Looking over to Devlin, his face lost all its color. “Why would she do that to her own daughter?”
Knowing the answer, I chose to keep it to myself. Devlin had no idea that his father had engaged in an affair with Sophia’s mother. Sophia made me promise her I would never tell Devlin. I intended to keep my promise to Sophia.
Shrugging my shoulders, I turned back out and watched Colett with Annabelle. “She’s evil. There is no understanding when it comes to someone with such a cold heart.”
“Sophia would have loved Colett,” Devlin said.
Turning to Devlin, I smiled weakly and gave him a slight nod. “Indeed, she would have.”
Clearing his throat, Devlin said, “Daniel, I’m getting married.”
Sitting up straighter, my head turned to Devlin. “What? Margaret?”
The smile that spread across Devlin’s face caused me to smile as well. His eyes filled with happiness, something I had not seen since I returned to Savannah a year ago. Margaret was Colett’s cousin from France. Once Colett has decided to stay in Savannah and open up a boutique, she wrote to her cousin in France. Margaret had been known in Paris for her designs, which are now featured in Colett’s store.
Colett wanted to expand her boutique to Tybee Island. She often came over to the island and visited me. I had moved into my parents’ beach house shortly after Sophia had passed away. At first, the memories I had of Sophia had consumed me and I would lie in bed for days doing nothing. Then Colett started coming out and forced me to resume my life. I was glad she had. After much talking and planning, I opened my restaurant four months ago and was very pleased with how well it was doing. I still helped my father with his business some, but my older brother Thomas had pretty much taken over. He had recently returned from England were he sold that part of father’s business.
Slowly shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I reached for Devlin’s hand to shake it. “I’m so happy for you, Devlin. You truly deserve to be happy and Annabelle needs a mother.”
Glancing back out to the park, I chuckled as I watched Colett crawling in the grass on her hands and knees after Annabelle. Taking no care in the fact that she was soiling her gown.
Feeling Devlin’s eyes on me, I turned to him. “She always knew. Sophia, I mean. A part of her always knew you were alive, Daniel. I truly believe that. She would often walk to the docks and sit there and just stare out at the ships. Waiting.”
Looking away quickly, I attempted to find the courage to ask Devlin what I had wanted to ask for the last year. “Did you not feel like you were … second … in her heart, Devlin? For the words I heard her speak to you those last moments … they … they would have destroyed me.”
Grinning, he closed his eyes as if bringing a memory back. When he opened them, his eyes filled with tears. “There was never a doubt in my mind who had Sophia’s whole heart. When we married, that first night, I held her in my arms while she cried for you.”
Bile moved into my throat at the thought of Sophia with another man. Closing my eyes, I attempted to keep my emotions under control. Devlin’s voice sprung my eyes open.
“She would have dreams at night, almost every night. Sitting up in bed she would scream out your name. I won’t lie and say that I had hoped one day she would call for me, but I could see within her eyes a spark. Daniel, Sophia never gave me her whole heart, but she did give me a piece of it. And she gave me the most beautiful gift in the world. Annabelle.”
Quickly wiping a tear from my eye, I nodded as I whispered, “Beautiful gift, indeed.”
Placing his hand on my shoulder, Devlin gave it a slight squeeze. “She would have wanted you to move on, Daniel.”
Trying to talk, my voice cracked. “I can’t.”
“May I ask a question of you, Daniel?”
Nodding, I said, “Of course you may, Devlin.”
“On that ship, when you didn’t think you would survive, that death was upon you, did you not pray that Sophia would be happy?”
Swallowing hard, I whispered, “Yes.”
“Daniel, I know you are a good caring man. But I also know you are a passionate man who loved Sophia with all your heart. It is evident in so many ways. Why do you think we have remained friends for the last year? I do not think it is because Sophia asked us, I believe it is because we both had something in common. We loved Sophia very much and, you know that during that difficult time in Sophia’s life, I was there for her. I cared for her and did what I could to make her happy. You wanted her to be happy because you loved her so much. And I know, Daniel, had Sophia not been sick and you showed up, she would have been with you and not me. I also know that I loved her and I respected her love for you and you feel the same.”
