For a while, they didn't talk, and if they did, it was only about the food served. Easy, safe subjects. Both mother and son needed time to adjust. Bridget had to finally acknowledge the damage that she had done and tried to repair what relationship was left with Leo. You would have to recognize that his hatred was mainly carried around by 9 year old.
“I want to thank you, Leo,” Bridget said. “I know you could have pursued legal action for the crimes Aaron committed.”
Leo’s jaw tensed when he heard those words. His eyes flipped straight to Prim. Of all schemes that Aaron had orchestrated, the unforgivable one was paying those thugs kidnap Prim. Even after all this time, Prim saw fear coming over Leo’s body when this incident was mentioned.
“Winston,” Bridget continued, “decided to help him become his own man while being taught a lesson that he very much needs.”
“I hope you have more in mind than an educational experience,” Leo said coldly.
“Aaron,” Bridget continued, “was sent to Italy with some pocket money, not even close enough for him to live in the opulence he's used to.”
“A slap on the wrist,” Leo commented, “for a man who went to great lengths and deployed unique skills on hurting others.”
“Leo, I understand your frustration,” Bridget talked evenly, “but I don’t see him as evil. If there One person that deserved punishment, that would be me. I let down both of my sons. made you feel less than the wonderful creatures you are just because I was wallowing in my grief.”
Leo didn't respond anything to this, but Prim could see that there was a part of him that wanted to hear exactly those words, to acknowledge that he was abandoned without any fault of his own. Only then would Bridget and Leo ever hope to mend what was torn.
There was nothing more to be said about the subject the rest of the dinner was uneventful. Bridget knew better than to extend her stay.
“Thank you so much for having me,” her gratitude was directed at Prim. “I am most grateful that you came into our lives and then became part of our family, Prim. If I wanted to be exact, you did not become part of our family because we were not one to begin with. But somehow, even through all this hurt and pain, your presence is what made us finally something closer to family.”
“Thank you, Bridget. It takes a lot of courage to admit when mistakes are made.”
“It takes even more courage to choose love, to choose to stay even when it hurts so much. You are the strongest person I know, Prim. Your example gives me hope that one day I could be that person too.”
Prim felt tears sting her eyes, and she moved to take Bridget by the hand and gave her an encouraging smile. Over Bridget’s shoulder, she got a glimpse of Leo that took in this tableau of the women in his life, and she could see that satisfied smile.
Later that night, Leo was in his study, perhaps processing what he was feeling, and as it was her favorite thing to do, Prim, of course, went to disrupt him and his peace.
“Aren't you coming to bed?”
“Oh, I forgot myself.”
Prim walked into the study and went straight to the desk where he was sitting. She looked at him with adoration, and he returned a full, warm smile.
“I want to organize a little gathering. I was thinking out in the garden. Good weather is still here, so perhaps a little tent or under the canopy of trees.”
“You have had thoughts about it already.”
“Nothing social, just our families, Edwin and Abigail of course, and some of our closest friends, people we trust and we share.”
“Am I forgetting some birthday? ”
“It is a gathering to celebrate birthdays yet to come.”
Leo frowned upon hearing this weird proposal. He knew that Prim never spoke nonsense, even if she was trying to do so intentionally.
“I'm not sure I understand why you want to have this gathering.”
“I think it would be easier to have all the people we love so that we can announce it.”
Leo stood absolutely still. Very slowly, as if there was something very delicate in the room, something that would be scared off with sudden movement, he rose to his feet. His palm cupped her face carefully, as a Prim was made of porcelain.
“What are we announcing?” He asked in a hushed, incredulous tone.
Prim took his other hand and placed it on her belly. A surprised sigh left his lips as he looked down at where his palm was touching. His eyes snapped up to find Prim’s, to confirm the meaning of this gesture, bleeding her to say the words that would make his life full.
“Yes, Leo,” Prim said with a shaky voice. “We are expecting.”
