Ending with Forever

by LLP, Lan

  Carson and I enter the grand hotel lobby to find two men in black suits waiting for us. Promptly, they direct us to a private dining area with a cozy fireplace and a fancy crystal chandelier. There’s just one elegantly dressed table with proper silver, glass and china occupying the entire open room. No one’s here except Carson and me.

  “Please make yourselves comfortable. The Lys are on their way,” the one man who was rude to me in Hong Kong announces formally. He still has the same demeanor as before. Maybe it’s his personality after all—dry and cranky.

  Carson pulls out a chair for me and then takes a seat to my right. I turn to face him and find myself fiddling nervously with the knot of his navy striped tie. My palms are clammy. I convince myself to focus on how fetching he looks instead of my edginess. He’s wearing a three-piece suit and he screams irresistible to me. I had to suppress my raging hormones when I saw him exit the walk-in closet looking so mighty. I wanted to say ‘to hell with waiting’ and jump his bones.

  Attentive to my uneasiness, Carson grasps my hand and kisses along my knuckles. “Angel, everything will work out,” he soothes. “This is the start of our ending with forever.”

  “I hope so,” I sigh. “Thanks for the encouragement, hazel eyes,” I tell him and then see my mom approach us, donned impeccably in a black suit and heels. My eyes want to believe that swanky lady with a new hairdo and makeup is my mom, but it’s too unbelievable. “Mom, you look incredible,” I stand up and applaud her. “I’ve never seen you so dressed up.”

  “Your grandmother insisted on this makeover. I feel awkward,” she admits, embarrassed as she fusses with her blazer.

  “No. You shouldn’t. You deserve to be spoiled rotten,” I convince. After all the shit she’s endured, she’s earned every bit of it.

  “Lil’s right, Lia. You look astonishing,” Carson confirms with a kiss on her cheek.

  “Thanks, Carson. Good to see you again.” She embraces his arm. This is my new mom, a woman with passion and style. “Lily, how are you coping?” she asks, offering me a worried expression. “I know it has to be overwhelming for you.” She reaches her hand out to me.

  “It is. I can’t express it in words, Mom. How could you look at me every day—especially when we were struggling so badly and never want to reveal even the tiniest part of this world to me?” Those darn tears just won’t leave me alone. I feel them emerging.

  “Because I love you with all my heart. Your safety was the only thing that mattered to me and your father.”

  “I know you do,” I whimper, enfolding my arms around her and resting my chin on her shoulder. “Do you have any idea where my father is?” I ask with hope, forcing back those pesky tears that won’t seem to go away.

  She shakes her head disappointedly and strokes my head. “I’m afraid not, honey. We both took your grandfather and uncle’s threats very seriously.”

  Carson Bradley

  The disillusioned look on Lil’s face shreds my heart to pieces. Her mother might not know where her father is, but Owen will have that information for me soon. I’ll make sure her fairytale will be complete.

  “Angel, don’t be upset,” I encourage, cupping her withered face in my hand. “Nothing is ever clear-cut.”

  “Listen to him, Lillian,” Marcus endorses, strutting in confidently with a refined woman I assume is his wife. “He knows what he’s talking about. He’s a knowledgeable and capable man,” he adds.

  “Gratitude for the compliments, Marcus,” I repay and extend my hand out, offering him my utmost respect for all he’s done for me.

  “It’s well deserved,” he stresses, looking at Lil and then back at me. “The world isn’t as vast as we think, is it?” he poses with a hinting glint in his eyes.

  “No. Not at all,” I answer, understanding precisely what he’s implying.

  “Lillian,” he calls his granddaughter by name. She stares at him with hesitation, narrowing her lids with caution. “I have a pre-wedding gift for you,” he tells her. “I’m positive you’ll love it.” He signals for his wife, who’s been admiring Lil with her doting eyes since they first entered the room, to handover a little red velvet box to Lil. “Go on. Take it,” he insists.

  “What is it?” she asks, resisting to accept it.

  “Open it and find out for yourself,” he urges.