Looking down, I wasn’t sure what to say. Hearing Annabelle laugh, I looked up. Staring at Colett something moved through my body. A feeling I hadn’t experienced in a very long time. Looking over as if she could feel my eyes on her, Colett lifted Annabelle’s hand to wave. Lifting my hand, I waved back as my heartbeat picked up speed in my chest.
“Daniel, Sophia would have wanted you to follow the feelings you are feeling right now.”
Snapping my head toward Devlin, I asked, “What are you talking about?”
Tossing his head back, he laughed. “Daniel Stowe, you would have to be blind to not see how your eyes gaze upon Colett. Like when she walks into a room. Or how you follow her everywhere, as if afraid she might run off. The feeling is most definitely returned by Colett.”
Shaking my head, I stared at Devlin. “I … I don’t know if I’m ready to open my heart.”
“She loves you, Daniel. It is evident in many ways. You can see it in her eyes in how they light up when someone mentions your name. The way she takes stolen glances at you when she thinks no one is looking. But most importantly, the way she has stood by you this last year and was there for you as a friend. I fear if you wait too long, Daniel, her heart will find another. No one will look ill upon you Daniel for moving on.”
Everything Devlin said was true. There were moments Colett and I would look at each other and I had to force myself not to pull her into my arms and kiss her. I wanted her fiercely; my body could not deny that truth. Colett never had once pushed me into anything. The only time she even hinted of anything was the day on the train coming to Savannah. My heart had fought with my head for the last year regarding my feelings for Colett. I grew tired of pushing my feelings down.
“I’m scared, Devlin. I’m scared I won’t love her the way she deserves to be loved.”
Inhaling a deep breath and slowly pushing it out, Devlin whispered, “I was too, Daniel, with Margaret. Colett understands your love for Sophia, and she also knows you care very deeply for her. But I know Sophia would not have wanted you to be unhappy. She would have wanted you to find love again.”
Thinking back to the moments I shared with Sophia before she died, her words ran through my memory.
Promise me you will find love again.
There would never be another who I would love like I loved Sophia. My heart would always belong to her.
Colett began walking toward us as she held Annabelle in her arms. Devlin’s words played over in my mind.
Sophia would not have wanted you to be unhappy.
As Colett stopped and placed Annabelle on the ground, she took Annabelle’s small hand within her hand and they slowly began walking. As they moved close, Colett stopped in front of Devlin and I. Bending down she whispered into Annabelle’s ear and then looked up at Devlin, then to me.
“Look,” she whispered as she let go of Annabelle’s hand. Annabelle began walking to me with her arms held out.
My heart slammed against the walls of my chest as a feeling of warmth rushed through my body. In that moment it felt as if Sophia was right there, in the smile that her daughter wore on her face as she walked toward me for the first time.
Devlin jumped up as I stayed seated. When Annabelle reached me, she had the biggest smile on her face. Reachin
g out for her, I scooped her up and began cheering along with Devlin and Colett. Annabelle giggled and started clapping.
“Margaret is going to be so upset she missed this!” Devlin said with sadness in his voice. Setting Annabelle down on the ground, I said, “Go to Daddy, sweet Anna, go to Daddy like a big girl.”
Watching Annabelle walk toward Devlin, I glanced at Colett. Tears rolled down her porcelain skin as she covered her mouth with her hand to contain her sobs. Colett was my best friend and had stood by my side for the last year, never faltering. Letting my eyes wander over her body, I couldn’t help but notice how her hair glistened in the sun with just a touch of red in it. Dropping her hand, she turned to me and I was taken aback by her beautiful smile. In that moment, I knew her heart was mine if I wanted it.
