“You seem better than I thought you would.” There are fresh tears on her face, but I surmise those are from our hug.
She takes a deep breath, and I see her contemplating her answer. “Last night was tough for me. I kept replaying his story on a loop, and then I’d start getting worked up over our mother. I know you’ve always hated her more than me, but now… there’s no question. I despise that we both came from her, honestly.” She wipes a few tears. “What a terrible life he lived… for us.”
I bow my head, ashamed. “I could never in a million years imagine it, and I feel badly about that. But I’m also someone who figures shit out, so it’s hard for me to wrap my head around him waiting this long to talk to us.”
She nods in understanding. “I believe you’ll come around.”
“I don’t hate him,” I whisper. “That must be something, right? I’m not heartless, but I’ll need time with this, Sades.”
“Will you be upset if I pursue a relationship with him eventually? I already know I want to.” She shrugs. “I told him I would be open to a session with him and his therapist.”
I squeeze her hand. “Never. You do what’s best for you. I’ll deal with it, and I’m sure it’ll all work out over time.” I pause. “You know I hate quacks, but after you had so much success with Dr. Esposito, I think me and Belle should see one. To talk over what happened with the baby, her keeping it from me. I could probably benefit from talking about Dad, too.”
She smiles softly. “I’m proud of you. Therapy isn’t easy, but when things hurt so deeply that you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, it helps. And other times, it’s nice to have an objective person give their opinion.” She looks back quickly. “He hates to admit this, but therapy was healing for Wills. After all these years, he still blames himself for the attack, so we sometimes do Zoom calls with Dr. Esposito. I bet she would meet with you. You know her already, which might make you feel more comfortable.”
I don’t promise anything, but I agree to taking her number.
Sadie and I might be on different paths with our relationship with our dad, but supporting one another is something we’ve always been good at.
“You know, you’re looking amazing. You’re glowing. The honeymoon treated you two well.” I smile, and she tries to hide her flinch, but I catch it. “What is it?”
“Nothing.” She sips her wine.
“Sadie, I’m not kidding around. Tell me,” I demand. I see it written all over her face. She’s hiding something.
“I’m pregnant,” she whispers.
“What?” I hug her tightly. “That’s amazing. Congrats! Why are you looking like you’re about to throw up, and why the fuck are you drinking wine?”
“Oh God, I was so nervous to tell you after finding out about the miscarriage. I was going to wait, but I’m crap at lying to you.” She lifts her drink. “Non-alcoholic wine.”
She glances back at Belle through the kitchen window, and I see the uncertainty on her face. “She’ll be just as excited as I am, I promise. You should tell her.” I hug her again. “Another niece to add to the mix. I can’t wait.”
“Or nephew.”
I shake my head. “Nah, it’s a girl. Wills only makes girls.”
She leans on my shoulder. “You know how we always joke that Nora’s life could be made into a movie? After yesterday, I think ours gives hers a run for her money.”
I huff out a laugh. “No doubt.”
25
Annabelle
I leanagainst the door frame and watch my husband in his designer jeans and custom shirt, wrapped in a Freddie Mercury apron, while Queen blasts through the speakers.
He looks bloody ridiculous dancing around, singing into his knife, but hey… whatever makes him happy.
I laugh when he taps his feet quickly to match the beat of “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
“I can’t believe you wore that when Chef Odette was here,” I call, causing him to stop mid-spin.
“Aha, there she is, my beautiful B.” He smiles, then turns back and finishes cutting his vegetables. “And of course I would. No one disrespects Freddie in my house, even my wife.” He points the knife in my direction.
“Easy there.” I smirk.
I saunter over and kiss his cheek while stealing a few cucumbers that will hopefully hold me over since Jack is a stickler about the food for tonight.