  She looks over at me for encouragement. I give her a nod and smile. She takes the box from her grandmother’s hands and flips the lid open to find her jade pendant necklace with two matching baby necklaces. I knew it. Bridgette must’ve told him about Lil’s pregnancy. She was with me that night when Dr. Laurent confirmed twins with ultrasound. An immediate smile spreads across Lil’s face. She was completely distraught when she told me Bianca had taken that necklace from her. It was gone and she would never see it again—so she thought. Marcus is beyond impressive.

  “Thank you, sir,” she rejoices reservedly, but I know her better. She’s dying to shout hooray and jump high into the sky to celebrate. Her over-the-moon expression is hard to miss.

  “Call me grandpa. That would make me happier than anything.” His voice is brittle, sounding emotionally overcome as he persuades her to give him a chance. “We’ve already lost too many years,” he regrets.

  She glances back to her mother and then to me and then to her weepy grandmother. “Grr…grandpa thank you for my gifts,” she falters. “I will cherish them and so will our babies,” she utters the weight of resentment off her chest and blows out a sigh of relief.

  Both Marcus and his wife slowly approach Lily. They’re cautious not to be forceful, treading very gently. I can tell they desperately want to take her into their arms and hold her. Marcus reaches his hand out to her, pleading for her affection. She accepts his and his wife’s hands and falls into their chests. Tears come fiercely for all of them. Lia joins in and it’s a major meltdown of emotions. I find myself getting very choked up, watching a broken family mend with love and forgiveness. If they can rise above years of bitterness, I surely can also with Wes and Francine.

  “Lily, you mentioned babies. Why?” Lia asks, breaching their circle and wiping her daughter’s crying face.

  “I’m pregnant, Momma. With twins,” she reveals, darting her smiling eyes at me. I guess we’re telling her our surprise now.

  “Twins?” she repeats with one hand over her mouth in complete shock. “How are you feeling? When are you due?”

  “The end of July,” I answer for Lil. Lia shoots me a warning look. I think she’s telling me I better not forsake her daughter now that I’ve taken her innocence.

  “That’s less than eight months away. I have to arrange my vacation time at the hospital, so I can be here for you,” she frets.

  “They can hire a nanny,” Marcus suggests.

  “No,” Lil objects firmly. “I don’t want a nanny. I will raise my babies myself,” she stresses.

  “We will raise our babies together,” I correct her. “They’re mine, too,” I smirk with my hand on the small of her back.

  “Let’s have some lunch,” Mrs. Ly proposes. “We can discuss babies over a delicious meal.” Happily, we all agree to take our seats and enjoy a lavish feast now that the air is cleared.

  Chapter 35

  Carson Bradley

  Whatever Lil’s cooking in the kitchen smells delightful. I sniff hungrily as I go over wedding details with Nik on the phone. She flew to the island of Sidena a few days ago to check out the castle where we’ll be having the wedding and to meet an old friend who happens to be the eligible prince of that island. She was able to pull some favors for me so I can fly my guests into their private tarmac. Nik pretty much has everything arranged from flowers and food, to transportation and accommodations and even a hot air balloon for Lil and me. I don’t know what I’d do without my most favorite cousin in the world.

  “You owe me big time, Carson,” she stresses. “We’re talking about “name one of your babies after me” big,” she laughs.

  “I know. H
ow about I name a charity in your honor instead?” I offer.

  “No. That’s not big enough,” she argues.

  “Alright. Let me try to convince Lil and see where that gets me,” I kid. “All joking aside, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Those dark times would’ve been impossible without you.” I layer the sentiments on thick, but it’s not exaggerated. She’s been such a blessing to me.

  “You know how I feel about you. There’s not much I wouldn’t do for you,” she tells me firmly, abandoning her playful tone.

  “I do.”

  “Good. Now stop all that syrupiness. I get it,” she chuckles. “I need to get going. Prince Aless is having me over for lunch at his countryside estate.”

  “Fancy. Rubbing elbows with royalty. Enjoy, and thanks for getting everything together for me. I owe you my right kidney.”

  “Who are you talking to?” Lil inquires from the entrance of my office. “Why would you offer someone your kidney??