A slight breeze blew through the trees and then blew Colett’s curls. Her eyes filled with love as she took a step closer to me. When the breeze softly hit my face, I knew.
Sophia would be with me always.
Whispering, Colett said, “Daniel, our Annabelle is walking.”
Smiling, I said, “She is growing much too fast.”
Colett turned to Devlin and Annabelle. “She is precious. A rare gift from God.”
Watching the breeze lightly blow Colett’s hair, I walked to her and took her hands in mine. When her velvet-brown eyes penetrated my blue eyes, I smiled as I squeezed her hands. Colett and I were two broken spirits who had both loved and lost but were blessed to be given a second chance at happiness. “Indeed, she is truly a rare, precious, and beautiful gift from God. I love her so.”
Tilting her head, Colett’s eyes began to glisten. “Daniel,” she whispered as she fought to hold back her tears.
Pulling her closer to me, I leaned in and gently kissed Colett’s soft red lips. Moaning softly into my mouth, neither of us having a care in the world what people would say about our public display of affection.
Pulling slightly away, my eyes searched Colett’s tender features as she placed her hand on the side of my face.
Closing my eyes, I felt a rush of tingles spread across my skin. It was as if I could feel her love for me moving through my body.
Placing my hand over Colett’s hand, I whispered, “Life moves on.”
I SAT BACK on the couch in awe of Daniel. For once, happy tears cascaded down my face. Through all the sorrow and the pain—love had won. Love had given everyone the strength to live as life moves on.
Gael had been right to finish this journey. Love knows no boundaries or time. Love is infinite and will always be. Love continues to exist regardless.
My eyes closed as I prayed the solution would present itself on how I was going to reclaim my love.
I awoke on the couch and read the time as five in the afternoon. I’d been asleep for over four hours. Sleeping at the hospital had been sporadic and unrestful. My body had needed this respite. Feeling like a new woman, I stretched and checked my phone.
There was a text from Steven:
Steven: Amelia’s still doing well. The loss of the baby is still hard. She wanted to know if you could come back tomorrow instead of tonight. She loves you and doesn’t want to hurt your feelings.
Me: Of course. You guys need each other. I’m so sorry for your loss, Steven. If either of you need anything, I’m here. Tell Amelia not to worry about me at all.
A few minutes later, Steven responded.
Steven: We know and we love you for it.
Me: Love you guys, too.
Hearing my stomach growl, I walked the kitchen. The fridge was empty. The freezer had a few Lean Cuisine meals. Tears accumulated in my eyes as I remembered Gael’s reaction to them. I took one out and spoke to myself as I opened the box, “I don’t have access to you or your restaurant, so I’m not breaking my promise to you. I’ll find a way back to you. That’s a promise I will keep.”
All I had been thinking about was Amelia’s recovery, Harris’ actions, and how to get back to Gael. I needed a mental break. Remembering my boxes from Harris’ place were in the back bedroom closet, I cooked my spaghetti meal to perfection in the microwave, then headed back there.
When I opened the closet door, I felt terrible I hadn’t gotten these boxes sooner. The walk-in closet was filled to the brim. This was exactly what I needed. Taking a bite, I chuckled, still not understanding what Gael and his father had against these delicious meals.
All of my totes were a dark-gray that had labels with all that was inside. A lighter gray one caught my attention and I looked at the label.
Upon closer inspection, these looked like the color-coded boxes I’d done for his father’s office from the high-rise apartment in downtown New York City. Supposedly, this was where his dad stayed due to office hours ninety percent of the time. However, I believed this was the place he brought the prostitutes he saw.
Harris had wanted everything from the condo’s office to be sent to our new apartment. The mover’s had put some of the boxes in my office by mistake. I thought I had gotten them all to Harris’ office, but it appeared I missed one.
Opening the tote, I looked through all of the files. They were financial statements as well as some e-mails. Most of it seemed like normal business transactions. At the bottom of the box was a black jump drive. With nothing else to do, I strolled to Amelia’s computer in the third bedroom they converted into an office. Her password had been the same since I could remember, professionalasskickergirl101. Typing it in, I was rewarded with entry. I plugged the jump drive in and ran through all the files.
