“No. You did what you thought was right, even when it was wrong. You and Darra hurt one another, but that young woman was determined to have you, whatever the cost or at least her father was. I think she realised forcing what isn’t there never works, however much you might will it.” She sighs. “But you’re past that now. Neither one of you is too old to find future happiness.”
We sit in silence for a while, my chest clenching. I’ve made such a mess of my life.
“What if I don’t? I don’t want to damage Lottie any further. She’s been through enough. As for Pen, she doesn’t want to go public because she doesn’t want to hurt Kristophe. But she also doesn’t want it to overshadow our relationship.”
“You both need to trust yourselves. I’ve given both of your brothers the same advice and it’s seen them happy.”
“They aren’t me.”
Mum chuckles again. “If you’re thinking of Lottie, stop. My granddaughter already loves Pen, so it’s not like she’ll need much convincing. Have you told her?”
I look away.
“Tell me I’m mistaken.”
“No, Lottie appears to be thrilled Pen and I are together. So much so they’ve gone dress shopping for your birthday weekend.”
One can only describe the look on her face as smug.
“As I thought. As for you and your brothers. You’re all individuals. Even the twins differ greatly from one another. But as I told them, let the universe put you on the path you need to be on. Listen and watch. As for Lottie, I’ve no fears there, and neither should you. I’ve never seen a girl love someone as muchas that young lady loves her godmother, and I know the feeling is mutual.”
Mum looks at me. She must see something in my expression. I’ve never discussed Pen being made Lottie’s godmother.
“It was your father,” she tells me. “He made it clear Pen was to be Lottie’s godmother.”
A sad smile passes over my mother’s lips.
“What?” I say.
This is news to me. Darra had simply said she wanted our uni friends to be our godparents, but I think there’s more to this story. When I go to open my mouth, she holds up her hand.
“Some things are better left in the past.”
A sudden realisation hit.
“Did Dad have something to do with Pen walking away from our business venture?”
Mum raises her eyes to mine, her gaze firm.
“Leave the past in the past, Elijah. It’s better for everyone. I’m sure you’ve uncovered a lot about Pen recently.”
I nod.
“Then all you need to know is he protected you both.”
I want to ask more, my stomach churning. Why the hell had my father been involved with Pen and her hacking? Is that what Mum means?
As if sensing my turmoil, she leans closer.
“Let it go. And Elijah. Her father’s happiness is all Lottie needs. Remember, lead by example, showing her what love looks like. True love will be more powerful than anything else.” She pauses. “And since she’s been back, she’s smiling from ear to ear, which tells me a lot.”
I frown, making her laugh.
“Social media, Elijah. I’m not a fossil.”
I shake my head, wondering if she’ll ever not surprise me.
She’s right, Lottie is much happier, but I wondered if that was a dream.
