Mum walked to him and touched his hand. “Jeb, I’d like you to meet my son, Luke.”
I stepped in front of him and cleared my throat. “Hullo,” I said, smiling, holding my hand out. He looked me up and down, then took my hand. He had a weak grip, his bony hands feeling fragile within my strong ones.
“Jeb Castlebery. Pleasure to meet you, boy.” His voice sounded strong, causing me to find the irony sad.
I chuckled. “I’m not quite a boy. I’ve been around a few years.” I ran a hand through my gray hair.
“Your mother has told me so much about you. Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair next to him.
“That’s okay. Mum, you sit.”
“I’m going to finish getting ready for dinner, then make a small pot of coffee. Would you both care for some? Before we take off, I will give you the rundown.”
“That would be great,” I said, sitting. I shifted in the chair, trying to find a comfortable position for my aching body.
“When have I ever turned down a cup of coffee, woman?” My mum laughed. After she walked out, he faced me. “You broke your mother’s heart, son.”
“Yes, I did.” I gazed down at my lap.
“Well, whatever the reason you did what you did, she’s smiling so much now. Almost glowing. Did you see my beautiful wife?”
I smiled. “I did.”
“She’s had a hard life, but I hear you rescued her from a very bad situation.”
“I had help, but yes.”
“Thank you. By doing so, you rescued me.”
“How so?”
“I didn’t think I could ever love again.” He began coughing, rattling his whole body.
I grabbed the small glass of water sitting on the table. “Here,” I coaxed, holding the glass to his mouth.
Jeb touched my hand, helping to move the glass closer to take a sip. “Thank you, son.”
I set it back on the table. “You’re welcome. Elaina said you are ill.”
“Very true. My body’s riddled with this godforsaken disease. I just hope I wake every day so I can see my Annie one last time.”
“Let’s chat about happier things.”
“Yes,” he said, nodding.
I had a feeling Jeb was a great storyteller. I wanted to hear his version of how he fell in love with my mother.
“How did you two meet?”
“At Edge.”
“Oh?”
“She watched some little tikes there every day, including my handsome grandson. I’d stop and say hello. How could I not? She’s stunning.” I smiled, listening to this man fawn over my mother. “Then, one day, she disappeared for a couple months. I kept going back to the gym as an excuse to see her.”
I laughed. “That’s great motivation.”
“You should’ve seen me when she came back! I wanted to jump up and down. I asked her on a date, and here we are.”
“I’m so glad my mum found a good man. Someone who feels respect and such admiration for her.”
“I do, son. She’s a great woman.”
“I agree wholeheartedly.”
He gazed out the window again. “I’m not ready to meet my maker yet. I want more time with my Annie. There is never enough time.”
His eyes welled, chin trembling. The raw emotions made me want to do the same, but I forced it back.
“So true. I feel terribly guilty over many things.”
“It’s okay, son. She has you now, and she will need you again soon enough.” He turned and looked me in the eye. “Promise me you will not run away from her again.”
“I have to go back to London. I have a store to run.”
“When it’s my time, send for her. She will need your love to get her through. There are times I hear her crying, and it breaks my heart.” He dug into his robe pocket and pulled out a pocket watch. “Generations have passed this down—father to son.” His hand trembled as he held it out to me. “I would like you to have it.”
“Me?” I asked, stunned. “Why me?”
“All of my children and grandchildren perished from the virus. When I married your mother, I accepted you as my son, regardless of if you walked this side of the earth or were in the ground, feeding the soil.”
“I can’t accept this. It’s…” I shook my head. I had no words. For him to treat me like his own overwhelmed me.
“Take it. In due time, you can hand it down to your son.”
I nodded as I reached for the watch. “Thank you. I’ll definitely do that.”
“Just be careful. The clasp is broken.”
I turned in it my hand, admiring the beauty of the timepiece. “I have a very good friend in London who’s a jeweler. I’m positive he will be able to fix it.”
As I stared at the watch, I rubbed my thumb over the engravings and scrollwork, feeling not only the sentiment, but the responsibility of handing down an heirloom. If I hadn’t left for the UK when I did, I would not have gotten this piece to hand down to my son. And who knows if the stars would’ve aligned so Mum could meet Jeb.
Just another thing to make me feel like I made the right decision to leave and get treated.
“Good…very good,” he said with a smile before looking back out the window.
It felt quite odd to meet someone, then say goodbye all in one short conversation. I worried for my mother, but I would do as Jeb asked. She deserved more than I could give her. The very least I could do was follow through with my stepfather’s request.
Chapter 69
Trying to sleep through the night with the pain in my ribs bordered on brutal. I walked into the kitchen, popped a couple ibuprofen, then poured a cup of coffee. Cup to my lips, I turned to see Charli standing in the doorway, staring, looking unsure.
“Morning, kiddo.” She nodded slightly. “Do you drink coffee?”
“Yeah. Dad says I use too much creamer.”
“Well, I’m not Will…” I eyed her, smirking. “As long as you have a splash of coffee with your creamer.”
