. I missed him so much it was ridiculous.

  “Hey, beautiful girl, how are you?” he almost whispered, but since he was greeted by a welcoming committee, he knew I worked things out with Leah. He kissed me again and then put me down to say hello to Leah and Harry. They all hugged each other, and Leah began crying.

  “Did I do something wrong?” Ben asked in confusion.

  “Oh, don’t mind my wife. She’s just knocked up,” Harry happily said, earning a smack on his arm from Leah.

  “Real smooth, husband,” she said and leaned up on her tip toes to give him a kiss.

  “Congratulations, mate. I’m really happy for you. And come here, you,” he said and gave my sister a big hug.

  I knew Ben was exhausted from traveling all day, but he would never say. He spent the next few hours catching up with Harry and telling Leah all about his mom, London, and my school plans.

  Harry weighed in on Ben’s options to take over Innovate Now. He brought up some good points and offered to look over any legal paperwork if Ben needed help. He seemed a little more comfortable since we last talked about it. I’m so happy I was here to help.

  “Oh, I’m bloody tired,” Ben said as we got ready for bed.

  “I’m sorry they stayed so long.”

  “No worries. I’m just happy you and your sister are on speaking terms again. You need one another, and now with the baby on the way, distance should be the last thing between you two.”

  “You’re right,” I said as I got in bed and snuggled close to Ben. I looked up, and my guy was already asleep. I kissed him and turned off the light. “I love you, Ben. Pleasant dreams.”

  The following couple of weeks were spent packing up what I wanted to send to London, and the rest went into Leah and Harry’s garage. Leah thought it would be better if we rented the house, and it took literally three days to find the perfect tenant. Harry totally went overboard vetting the family. It turns out they were originally from the U.K., and the husband's company relocated him to Cary, and he will be working in RTP at one of the big banks. His wife was so sweet and down-to-earth. They had a baby on the way and were thankful to have found a furnished home to get them started.

  We signed the papers on a one-year lease, and they would be moving in on Sunday. Ben and I agreed to spend our last night with Leah and Harry at their place. We ordered in and played an intense game of Monopoly, which Harry literally wiped us out with all the property he owned on the board. Ben called him a shark, and by the time it was over, my sister was asleep on the couch. It was all good and the perfect night to spend with my family. Ben caught up with his friends and went out a few times, catching up and making plans for Oz and Drucker to come out and visit over winter break.

  Ben’s father sent the jet for us, but I was still nervous about today. I checked and double-checked our luggage and made sure I had my passport. I was so nervous, it felt like I was climbing out of my skin. Ben wrapped his arms around me and did what he always does: made it alright.

  “Are we really doing this?” I asked, leaning back into him.

  “If it’s what you really want, then yes, London awaits.

  “I know I want you, and the rest…” I shrugged my shoulders and said, “We will figure it out as we go. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds perfect.”

  “Okay, take a breath and hold back the tears until I’m in the car and down the street. It was our deal, right?” I said to Leah, and she was trying so hard to be strong, but I knew she was close to cracking. Harry was there to support her as Ben was there for me.

  She hugged me so tight, I thought my neck was sprained. “I love you, kid. Promise me that you are going to be awesome.”

  “I promise. And take care of my niece or nephew. I love you three so much, and I don’t want you to worry about me, because I have Ben, and we’re going to be okay.”

  “Deal. Now, get out of here before I break our deal. I’m on the verge, Hallie, and it’s getting really hard to hold back the tears.”

  “So don’t,” I said, and we cried on each other’s shoulders until Ben told me it was time to leave.

  Harry promised he would take care of my sister and for me not to worry. When our car left, I felt as if I was leaving a part of myself behind, and in a way, I was.

  I spent my entire life here in Cary, and when you’re young, you don’t ever imagine living anywhere else. And now I’m about to move to London with the man I’m going to marry someday. It’s all too surreal but amazing at the same time.

  We boarded the plane, and Ben held my hand as we took off and got settled in the air. Once we were clear, he unfastened my seatbelt and pulled me onto his lap. “Hmmm, you smell nice. How do you feel?”

  “Loved. I can’t wait for what comes next for us,” I said as Ben kissed my neck.

  “Good, because you are, and I’m going to make all of your dreams come true.”

  Part III

  Hallie and Ben’s story began two years before they would ever meet.

  It’s been one revelation after another on the path to falling in love.

  Now, follow Hallie and Ben all the way to London.

  Find out what awaits them as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

  40

  Welcome to your new life

  Ben…

  “You okay, love?” I asked Hallie as we drove up to the path that led to my parents’ home. I knew she was tired from the traveling and the emotional week with saying goodbye to her family. It’s never easy saying goodbye to people you care about, but I promised her that it wouldn’t be forever.

  “I’m fine, Ben, and I was fine five minutes ago when you asked me,” she giggled and squeezed my hand. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, everything is fine. I’m just a little on edge.”

  “Ben, stop worrying about your father. Weren’t you the one that spent the last three days convincing me that I had nothing to worry about?”

  “Yes, I believe that was me, and we’re fine.”

  “Good, because we’re here, and look over there, because it appears we have a welcoming committee.”

  “Lovely, and a banner too!” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t look away, because it was great.

  My mother was holding a welcome home sign with my father assisting her. She was getting stronger by the day and hardly needed to use her cane, but my father was still cautious and overprotective. He was literally standing behind her just in case he had to catch her if she stumbled.

  The driver parked the car, and I reached for Hallie
’s hand as we both stepped out. My mom immediately took her in for a hug, and then it was my turn. My father wasn’t there yet with public affection, so he just shook her hand and slapped me on my back.

  “I trust you had a good flight?” he asked.

  “Yes, Nigel is an exceptional pilot.” I rolled my eyes again and grabbed our bags to bring them inside.

  “Ben, leave them for the staff. Come, we have much to discuss.” My father gestured with his hand. Here we go. I swear I’m not here five minutes in his presence, and he’s already calling the shots.

  “You know, that’s okay. We’re kind of tired and want to freshen up before dinner. Can we talk later?” I asked, and he huffed out some air, but then agreed we would meet later to catch up. I carried our bags upstairs to our room and fell down to the bed, groaning in a pillow. “Tell me again why this is a good idea?”

  “It’s a good idea, and it’s only until we move into our place tomorrow, which I am very excited to see. You’ve been great so far, and I’m very proud of you. Just hang in there a little longer, okay? For me?”

  “Only for you. Come here and give me some love.” I crooked my finger and Hallie came right over.

  “You know that’s not true, and you know it. It’s not just for me. It’s for your mom too, and I’m okay with that, so tell me what’s really going on here?”

  I groaned and pulled her closer. Hallie was the one who could calm and make me see reason in any situation I felt conflict. “I want to believe in him, I really do, but it’s hard for me to trust when my father is concerned.”

  “I know that, and it’s okay to be cautious. He’s given you a lot of reasons to be guarded, and this new relationship you are trying to build with him is going to take some time. It can’t be rushed, Ben, and it may never come close to what you are dreaming about in your head, and that is something I believe you need to be ready for.”