Page 112 of The Addendum

“If you’ll come with me.”

“I’ll go with you anywhere.”

“Then, yes, we’ll go.”

“I’m proud of you, Ashley.”

“For what?” I snorted. “Being an angry woman who refused to listen?”

“No,” he said softly. “Being a smart woman who admitted she was wrong and reached out to the one person who would understand. Richard was hurting too. You’ve started the healing process.”

“I have to apologize to Grace and Heather as well.”

“You can do that on Sunday. Just showing up will send the message. It all has to start somewhere.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Of course I am. I’ll be right beside you on Sunday.”

“That helps.” I yawned, suddenly exhausted.

“Go to bed, love. I’m going to head back to the server room. I think I’ve isolated the problem. The sooner I fix it, the sooner I can come home.”

“I like the sound of that. But aren’t you tired?”

“Nah, I’m good. Sleep well, baby. I know it was hard to read the letter and understand, but today was a good day. You can move forward now, knowing the truth.”

“Yeah.”

“And, Ash?”

“Hmm?”

“Your mom would be proud too.”

* * *

Sunday, I was a nervous wreck. More than once, I wanted to ask Luc to turn the car around. I tried at one point, and he simply lifted my hand, kissed it, and shook his head.

When we arrived, he opened my door. “Let’s go, love.”

“Luc—”

He cut me off. “It’s all going to be fine. I promise.”

I let him pull me from the car. “You’re not the one they hate.”

“They don’t hate you. They’re confused too. Show them the real Ashley, and all the love you keep bottled up, you’ll get it in return. Trust me, I know them.”

He handed me the flowers we had picked up and tucked the bottle of scotch he’d gotten Richard under his arm.

“Why are you taking him alcohol?” I asked.

He winked. “I gotta suck up to my prospective father-in-law.”

I stared after him, aghast. “You’re joking.”

He winked. “Am I?”