She covered her mouth as she chuckled. “Half creamer, half coffee.”
“Coming right up.” I grabbed the sweet cream from the refrigerator and another mug. “So,” I said while pouring, “I was wondering if you would like to do something today. Just you and me. Are you up for that?” She looked a little timid, and I wasn’t sure she would respond. I handed her the coffee and leaned against the counter. “Or we can just hang here. Watch a movie, order takeaway. Up to you.”
“Could we go out for bagels?”
“Sure. I love a good bagel.”
“I know a place. It’s kind of ghetto, but really good.”
“All right. Let me go take a quick shower, then see if we can borrow a car.”
She nodded, took a sip of coffee, and walked away.
I let out a quiet chuckle. While she seemed shy, I had a feeling once I could get her to open up, she wouldn’t stop talking.
Charli and I stood in line at the bagel shop, staring at the glass display case. This shop had to be the bagel capital of the world. I’d never seen so many in one case before.
I nudged her with my elbow. “Help an old man out here. Which one is the best?”
She grasped her bottom lip, tugging at it. “Blueberry, chocolate chip…” She paused, then pointed. “The pumpernickel is good, too.”
“How many can you eat?”
“Just half of one.”
“Well, damn. I thought we could go head-to-head and eat one of every flavor.”
She laughed. “Maybe another time.”
“Can’t you just see it in the headlines?” I waved my hand through the air. “Richards/Jarvis Bagel Battle.” Her laugh was music to my ears.
“I’m pretty sure half is all I can handle.”
“Fine,” I said with a wink.
After we ordered, we found a table in the back corner. I sat across from her and watched her pick open the wrapper around the bagel, then stick her finger right into the cream cheese.
&nbs
p; “Can I ask you something?” She shrugged. “What do you prefer to be called? Charlotte or Charli?”
“I like Charli. Mom prefers my whole name. Nick gave me the nickname ages ago.”
“Gotcha. Charli it is.” I took a sip of my coffee. “The coffee is good. You should’ve gotten a cup.”
She gave me a small smile. “I don’t know if they have enough creamer here.”
I laughed. “That could be an issue.” After taking a bite, I stared at her in amazement. So perfect, yet she felt flawed. I hated that for her. “So, Charli… I want to share a few things with you.”
“Okay.”
“I want you to understand I left for a good reason. It’s not that I didn’t want you or Nick.”
“Mom said you were sick.”
“I was. I’m better now, but that doesn’t excuse my behavior. Also, I had no idea your mum was pregnant with you when I left.”
Her eyes opened wide. They looked worn from the years of mental illness and self-harm, but I could see a glimmer of hope tracking through them.
“Would you have stayed?”
“That’s a good question. Unfortunately, I still would’ve left.”
“Oh…” She looked down and picked a blueberry out of her bagel.
I reached across the table, touching her hand. “I was so sick. I needed to get well.”
“I wish you would’ve come back. I like you.”
“Thanks, kiddo. I like you, too, but I didn’t want to disrupt your lives.” She nodded, seemingly understanding. “Tell me about you and…your sickness.” Her gaze connected with mine. “I want to know more. Maybe I can help.” She stayed quiet. Knowing I overstepped, I thought sharing my experience would help. “We are very much alike, you know.” She gazed up at me. “I attempted suicide a couple times.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I also harmed myself with drinking too much, although alcoholism does run on my father’s side. I broke my hand a few times because I was angry and couldn’t express it in any other way.”
“I haven’t hurt myself since the last time I was hospitalized.”
“That’s wonderful news. It makes me happy and proud to hear you say that.” She nodded, smiling a little. “I want you to understand something. Not only do you have your mum and Will here, but you also have Michelle and me across the ocean. I know this is different and not your average father/daughter relationship, but please, by all means, talk to me if things start ramping up again. I won’t judge or get angry. I can empathize with your mental anguish. If you don’t feel like you can tell anybody else, tell me. Because I get it, Charli. I get every bit of it. I will do whatever it takes to help.”
Tears welling in her eyes, she nodded. “I promise.”
“You have no idea how much better I feel with that promise.”
“Do you think you will come back here again? I’d like to spend more time with you.”
“Of course. Next time, I’ll bring Michelle.”
“Is she pretty?”
“Beautiful.” I dug my phone out of my pocket, cringing over the pain in my ribs, and showed her a picture.
“I like her hair. It’s nice.”
“I have to agree. She’s excited to meet you.”
“Me?” With her eyes wide open and lips parted, she looked shocked. “Why me?”
“Because you’re part of me. She already loves you like I do.”
“That’s nice of her. May I come visit you sometime?”
“Of course. We would love to have you stay for a bit.”
“I’d like that.” She glanced around, other customers turning away from her. “Get away from the stares here.”
My heart broke for her. “We’ll make plans with your mum and Will then. Sound good?” She nodded, a soft smile lifting her lips. “Good.”
We sat in comfortable silence, enjoying our breakfast. It felt good to connect with her, but I was worried. I needed to put together a plan to get her stable and level. She deserved that.
