Chapter 24
I had gone to sleep without effort and had slept through the night. As dreams slipped from memory I opened my eyes. I could hear the rain beat lightly on my window and I glanced outside to see dreary skies and a thin blanket of fog. I frowned as I saw the clock. I had overslept. It was almost eleven. Anne was in the kitchen and my stomach rumbled as I smelled the rich, savory scent of bacon. I called down to her to let her know I was up. I knew Anne had plans for us that evening so I looked through my closet with care. I picked out a red wrap dress and left it hanging on the closet door. I also spotted the garnet ring on my dresser. I immediately thought of Reece but even though I was reminded of him every time I saw it, he was with me in thought every day anyway. Some people you just can’t escape.
After showering I set my hair in hot rollers and went downstairs wrapped in my robe. Anne laughed when she saw me and approached me with her arms spread wide. She embraced me and I hugged her back. While Anne piled crisp slices of maple bacon on a plate and assembled two biscuits with eggs and cheese I hurried up the stairs to remove the rollers. My long dark hair was rich and full as I combed through it. I tossed my head and was satisfied with the thick, shiny waves. I looked in the mirror and saw my dad’s reflection instead of my own. He should be here.
I recalled past birthdays and the red velvet cupcake he would set before me after a birthday dinner of chicken fried steak. Each year it was the same. Dad liked tradition.
I ran my fingers through my hair one more time and turned on my heel to go downstairs. Anne had decorated the small table beautifully with a red table cloth, white china, white napkins and two votive candles in glass jars. Next to the candles sat a gold gift bag. She insisted on serving me despite my pleas to the contrary and I thanked her as she placed the plate of hearty food before me. She poured a bubbling red drink into a wine glass and announced it as being a sweet pomegranate fizz.
“Mmm, that’s delicious.” I raised the glass and thanked her.
She set her own drink down and gently pushed the gift bag in front of me.
“Aren’t you going to open it?” she encouraged impatiently. “I can hardly wait myself.”
I grinned at her eagerness and moved my plate to the side. I placed the bag in my lap and pulled out a brown leather book. It was slender and weathered. On the lower right hand corner were the initials C. A. S.
“Connor Alan Scott,” I whispered.
I looked up to see Anne smiling, but along with her gentle smile I saw tears in her eyes.
“Open it,” she suggested as she dabbed the corner of her eye.
I could smell the old leather as I opened the journal and immediately I was struck by my dad’s penmanship. Oh, what a gift! What a treasure! Before me were his written thoughts…
I never had a desire to journal before but this was a wedding present from my bride.
Tanith and I were married a few days ago at a courthouse in Colorado Springs. She insisted the affair be intimate and casual but beneath her selfless claims I know she would have liked to have had her family there.
Her dress had been simple, something inexpensive off a store rack but no woman could have matched her in beauty. I wish I could have given her more, like she deserves. I don’t have much to offer her but she said she had everything because she had me. How did I get so lucky?
A tear fell on the page and I quickly brushed it away with my napkin.
“I didn’t know he had this…how could I not have known?”
Anne covered my hand with hers. “He had given it to me a couple of years ago and said he wanted you to have it when the time was right. He said the journal would tell you about the love he shared with your mother.”
My brows lifted in confusion.
“Dad died of a heart attack. How could he have known he wouldn’t be here when I turned eighteen?”
“He didn’t know but your dad was a thorough man. He made plans and he prepared just in case.”
I didn’t feel like eating the rest of my breakfast. I held the journal close to me and looked out the window.
“I doubt I could ever receive a gift to match this one as long as I live. If you’ll excuse me, I want to go into the living room and read some more.”
“Of course” Anne agreed, but as I stood and started clearing the table, I heard a knock on the door.
“Who could that be?” I asked.
Anne shook her head and stood up. While I placed the dishes in the sink and wiped my hands, Anne swept into the hallway and opened the door. I heard a muffled female voice.
“Is Willow here? I have a birthday gift for her from my aunt.”
“Come on in out of the rain,” Anne invited politely.
I looked to see Lacey step into view as Anne closed the door behind her. She was carrying a gaily wrapped present in her long thin arms. Her white blonde hair was piled on top her head and she was wearing a long wool coat and black boots.
“You have a beautiful home Ms. Scott,” she said to Anne. Her voice was soft and courteous. When she spotted me she extended the gift. “Lauren wanted you to have this.”
“Lauren?” I repeated with surprise. Lacey nodded.
I accepted the present and set it on the black console table in the hallway. I tugged at the red ribbon and delicately removed the royal blue wrapping paper. Inside the box I moved the tissue to see a box of black tea and some chocolate hazelnut biscotti. Beside the treats was a book of quotes. I picked up the book and casually flipped through the pages. Lauren had signed the book in her elegant scrawl.
To Willow on her 18th birthday,
Remember my dear, this quote: The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph…
Your friend, Always, Lauren.
“This was very thoughtful of her,” I said aloud.
“She is a thoughtful person. I’ll be sure to pass along your appreciation.”
With that Lacey nodded towards Anne and left the house. While still holding the book of quotes, I walked to the window and watched Lacey leave.
Anne’s voice spoke up behind me.
“At 6 p.m. we’re going to meet Jericho and Reece at the Steak House where we have reservations. I spoke with Amber and we will be giving her a ride this evening. It’s okay with me if you would like to have her spend the night.”
The phone rang and Anne went to retrieve it while I collected my dad’s journal and the book of quotes from Lauren. I began ascending the stairs when Anne came around the corner and handed me the phone.
Tavia was inviting me to go bowling with her and Amber in Gunnison. I checked with Anne and she said that was fine as long as I was back in time for dinner. With a smile I handed her the phone and went to change. I placed the books on my dresser and slipped into some jeans and a long sleeved pink t-shirt. I coiled my long hair into a bun and fastened it with bobby pins.
I reached for my boots and caught sight of The Grey Guardian. I went over to the portrait and studied it tender thoughts. I felt that with Haven I was residing in another world and with Anne, Amber and Reece, I was rooted in the real one. Both had an appeal for me but I could only live in one.