“What do you mean?”
“Well, you knew it would be healthier to walk away and protect yourself from your stepfather. Dragging my dad through court would be messy. It would make our family drama public. That wouldn’t do anything but draw more attention to me and Mom. And potentially you. That’s the very last thing I want.”
I push up from the couch. “He’ll be in his own private hell, watching me give away the money knowing his is growing scarce.”
After pouring a glass of water, I make my way down the hall, needing to walk off some of the agitation that has built since learning the news. Standing in our study, a smile returns as I peer down at the framed photo of our wedding day. I’m standing with my two favorite people, one arm around Char, the other around my mother. I jolt as two arms slide around my waist.
“Oh, sorry.” She giggles. “Didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” Running a finger down the silver frame, she sighs. “I can’t believe how my life has changed.”
I look down at her. She seems so relaxed. So happy. Despite the rollercoaster our lives have been on over the last few years.
“I feel safe for the first time in years. My stepfather is behind bars. I’ve allowed myself to embrace a happy, healthy future with a man who adores me.” She gives me a playful squeeze. “One who’s helped me open a new salon. And provide the family I’ve always dreamed of.”
I run the back of my hand down her soft cheek.
“I adore Liz. And I’m incredibly thankful that she and Frank took me in and treated me as their own when I so desperately needed them. But having your mother here with us means everything to me.”
I drop my forehead to hers. “You brought her back to life, Char. Well, you and that crazy fairy godmother of yours.” I chuckle.
She grows quiet, and when I pull back, I realize she’s staring over my shoulder. Following her line of sight, I notice the Elizabeth Kübler-Ross quote framed on the wall next to my desk.
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity,and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.
Char pulls away, walking toward the window.
“Hey, you okay?”
My wife looks back at me, moisture pooling in her brilliant green eyes.
“Baby?” My heartbeat stutters.
She quickly waves my concerns away. “They’re happy tears,” she interjects before spinning to face the window again, placing her palms on the glass as she’s done so many times when staring out into the frosty abyss. “I honestly never allowed myself to imagine I could have all of this. My own happily ever after. No matter what comes our way, I’m so grateful to have found this life with you.”
I come closer, placing a kiss to the crown of her head. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than snowed in right here with you.”
The End.