Chapter 70
The week in New York just flew by. It hadn’t been complete bliss, but it was a wonderful experience. I had a great time with my kids. We spent the whole week getting to know one another. Will even had a few good laughs with us, but things were still rocky.
Gunther and Cora had us all over for a nice meal. He still had issues with me, and I knew I’d have to earn his trust back. Cora glared at me a few times, but I couldn’t blame her. I broke her husband’s heart.
On the other hand, their kids accepted me. I found it entertaining listening to all their stories of growing up and causing trouble. Even with Gunther’s cold shoulder, my heart felt full. I couldn’t have been a happier man.
Based on time spent with my family, I made many decisions about making changes at home.
One last thing I needed to do before I left was get Michelle’s approval.
I paced the floor in the guest bedroom, phone pressed to my ear. “I’d like to do this. Would you be okay with it?”
“If this is what you want, I want it for you. I think it would be good for everyone.”
“Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me, ’Chelle.”
“I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
“I’ll give you a call back with the details.”
“I’ll be waiting. What time is your flight?”
“Two, eastern time. I’ll grab a cab home.”
“You sure? I can pick you up.”
“It’s fine.”
“Okay. Safe travels. Love you.”
“Thanks, babe. Love you, too.”
I tucked my phone into my pocket and headed out of the room to find Elaina. I walked through the house and found her sitting on the front porch, sipping a glass of wine.
I watched her for a moment before walking out to sit with her. She looked peaceful and content, which made me smile.
“Got an extra glass?”
She gasped and shoved my shoulder. “Why would you even ask that?” She gazed down at the glass, swirling the deep red liquid. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be drinking in front of you.”
“It’s fine. It doesn’t bother me.”
“I’ll dump it out.” She started to tip the glass toward the flowerbed. I grabbed her arm and pulled it back.
“No, really. I’m fine with it. I have no desire to touch the stuff. Even Michelle has a glass of wine with dinner.”
“I’m happy you’ve done well at staying sober.”
“Thanks. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”
She smiled. “Have you enjoyed your stay?”
“Actually, I have. I’m happy we’ve come to an understanding and can actually act like adults around each other.”
She laughed. “Big strides for us.”
“Fucking hell… That’s the truth,” I said, chuckling. “Can we talk about something serious for a moment?”
“Sure.”
“What’s the game plan for Charli?”
Elaina let out a heavy sigh. “The doctor wants her to stay in therapy, continue to tweak her new medication. Other than that, there is no plan. One day at a time.”
“Does she want to go to university?”
“She does, but she doesn’t know for what. Anyway, with her being so unstable, I’m not about to let her travel to another state on her own.”
“How would you feel if I asked her to come to London?” She turned and stared at me, her brow furrowed. “I see so much of myself in her. My therapist is amazing. I mean…” I spread my arms wide, “look at the results. I’m proof positive.”
“Admittedly, I’m at a loss. I feel like I’m out of options for her.” She gazed up at me. “I’m terrified of what I could find every morning I check in on her.”
“Please, allow me to help.”
She sighed, blotting the tears off her cheeks with her sleeve. “You would want her to leave with you tomorrow?”
“Yeah…if that’s okay. I’ve already spoken to PJ
, my therapist. He’s ready to take her on.” I watched as she contemplated, chewing her lip and breathing deep. “I can wait, but it’s no big deal for ’Chelle and me right now. She has a second bedroom in her flat that…” I hung my head for a moment, trying to swallow the lump rising. I let out a breath and the smile I conjured was more out of nerves. I needed to tell Elaina what happened. “We lost two babies. Both late-term. Both stillborn.”
“Oh god.” She wrapped an arm around me, pulling me in for a short hug. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
Pulling away, I nodded, trying not to cry. “Thanks. It was really hard on both of us, but it really hit ’Chelle. I had a little surgery to prevent it from happening again.”
“Your loss makes me remember Willow and Claire.”
“I think it’ll always be hard for us.”
“I can imagine it would be. Losing a child is devastating. I don’t think I would handle it well myself. I fear for my daughter every day.”
I shifted to face her. “Elaina, I just want to give Charli the best opportunity, even though I fucked up. I want to help. We live within biking distance of a university. I’d pay her way. She can work in the bookstore and read every book we have.”
“I think she would love the idea, but you have to understand my hesitation.”
“Of course. I would invite Nick, too, but Edge…”
“Nick would only want to visit. He’s not leaving Evie any time soon.” She let out a loud exhale. “I want the best for Charlotte, but she’s difficult to handle. I don’t want that to set you off in any way.”
I crossed my hands in front of me, waving them back and forth. “I’m very level, Elaina.”
“I can tell. You’ve been very good about dealing with this situation and with Nick getting mouthy. But I’m still torn.” She turned and gazed at me. “You would have to watch for signs of her cutting or self-harming in other ways. And, dear God, she needs to learn good eating habits.”
“Absolutely. I’ll make healthy cooking and meal prep bonding time. I’ll show her food is fuel.”
“We’ve all tried, even Nicky. He loves his sister so much.”
“I love that about him.”
Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book Five) Page 48