  “Nik,” I answer, holding my hand over the phone.

  “Tell her hello for me and that I miss having her here,” she hollers loudly so Nik can hear her.

  “Nik, did you hear Lil?” I speak into the phone.

  “Yes,” she replies. “Give her a French kiss for me,” she insists rottenly. “Tongue and all,” she adds with a snicker.

  “I can’t. We’re holding off until our wedding night,” I grumble with volume, so it’s audible for Lil.

  “Really? Who does that anymore?” she questions.

  “Lily,” I grunt.

  Yanking the phone out of my hand, Lil tells Nik “It’ll be like our first time all over again.” I don’t know what Nik is saying to Lil, but she’s laughing hysterically and then they disconnect.

  “What were you two talking about?” I pry, disliking the fact that I was left out.

  “Girlie things,” she answers tight-lipped and changes the topic. “Are you ready for dinner? I grilled pork chops for you and roasted veggies for me.”

  “It smells delicious,” I compliment as my stomach urges me out of the office.

  ~~~~

  Abstinence is overrated. I struggled through another restless night. Lil placed a pillow barricade between us because she didn’t trust me or herself. Why does she want to torture us like that? I’m damn close to throwing her into my jet and flying her to Vegas to get hitched, so I can fuck her until I fall over from pleasure overload. I can’t hold out for another two weeks. It’s impossible. Something’s got to give. How does she expect me to focus on anything else?

  “Mr. Bradley, Mr. Montgomery is here to see you,” Evelyn informs over the speakerphone, reminding me of my meeting with my brother.

  “Send him in please.”

  Wesley struts past Evelyn as she props the door open for him and takes a seat in front of my desk like we’re having a formal business meeting. He’s even wearing a suit and tie.

  “Thanks for coming. For the record, I’m no good at this sentimental stuff,” I admit off the bat, letting him know that I have no intention of getting all soppy and tearful.

  “Good. That makes two of us,” he tells me with relief. “I don’t need a hug or a shoulder to cry on either,” he adds humorously.

  “Same here. If it’s okay with you, we can move forward from here and agree that we have some kind of understanding,” I suggest.

  “Fine with me,” he accepts, taking a load of pressure off my chest. “Let’s talk about Francine then.” He gets straight to the point like I would. Imagine that.

  “What does she know about me?” I ask. My parents were told she was a greedy woman. I don’t believe it, but I want to hear the truth for myself.

  “Nothing really until about six or seven months ago,” he answers, appearing very at ease.

  “Why didn’t she approach me after discovering her own son?” I demand, feeling a twinge in my chest.

  “Because you’re rich and your life’s perfect. She didn’t want to ruin your happiness. This is also the same reason she doesn’t want to tell you about her cancer,” he explains.

  “Are you telling me she’d rather suffer or die than interfere with my life?” I question him, struggling to believe that anyone could be that self-sacrificing.

  “Yep,” he replies and nods like he can’t believe it either. “She made me swear to her I wouldn’t tell you. Technically, I’m not telling you. You found out yourself—if she asks.”

  “Sure,” I smile. “The Oss-Meta drug is ready to be tested on humans. I’m going to offer it to her, Gabriel and a few others. How should I go about telling her?”

  “We can go together,” he suggests. “We’ll have a better chance of convincing her as brothers.” Brother. There’s that word again. It sounds so foreign and yet, I’m not opposed to it.

  ~~~~

  I spot Lil rushing down the hallway with Luke. I called to let her know that I was leaving with Wes to go to the hospital. She insisted on joining me for support, whether I needed it or not. I meet her half way and circle my arms around her little waist.

  “Thanks for coming, babe. I love you,” I tell her and press my lips into hers, not caring who’s watching us. When Lil’s around, no challenge ever seems impossible for me—not even confronting a birth mother I never knew I had.

  “Everything will work out,” she encourages. “I’ll be outside the door if you need me,” she offers, stroking her hand tenderly along my face. “Go on. It looks like Wes is waiting for you.”

  I turn to face Wes, who appears on edge. “Are you ready?” I ask.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he sighs and we both enter room 444.

