by L. B. Reyes
“What?” I asked, eyes widening when I heard the word.
Nathan took my hand, squeezing it gently. “Hannah is being served divorce papers now.”
“What?” I asked once again. “Now?”
Nathan nodded with a smile. I laughed happily, it seemed like it was all coming to an end.
“It's almost over,” Nathan comforted, leaning in and pressing a kiss on my cheek. I giggled, leaning into his touch. He turned his attention to Carter, smiling at the man who'd been a lot like a father to him for the past years. “We're leaving Pennsylvania,” he stated.
Carter's eyes widened in alarm and though he tried to mask it, the sadness was still visible. “Oh. When will that be?”
“As soon as the divorce papers are signed,” Nathan said. He glanced my way, seeking my approval and I gave him a single nod, eager to see Carter's reaction. “We want you to come with us,” Nathan stated.
I thought it impossible, but his eyes widened even more, this time with pure joy.
“What about this house? And your grandma's?”
“Keep it,” I said. “Everything will stay as is in case we come to visit. Or you can sell your house. Whatever you want, Carter. But I don't want you to be alone.”
I stood up and sat next to him, taking his hand in mine; hands that had worked hard to make an honest living, hands that had held me when I was just a child, comforted me when I'd scraped a knee.
“Evelyn, you don't have to do that,” he said with a warm smile. “I'm an old man and your life with Nathan is just now starting. I've lived, it's only fair I let you two live in peace.”
Shaking my head, I looked back at the man staring at me with tear-filled eyes. “You've done a lot for me, Carter,” I replied. “It's only fair that now I do something for you.”
“I won't be a bother?” Carter asked, this time asking Nathan.
“Not at all, Carter. We'd be honored to have you with us.”
Carter sniffled, eyes shining with tears of happiness.
“So, where are we going?”
“New York is going to be our new home.”
***
It was already dark out and Carter had gone to bed while Nathan showered. I, on the other hand, couldn't sleep. I sat underneath a tree with the envelope in my hands, unable to open it yet also unable to let it go.
Whatever was in there I truly didn't want. I'd give it all up to have Nana back and take her with us to New York…It was nothing but a wish, though. A wish that would never come true. I wrapped the blanket tighter around my body and sighed, wishing to the many stars in the night sky that maybe, just maybe, there was a way to get her back.
“What are you doing?” Nathan shouted from the door. I turned around and rolled my eyes; he was shirtless, hair wet from the shower and sweatpants hanging low. Not cool.
“Come, sit with me,” I said, patting next to me.
He smiled, closing the door behind him and jogging towards me. “Shit, it's chilly,” he complained.
I snorted, shaking my head. “It's Pennsylvania, Nate. What did you expect? Plus, you're the one trying to show off all that,” I said, waving my hand over his toned chest. “If you need to suffer while you do it, so be it.”
Nathan scoffed and took the blanket, throwing it over the both of us. He noticed the envelope in my hands and frowned.
“You don't have to do open it yet, baby,” he said, pressing a kiss on my head.
“I want to,” I replied. “I just don't want to do it alone. Can you stay with me?”
He nodded, squeezing my shoulder as I began to open the envelope with trembling hands. I smiled when I realized there was a photo of Nana and I together; a rare one of when I was just a baby and she was much younger, holding me with the bright smile that characterized her. No one else in the family had that picture, and knowing that it now belonged to me made my heart swell with happiness.
“She looks so happy there,” Nathan smiled.
I nodded, turning the picture around. Her perfect handwriting was there, a small note written on the back.
Taken by Carter at a family gathering.
Evelyn and I together, 10 months old.
She shines as bright as a star
.
I let out a shaky breath, handing the photo to Nathan while I went on to take out the letter folded within the envelope.
“Here goes nothing,” I said to Nathan.
“I'm here,” he reminded me. “Take your time.”
My dearest and beautiful granddaughter,
If you are reading this letter it means that I am no longer with you on earth, but please know I always watch over you, no matter where I am. I've always hated the idea of having to write a goodbye letter but seeing the events that have arisen since you returned, I found myself with the need of writing a new one.
Though to me you will always be my little girl, when you returned I was met with a strong and courageous young woman, one that has surpassed any possible expectations. You are everything I thought you'd be. Strong, beautiful, and noble.
I will begin this letter by apologizing to you. I cannot help but think that I have failed as a mother by the way my daughter behaves with you. You deserve better, your sister deserved better. My biggest mistake was giving her everything and now, it breaks my heart to see you paying the consequences.
Though I love both your sister and you equally, I am sad to say that I believe she is too far gone to get through to her. There's a good heart in there somewhere though and hopefully one day it'll shine through, but for now, I need to ask a few things of you.
Don't ever, ever try to change to make Elizabeth or Hannah happy. Be true to yourself. This is who you're meant to be, no one should ever try to change that: not a man, not friends, and definitely not your family. Whoever is with you needs to accept you for who you are. No exceptions.
