“He was so heartless with what he did with Terry,” Trinity continued, her words coming faster now. “And for how long he and Terry lied to Gran. I wanted to show them how happy we all were. So I sent him photos of all of us celebrating last night with a caption: ‘Dad and Jane, who is going to be my future mom.’“
Charlie felt her throat tighten. She had nearly forgotten that Trinity had known about Simon and Terry’s affair long before Holly discovered it. They had forced this child to keep their secret, to carry that burden. No wonder Trinity had done what she did. Charlie could not blame her at all.
“I’m sorry, Aunt Charlie,” Trinity said, her defiance fading into worry. “Was that wrong? I promise I didn’t say anything about the inn or anything like that.”
“Oh, honey,” Charlie pulled Trinity into a hug, holding her tight. “You did the right thing. You were sharing your happiness with your grandfather. There’s nothing wrong with that.” She pulled back and smiled at Trinity. “Did you tell your father or Gran what you did?”
“No,” Trinity shook her head, biting her lip. “Don’t tell her, okay?”
“I think your grandfather might mention it,” Charlie warned gently. “So you may want to tell them yourself first. I’m sure they’ll understand.”
Trinity looked contrite, her young face serious. But she nodded. “You’re right. I should tell them.” Her eyes clouded over. “I was just so happy,” Trinity added, her voice small. “I wanted Granddad to see that he hadn’t managed to destroy us.”
“I know, love,” Charlie said warmly. “I’d have done the same thing.”
They shared a smile, and Trinity seemed to relax.
“Oh, sweetheart, before you go,” Charlie said as Trinity started to turn back toward the ballroom.
“Yes?” Trinity stopped.
“Did you tell your grandfather about your father’s injuries? About what happened on his last mission?”
“No,” Trinity shook her head firmly. “I was showing him how happy our family was. Dad’s injuries and career are up to him to tell Granddad. That’s not my story to share.”
Charlie felt a surge of pride and admiration for this remarkable young girl. “You are a very smart young lady,” she said. “Now get back to the ballroom and get your wreath hung in its place of honor.”
“Thanks, Aunt Charlie,” Trinity said, kissing her cheek quickly before rushing off with all the energy and enthusiasm of a twelve-year-old.
Charlie stood in the hallway, watching Trinity disappear around the corner, her mind working through what she hadjust learned.If Trinity had not told Simon about Gabe’s injuries, then who had? How did Simon know?
Someone was feeding Simon information. But who? And why?
Charlie was still puzzling over this when she saw Holly coming down the hallway toward her.
“Hey,” Holly said, smiling. “I was just coming to find you.”
“I was coming to find you,” Charlie replied. She held up her phone. “We need to talk.”
Holly’s smile faded, replaced by concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Simon called me,” Charlie explained. “He says he’s ready to sign the divorce papers. He wants to meet with you to finalize everything.”
Holly’s eyes widened with surprise and something that looked like hope. “He’s ready to sign? Really?”
“That’s what he says,” Charlie said carefully. “I’ll be going with you to get the papers signed. But he’s asked for a few moments alone with you.”
“Alone?” Holly frowned. “Why?”
“He says he wants to talk to you privately,” Charlie explained. “I told him I wouldn’t leave the premises. He agreed I could be in eyeshot of you. But Holly, if you’re not comfortable with that…” Her voice trailed off.
“When?” Hollyinterrupted.
Charlie pulled out her phone to check her calendar. “It’s a little late today. How about ten a.m. tomorrow at the same café as last time?”
“Sure,” Holly agreed without hesitation. Then she met Charlie’s eyes directly. “This time I’m going to tell Jack beforehand.”
“Good idea,” Charlie said. “I’ll call Simon and let him know the meeting is set,” Charlie continued. Then she nodded toward the ballroom. “But first, I think you and Gabe need to have a private word with Trinity. She has something to tell you both.”