My mouth dropped open at what I had found. “Holy shit!”
Knowing I didn’t have much time left this evening before the deadline, I ran to the bedroom where my office files were to look for a number I knew was my ticket to freedom.
It was six forty-five in the morning. I’d gotten here early after picking up a paper. When Steven had texted at six saying Amelia was awake and wanted to see me whenever I came up, I’d let him know I was here.
Steven kissed me on the cheek. “I’m going to get some breakfast.”
“Okay, take your time.”
Steven left and I sat next to the bed.
Amelia lips turned down as she spoke, lip trembling, “I lost the baby.” Amelia was stronger today in volume, but still slow to speak and tired.
She flexed her hand and I grabbed it. “I know, but the doctor said you’ll be able to have more. I know that doesn’t take away from the loss, but you will still be able to be a wonderful mother.”
As I spoke, I flashed back to Sophia being the mother to Annabelle. Her marrying Devlin finally made sense. If Sophia had been meant to die all along, there was no way that she could have known motherhood. In a weird way, the cruel world had shown mercy to her.
“In time, I’ll be okay. The loss, I think, will forever be there.” I squeezed her hand lightly. Amelia tried to turn her head and flinched. I moved my face to where she could see me better. Amelia watched me as she asked. “Is everything okay, Ashlin?”
Giving her a relieved smile, I responded with hope, “It will be. I need to head back to Savannah for a few days, but I’ll be back. Is that okay?”
Amelia yawned. It was time to let her rest. “Of course. Go make up with your hunny.”
I was shocked. Amelia was barely able to speak and she had been more intuitive than anyone else I’d been with.
“How’d you know?”
She gave a rough chuckle. “We’re best friends. I know all.”
“Yes, you do. I’ll keep in touch with Steven and be back as soon as I can.” For the first time in days, I felt that this nightmare I’d been in was coming to an end.
“I love you, Ashlin.”
“I love you, too, Amelia.”
Staring up at the massive glass building, I took a deep breath. People were coming in and out of the building in a hurry.
A few recognized me and gave me a nod, but didn’t stop. I was relieved. Heading into enemy territory, I walked through the revolving
doors.
To myself, I muttered, “It’s show time, Ashlin.” The words spoken aloud seemed to give me a fresh bout of courage as I entered the building.
Security still remembered me as I passed the turnstiles to check in. “Welcome back, Miss Thomas. We’ve missed you. You can head on up.”
The old man had always been kind to me when I’d come visit. “Thank you. Good to see you, too.”
There wasn’t time for idle chitchat as I had a plane to catch in less than three hours, which was going to be tight. The elevator chimed and I hit the number fifty for Harris’ office. After a few stops, I stepped out into the cold reception area. Harris and his upper management team had the entire top floor.
The receptionist greeted me. “Welcome Miss Thomas. Mr. Huntington is in a work crisis. It may be awhile.”
Using my no-nonsense tone, I directed her, “Please tell him I need to see him now and that I have news he’s going to want to hear.”
She looked skeptical at me. Harris had never taken the time for me when something had blown up, always shuffling me to the side. Being here only reminded me of how empty my life had become before moving to Savannah. There wasn’t anything I missed about the city beside my friends. She spoke low into the phone, then announced, “He’ll see you in his office.”
“Thank you.”
Passing several assistants who were running about frantically, I made my way to the big steel colored door at the end of the hallway. Harris had the corner office with the best view. The Statue of Liberty could be seen in the distance.
After walking through the doors, I spotted Harris leaned over his desk amidst a million different papers. “Ashlin, I have a big fucking problem. What is it?”
“I know what your problem is. I can help.” I stood tall and confident even though I felt shaky inside and underdressed compared to Harris.
Predestined Hearts Page 33