You have a family that isn't blood-related, Evelyn. That includes Nathan, your friends and I am assuming in the future Nathan's family. And the people at Tessa's, I know all about them. They are wonderful and loyal, just what you need by your side.
Lastly, my dear, don't forget that I am incredibly proud of you. Perhaps I failed with your mother, but I made up with you; raising you into the generous young woman that you are, although I know that it more than likely has nothing to do with me. It's your nature. Your heart is made of gold and Nathan should treasure it forever. I'm sure he will.
Papa would have been so very proud of you.
That being said, Evie, I have named you sole beneficiary to everything I own. The house is under your name now, as is a small lake house your grandfather and I owned near Lake Harmony.
As far as my shares in the company, I understand you want nothing to do with that, but they are under your name as well. I have discussed with David Thompson the need for a possible buyer and all that is needed is your approval.
Nathan and I have both gathered evidence in regards to the way the company has been handled, but it's your call as far as what to do. You can turn them in or try to make a difference with your shares. I trust you will make the right choice.
My life insurance goes to you as well. I am confident that you will manage and use it wisely.
I know your mother will lose it, but please, darling, stay strong. Pay no mind to her.
Know that I am incredibly proud of you, Evelyn. Remember that no one has the power to dull your shine unless you let them. And remember, you have the power to change the world in your hands. I believe in you.
I love you with all my heart, Evie. I always have. You are my most precious treasure, my sunshine. I will watch over you forever, and I can't wait to see you grow up and watch over my great grandchildren because I will always be there. Don't ever forget that.
With much love,
Your Nana
I smiled sadly, looking over at Nathan who was simply gauging my reaction.
“Are you okay?” he asked, taking my hand.
“She left me everything,”
I breathed. Nathan's eyes widened in shock, then compassion when he saw how confused I looked. “And I don't know what I'm going to do. It's a lot to handle.”
Nathan sighed, shaking his head. “Rest on it, think about his tomorrow, Evie. You don't have to decide anything today.”
I thanked him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
“I hope you know I'd be with you regardless.”
“I know,” I replied.
He smiled, leaning down and giving me a quick peck on the lips. He was right, whatever I decided to do, I could think about it tomorrow.
CHAPTER 31
Nathan
Evelyn stirred, sighing sleepily and shifting yet again. If she didn't wake up within the next few minutes, I would have to do it as much as I hated waking her up.
We had spent a large part of the previous night sitting out in the cold while we talked about the endless possibilities. She talked. I was there to give my opinion only, though I was still cautious. With my previous confession, I didn't want her to think that I was interested in what her grandmother had left her.
She trusted me and I cherished that trust more than she'd ever understood.
“I want to live in the city,” she confessed sleepily. I smiled at the sound of her voice, leaning my cheek on hers. Waking up with her was one of the things I most valued now.
“Mmm. Any particular reason for that?”
Her eyes fluttered open and she met mine with a sleepy smile. “I had a dream it was Christmas in New York, and we walked hand in hand through the city on a snowy night to our apartment. That's what I want.”
My chest tightened. The way her eyes sparkled in retelling such a simple dream; something relatively insignificant to other people meant so much to her. She meant everything to me.
“What?” she asked shyly when I stared at her. Her cheeks took on a rosy color and I smiled at her innocence. Her strength was admirable; I was a lucky man to have someone like her lying in my arms, looking at me with so much care.
“You're just beautiful.” She rolled her eyes, giggling helplessly when my fingers brushed her waist. “And ticklish,” I chuckled, kissing her neck as she threw her head back in laughter.
I reveled in the sound; it was so genuine and feminine. So her. She didn't try to have a perfect girly laugh, she was just herself, always had been.
I sat up and she attempted to flee, but I caught her, setting her on my lap so that she straddled me. She pouted adorably yet still wrapped her arms around my neck.
“You've made me a better man,” I confessed, placing a strand of her hair behind her ear. Her doe eyes lit up as she nibbled nervously on her bottom lip.
“Really?”
I nodded, holding her close to me, as close as possible. “Everything makes sense with you around, even those that don't. You're just…I…you're all I've ever wanted.”
She flushed, leaning in and kissing me.
“You're one of the reasons why I'm still standing.” Her voice was nothing but a mere whisper, but I knew there was more to the words that left her lips, just like she knew the deeper meaning to mine.
With us there was never the need to voice everything we felt, the other just knew. I never had that connection with anyone else and to have found it with her despite the circumstances surrounding us was beyond perfect. But I wasn't stupid. She was strong without me. She always had been.
“That's not true,” I said with a small smile. Evelyn frowned, clearly not understanding what I meant. “You don't need anyone to be strong, Evie. You're strong on your own, and I respect that. That's what makes me lucky to have you by my side; you don't need me, yet you've chosen to be with me. There's nothing that means more to me than that.”
Her throat moved as she swallowed, eyes shining with tears.
“Nathan, I don't-”
“You don't need to say anything,” I whispered. “Just let me show you.”
