by Saks, Tessa
Sam shrugged. “The psychic, I guess.”
“But do you actually believe in all that stuff? It’s so far-fetched, so unbelievable.”
“I don’t know, but it did happen. It really did. How it happened isn’t as important as the fact that it did happen.”
“And in the end, it’s all for the better.”
“Yeah, too bad no one will ever believe us.” They both laughed.
***
Nine months later, Sam received a registered letter from Italy. Inside the letter, Ellen had placed a key—a safe deposit key.
This belongs to you. The box is now in your name. What a clever protective ploy, something I should have thought to do. I do not wish to have anything inside of it. Keep the contents or sell them and use the money to buy a house or for security, whatever you want. I’ve put some extra cash in there as well, for your future and little Peyton’s future. I will be returning home for the christening and look forward to seeing all of you, especially my sweet little goddaughter.
Love,
Godmother Ellen
Sam held the key in her hand and looked at Peyton’s crib, set up in the corner of Rory’s apartment. She really did have a fairy godmother.
CHAPTER 39
Thirty Years Later
Peyton closed the heavy book and sat back, trying to make sense of the story. She picked up the letter Brandon handed her earlier and reread it.
Peyton,
If you are reading this letter, it is because I have passed away. Every family has secrets and yours is no different. There were events that happened between your mom and I, events so far-fetched, no one would believe. In fact, there was a time when your mom and I hated each other. What happened? Far too much to say in only a few words. I’ve written this account of the entire incident, in consultation with your mom, to provide the details that I wish I had had the courage to share with you in person.
Unfortunately, the truth is often hard to admit to yourself, let alone those you love. And I do love you, so very much. Some of this will shock you, especially the details surrounding my attempted suicide. And while it’s true that your mom drove me to do it, know that I do not regret any of it, contrary to what others may have said. My only regret is that up to that point, I hadn’t lived my life as I should have, that I wasted so many years demanding perfection and was blind to love.
Time moves forward and while we cannot undo the past or the hurt we’ve inflicted on others, sometimes life grants us a second chance to set things right. I was given that chance, but not without a lot of pain and heartache along the way. I’ve made many mistakes over the years, Peyton, and haven’t always been the loving woman you’ve known me to be. In fact, I was a rather self-centered woman, right up until the failure of my marriage.
That was more than thirty years ago, and I think it’s time for you to read this account of the unraveling so you’ll finally be able to understand the almost incomprehensible truth. You are an important part of my legacy and this book will explain your history, who you really are and where you came from, much more clearly than I ever could.
Love,
Godmother Ellen Horvath
Brandon appeared in the doorway, waiting, as if unsure whether to enter.
“So my godmother and my mom, they actually had all this happen? It was real?” She studied him, seeking answers.
Brandon came in and sat beside her. “So they say.” He gave a shrug. “I don’t know for certain. Back then, I lived in LA and wasn’t home much. But it does make sense. Your godmother, my mother, acted pretty strange during those months. The stories were so crazy. Brianna believes it actually happened, she says that anything is possible in the spirit world, that the answers to mysteries go beyond our comprehension.”
Peyton sat still for a few moments. “But Uncle Brandon, why didn’t Mom say anything and why would you give this book to me now, now that’s she gone?”
“Your mom and Godmother didn’t want you to hear about everything until after Godmother passed away. They asked me to deliver it because I wasn’t involved in any of it.” He laughed. “I guess I’m the only one in the whole mess who’s impartial. But regardless of what you make of all of this, know that she wanted you to love her. That’s what was most important to her, that you love her.”
“I do. I do love her. I just can’t believe all of this. It such a bizarre story.”
“She wanted you to understand the special bond she had with you, and why she left you an inheritance.”
“But she passed away five years ago.”
“Yes, and her will stipulated that you wouldn’t know about any of this until you turned thirty. You are now a very wealthy young woman.”
“This is a lot to … I mean, I can’t believe it.”
“Believe that your godmother loved you very much.”
“I do. Now I understand why. It’s funny, I never thought about why I call you Uncle Brandon and Brianna, Aunty. I knew you weren’t blood relatives, but I never thought about the reason for it.” Peyton hesitated. “So that’s why Godmother took care of Mr. Horvath after his stroke, she still loved him after the switch?”
Brandon hesitated. “No. She didn’t really love him after the switch, too much had happened. She didn’t like who he had become. Mom was happier on her own. She was able to stop the money transfers and keep her rightful share of the family money, so she was free to do whatever she wanted.”
“Like start her textile design company in Italy?”
“Yes. Dad married again, twice in fact, but the little golddiggers were quick to take the money and run. He wanted Mom back, but she wouldn’t even consider it; plus, by then she had met someone.”
“My godfather?”
“Yes. They had a great life together. As time went by, Dad got lonely and regretted how he had treated Mom. He realized she was the one who loved him in spite of his flaws and then after the stroke, when he couldn’t go out and find girlfriends, he really hit the bottom. He wrote lots of letters to her, expressing all the feelings he couldn’t before.”
“And then Godfather died, right?”
“Yes, by that point Dad was quite ill and Mom helped him.”
“So she did love him, after all?”
Brandon shrugged.
“That depends,” Sam said and appeared in the doorway. “Do we love the inside of a person or the outside? Is it conditional or unconditional? Does it forgive?” She hesitated and smiled. “I guess the real question is: What is love?”
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
PART II
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
What happens when sisterly jealousy mixes with sex, love and money?
Can past sins be forgiven?
Sisters Kara and Debbie struggle to support each other
as destructive forces damage everything they value.
Watch for the release of
TWIST OF FATE
by Tessa Saks
Fall 2013.
This book is dedicat
ed to all the women who love
and especially those who suffer from it.
May your journey be only at a pause and
may happiness await you in whatever form love may take.
Love is there for all of us—both to give and receive.
To Gary for all your love and encouragement.
To Irene and Vern for support and guidance.
Special thanks:
To Valerie Valentine for terrific editing and a critical eye.
To Betty Sargent for thoughtful development editing and council.
To Linda Zannotti for great insight and feedback.
To my supportive readers Shirley, Amanda, Jody and Michele for great feedback.
To all the agents and editors who provided valuable feedback to help steer me on the best path.
After many revisions and countless hours discussing and polishing, I’m grateful to have had such encouragement from everyone.