Going into Scarlett’s room, I reach up to the highest shelf, grabbing a box. Before my mother died, she had two confessions. One, the adultery and betrayal of my Dad, that admission had rocked me to my core. The second was her letters.
A small box contained letters from her to my Dad. When Leo first went into the army, she would write to him every day. They were smitten in love, until she suddenly wasn’t. After Grant showed her who he truly was, she began writing to my late father again. Maybe it was her way of penance, to write to him about how awful her life was; I think they call that Karma. Sitting on the floor in Scarlett’s closet, I open the first letter.
Leo, of all the mistakes I have made in this life, leaving you was the biggest. In breaking your heart, God decided I needed to be reminded of my infidelity. This man is evil, and now I am stuck with him because I have birthed his offspring. I can’t lookat her without seeing him—the color of her eyes, the way her nose scrunches, and the waves in her hair. The greatest mistake of my life was meeting Grant, getting pregnant, and keeping his child. He won’t ever let me leave, meaning Levi will never be safe, not that I keep him safe. I am weak, Leo, and I simply cannot stay here any longer.
Wherever you are, I know I will not find you, for you will be at peace, something I do not deserve.
With all the love I should have given you, Sara.
I fold up the letters from a ghost as a tear falls onto the paper. Her greatest regret is Grant and Scarlett. She regretted the one thing that made living bearable. The more letters I read about her pity, the more it turns my stomach. The letters are full of ‘poor me’ laced with regret. Well, guess what, Mother, we didn’t get pity or grace; instead, you gave us your back when we screamed for you. We got shushes when we would beg you to leave him; where was our pity, Mother?
This woman begged for mercy.How dare she? Where was ours?How do you look at your children and think they are not worth it? How do you let them be beaten and broken, then dare to ask for pity and remorse? I hate her, I hate the woman she became, and the mother she was. Grant will see her soon if this plan goes right.
Grabbing the letters, I head back to my room just as the front door opens and up runs Scarlett.
Chapter 47
First date & Five-year plans
Spencer
Date night. The night I have been impatiently waiting for all week, or months, actually. It went from 'I like this girl' to 'I can’t live without her.' I crave her touch, her eyes locked on mine, the way my heart beats for hers.
Love —who knew it could unite two souls into one.
Standing in the kitchen, my mom is gushing over how handsome I look. I opted for dark-wash jeans, a long-sleeved black shirt, and a blue-and-black flannel jacket. The Decemberweather is hovering around fifty-five; it’s perfect. “Alright, Mom, I gotta go. Can’t be late getting my girl.” Grabbing the flowers off the island, she kisses my cheek, then she walks me to the door with a cheerful smile on her face. “I love you, Ma.” I kissed her cheek before I opened the door. The sight that greets me steals the breath from my lungs.
Scarlett stands in painted-on flare jeans and a long-sleeve V-neck knit sweater. Her long, brown, curly hair falls down her shoulders. “Scarlett, you look breathtakingly beautiful.” My hand rests on my chest, not realizing that the moment I saw her, my hand shot to my heart.This is my girl, even my heart knows who it belongs to.
Stepping out, I embrace her in a warm hug before handing her the flowers I got on my way home today. “These are for you, shall we?” Taking her hand in mine, I open her door, allowing her to slide in.
Jumping into my truck, Scarlett turns her head, looking at me. Her eyes sparkle, reeling me in. “Where are we going?”
“That’s a surprise." Driving to the small Corner Cafe, my eyes are being pulled by her beauty, taking in every detail of her, as if I don’t already know every minute detail.
Arriving at the Cafe, I let Scarlett out, taking her small hand in mine, cherishing the fact that I get to hold it. She didn’t have to choose to be with me. Throughout her entire life, she has been told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it; she believed she owed them her happiness to be loved. To give yourself to someone is to offer them everything you hide from everyone else. I love her in all her light and her darkness. I would take her darkness if that meant leaving her with happiness. Tonight, when I look at her, I see light, with the hope that her radiance is from me and the way I make her feel.
Walking into the Cafe, I let Scarlett lead the way. She chose a seat along the long glass window. The cafe is cozy, with small tables and chairs of various sizes and colors lining the walls, as well as colorful couches and sofa chairs scattered throughout the middle—a large bookshelf lines the back wall, with an old library ladder on wheels. The lights are dim throughout, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The best part is the prominent fireplace, directly across from our seat. The wood crackles, and the flames dance, creating warmth throughout the cafe.
Pulling the chair out for Scarlett, the waitress makes her way over. “Good evening, you two. Can we get started with something to drink?” The owner stands before us, Mrs. Jean. She has owned this place for as long as I can remember.
“How about two of your famous hot chocolates?” Jean smiles before winking at Scarlett, walking away to work her magic.
Scarlett looks around the cafe, taking in all the different trinkets and decorations. “This used to be my favorite place when I was younger.” She gives me a small smile.
“It’s so cute here. I can see why you guys came.” Mrs. Jean sets down our mugs, filled to the brim and topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle. Scarlett’s has all the same things, only hers has a small note stuck to the spoon. “This looks amazing. What’s this?”
I lean forward, taking my first sip. “Open it.” My eyes fixate on her, watching her finger trace over the folded note.
As I instructed, she opens the note, watching her cheeks move slightly, her dimple pops, and her eyes light up.
Note 1. I promise to always keep you warm.
Her cheeks meet her eyes as she smiles fully, “Spence.” She shakes her head, “This is perfect.”Sweet love, this is just thebeginning. Mrs. Jean comes over to pick up our order, and Scarlett and I make it easy by both ordering the soup of the day.
When our soup arrives, Scarlett has yet another note. She smirks at me and Mrs. Jean before opening note number two.
Note 2. I promise always to keep you fed, never hangry.