“But Carter-”
“Carter's gone,” I said, laying her down on the bed. I captured her lips with mine, kissing her with passion, my hands exploring her body. Evie moaned softly, arching her back. I brought my lips to her ear, asking the one thing I wanted from her at that moment. “Let me make love to you.”
She smiled then, happy to know that to me it wasn't just a simple fuck. And it wasn't, it had never been.
***
“I hate doctors’ offices,” Evelyn complained again. We were waiting in the exam room for the doctor to arrive. She sat on the exam table, swinging her feet like a child. The most amusing part was that with the large blue shirt she wore along with the jeans and Converse, she really did look like a child.
“We have to make sure you're okay,” I replied nonchalantly. Evelyn rolled her eyes as she faked frustration.
After the morning we had spent together, I could tell she was truly happy. She was no longer tense and worried, but instead slowly going back to her usual self. It was as if she had come to terms with everything that had happened.
She'd realized that she could only control her actions and not her family's and she was okay with it now. Not only that, but she'd even showed me two condos in New York City that she was interested in seeing. I took advantage that morning and sent in applications in universities there to begin interviewing. I wanted everything to be ready when the time came.
A knock at the door made Evie's eyes widen in mock surprise, in turn making me chuckle.
“Miss Carson,” the doctor poured a bit of hand sanitizer on his hands, a charismatic smile on his face. He greeted me with a nod and handshake for Evelyn. “What brings you in today?”
Evelyn let out an exaggerated breath before speaking. “Everyone seems to be worried because I had a little fainting spell yesterday,” she said. “I'm fine, I was just a little tired though.”
The doctor nodded, taking a seat in front of her. “Any other health issues that you're aware of?”
Evelyn shook her head no. “I'm as healthy as one can be.”
“I see,” the doctor chuckled. “Okay, when was your last period?”
Stiffening, I shot Evelyn a concerned glance. I could see her panicking beneath her calm exterior.
“Have you had your cycle this month?” The doctor asked, his gaze softening at Evelyn's frightened expression.
“I haven't,” she replied quietly. “But I'm on the pill so…”
“And is it usually a regular cycle?”
“Yeah.” Evelyn bit her lip nervously. “I've been under some stress so, maybe that's it right? That can also delay a period?”
The doctor agreed, squeezing her shoulder. “How about we run a few blood tests just to be sure, hm? We can also get you a urine test to have a result quicker when it comes to the pregnancy.”
Holy shit.
How was this happening? The doctor stepped out, leaving Evelyn and I alone. I saw her place her face in her hands and her shoulder shaking.
Oh, no.
She was crying.
I stood up, pulling her into my arms and kissing the top of her head. No matter the result I wouldn't leave her alone but seeing her so overwhelmed was the last thing I wanted.
“I'm not going anywhere, Evie,” I promised.
She shook more violently this time and then I heard it clearly; she was laughing.
I let go of her, far too confused to know what to do. Was she laughing out of shock? Was she freaking out? Or was she happy?
What the fuck do I do?
“Oh, my God,” Evelyn laughed hysterically now and I couldn't help but do the same when I saw her. It was contagious. “Can you believe this happening?”
“Well…we have been having sex a lot so…”
She jumped into my arms, still smiling and I hugged her back, my heart pounding in my chest. Evelyn was taking the news much better than I thought she would.
“You’re married to my sister and I may be pregnant with your child. How fucking insane is that?” she said in complete disbelief.
“Very fucking in
sane.”
“I'm not scared,” she said simply. “You're with me, so I'm not scared. If I am pregnant, then so be it. But if not, just know I can't wait until we have little Nates and Evies running around and threatening to take over the world.”
“You…amazing…woman,” I said between kisses.
A knock at the door interrupted us but she didn't let go of my hand and I squeezed it reassuringly.
“Time for your urine test,” the nurse said with a warm smile. Evelyn stepped on her toes and kissed me before following the nurse out.
***
I paced the exam room anxiously, waiting for Evelyn's return. Those were the longest minutes of my life.
The thought of having a child with her, forming a family…I couldn't picture myself with anyone else.
Evie walked in with a small smile. I stopped my pacing and took her in my arms, pressing a kiss on her lips. She smiled against my lips and slipped her hand in mine.
Within a few short minutes, the doctor walked in with a comforting smile.
“Do you need a minute?” he asked.
I shook my head no.
“The pregnancy test was negative.”
I let out a breath and Evelyn did the same, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of disappointment. In a way, it seemed like she wanted a baby as well, but I knew it was probably for the best that we didn't at that moment. The stress that we were facing wouldn't be good during a pregnancy.
“Then why did she faint?” I asked, placing an arm around her waist.
“We ran a test for anemia and though the results won't be here until tomorrow, I am confident that this is all this is. You have to eat to receive the nutrients you need.”
Relieved that Evelyn wasn't seriously ill, we left the doctor's office and headed to the Thompson's. She had several things that she needed to discuss with David since she'd apparently already made her decision.