  Lillian Ly

  My heart goes out to Carson and Wes. I can’t imagine what an emotional reunion it’ll be for the three of them. Carson, who normally always appears composed and confident, was vulnerable like a table with rickety legs. His hands were trembling by his sides and his heart galloped faster than a race horse. He was really nervous when he entered room 444.

  While Carson visits Francine, I sneak to Gabby’s room to surprise her. I have yet to catch her awake. The drugs they have her on make her very drowsy. I’m in luck this time. She’s up and singing with her bird when Jane opens the door for me to enter.

  “Miss Lucy,” she yells excitedly, clapping her hands. Argh! It’s that name again.

  “Hi, sweetie.” I wave at her. “You’re up, finally. I almost called you Sleeping Beauty instead of Elsa,” I kid. “How are you feeling today?”

  “I feel good,” she answers in her tiny baby voice. “Mommy told me I could go on an elevator ride today.”

  “Really? If it’s okay with your mommy, maybe I can take you right now,” I volunteer, glancing back at Jane for her approval. She nods.

  “Mommy, can we go see Miss Franny?” Gabby asks. “She likes it when we visit her.”

  “We’ll have to call her to see if she’s up for visitors, baby,” Jane explains, stroking Gabby’s smiling face.

  “Carson and Wes are in her room right now,” I murmur under my breath. Jane shoots me a hopeful look, folding her hands together in front of her like she’s praying.

  “Let’s go on the elevator ride first and then we’ll see how you’re feeling after that, Gabby,” I propose.

  “Okay,” she agrees and reaches her hand out to me.

  With her IV pole, we saunter down a corridor and into an elevator. Down it goes and then I find us in the main lobby of the building. I recognize the vibrant glass ceiling. She grasps my hand and leads me to an indoor garden of metal flowers, mushroom caps, butterflies, and birds.

  “Isn’t it pretty?” she looks up at me with her grinning blue eyes, asking as she points her little finger over to the copper and silver blossoms.

  “Yes,” I agree. “Why did you bring me here, Gabby?” I crouch down to her level to acquire an answer.

  “It’s Miss Franny’s most favorite place in the hospital. She finds peace here,” she tells me sadly like she understands much m
ore than I give her tender mind credit for.

  “It’s very lovely here. I can understand why she likes this place a lot.”

  “Will Miss Franny be okay?” she whimpers, splitting my heart in half with her thoughtful concern.

  “Don’t be sad, little angel. We’re going to pray that she’ll get better, so she can enjoy a real garden like this one,” I soothe, framing her innocent, angelic face in my hands. Don’t cry, Lil. “Do you want to get her some flowers at the gift shop?” I suggest. Excitedly, she nods.

  ~~~~

  “Gabby, hold on, sweetie,” I holler out to her as she storms into room 444 with a bouquet of red carnations and her IV pole. But it’s too late. She couldn’t wait to give Francine her flowers. I chase after her to find three tearful sets of eyes staring back at us. “I’m sorry,” I mouth to Carson, biting down on my lower lip as I try to excuse the awkwardness of our intrusion.

  “Gabby, are those for me?” Francine asks as she wipes away the wetness under her eyes. “Hello, Lillian,” she winks at me with a meandering smile, intentionally offsetting my embarrassment.

  “Yes. I picked them out for you.” Gabby nods and hands them to her. “I showed Miss Lucy your favorite place,” she tells her breathlessly and then pants. The excitement is catching up with her, exhausting her little lungs.

  “What did she think of it?”

  “She told me we’re going to pray for you to get better, so you can enjoy a real garden.” Gabby’s voice softens as she watches Francine’s face wince unbearably. “Miss Franny, it’ll pass,” she consoles with her tiny hand over Francine’s. Sadly, she knows that pain all too well, having also been subjected to it.

  Carson’s eyes stream with inconsolable tears and so do Wesley’s. We’re all an emotional wreck as we watch Gabby offer Francine her strength and encouragement. What a brave child she is. I turn to Carson to weep into his chest, hiding my weakness.