by Claire Adams
Her voice was heartfelt and devastated, and I felt my anger fade suddenly, as though the sight of her after so long had made me realize that my love for her was stronger than my hurt and anger. I had never really given her a chance to explain, and it looked like there was more to the story than she had let on.
I stepped around the tree and walked slowly up to her. She saw me coming and looked up with a start. “Jake,” she whispered my name.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to keep my tone even.
“I… Today’s Daphne’s death anniversary.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“I wanted… I mean, I needed to speak to her,” Kristen said. She rose slowly to her feet and glanced back at Daphne’s grave. “I’m sorry… I’ll give you some privacy.”
“Wait,” I said, blocking her path.
Kristen looked up at me, and her eyes were bright with tears.
“Did you have any contact with Daphne before she died?” I asked. “After she had married me?”
“No,” Kristen said. “We had no contact after she told me she was enlisting. The only communication was the letter she sent me, the one I told you about. And by the time I received it, she was already gone.”
“I see…”
“Jake,” she said, taking a tentative step forward. “I have something with me that I think you should see.”
She handed me a thin piece of paper, and I recognized Daphne’s handwriting immediately. “This is the letter she sent you?”
“Yes.”
I glanced at the date without touching the paper. “She wrote this four months before she died.”
“Yes.”
I felt my heart jump a little at the thought, but I wasn’t even sure why. I reached out tentatively and took the letter from Kristen’s hands. I could almost imagine Daphne sitting down in her bunk to write it. I wondered what her headspace was at the time… I wondered if on some intrinsic level she knew that she was never going to see her son or me again.
“Read it,” Kristen encouraged. “It might help you.”
I looked down and started to read the letter slowly.
Dear Kristen,
I wasn’t quite sure how to start this letter. I think I’ve started it three different times in the last hour. I think it’s because I’m ashamed of how I reacted the last time we met. You called me a coward when I told you I was enlisting. You claimed that I was running from my life and my problems. At the time I was insulted and hurt, and I didn’t see the truth in your words. But now it’s different.
I have a husband now, Kristen. My husband’s name is Jake, and my son’s name is Noah. I fell in love with my husband while we were both on tours of duty and the plan was to wait until our thirties to start a family. But, as usual, plans didn’t work out as I had thought.
I got pregnant with Noah and… I didn’t know how to process that. My body wasn’t mine anymore, and some days, it felt like my life wasn’t mine, either.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I love my husband, and I love my son… But I wasn’t ready to be a mother. Sometimes I don’t think I was even ready to be a wife. And I suppose that was what scared me, and that was what drove me to run away…again. It took another tour of duty to make me realize that you were right all this time. I was… I am a coward. Whenever I get scared, I leave.
I was thinking about Jake and Noah the other night and then that last conversation that we had popped into my head. I realized that I was wrong to push you away. You were as much a victim in all this as I was. You had no control over your parents’ actions, and I was wrong to blame you for it. I suppose I just needed to blame someone, and you were right in front of me.
I don’t know why I’m writing this letter, to be honest… I think it’s my pathetic attempt at an apology. I think it’s also my way of saying I want you to be a part of my life. We are sisters, and I don’t think I appreciated that fact until now.
I’m starting to feel better. I’m starting to think going home is not going to be so bad. But some days… I feel the exact opposite. I’m still lost, Kristen. I’m still confused, and I don’t know when that will change.
I suppose that’s the other reason I’m writing. I think I just want to know that Noah and Jake will have family, whether I’m around or not. I want to know that they’ll be okay.
The last time we met, I said some things to you that I shouldn’t have. I was wrong, and I’m sorry. I want you to know that. I’m sorry. I hope your life is everything you want it to be. I hope you’re happy and safe and healthy, and most of all, I hope you have love.
Love, Daphne
I folded the letter slowly and handed it back to Kristen. “Thank you for letting me read that,” I said.
“Of course,” she nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t give it to you sooner. I should have.”
I closed my eyes for a moment. “She wasn’t sure if she was coming back,” I whispered, glancing at her gravestone.
“She would have come back,” Kristen said confidently.
“How do you know?”
“I just do.”
I smiled. “You just do, huh?” I asked. “Is that a sister thing?”
“It might be.”
“Is that why you came to San Diego?” I asked.
“That’s the main reason I came here,” she nodded. “But I also came here for myself. It was time for me to start my own adventure, and that choice led me to you.”
“Kristen—”
She stepped in and silenced me. I noticed that there were still tears dotting her eyes. “Jake, I never meant to hurt you,” she said. “Please believe that. I care about you and Noah so much, and I’m so sorry I hurt you. You want me to stay away, and I will respect that, but I just need you to know that I never meant to cause you any pain.”
“I know that,” I said softly.
Kristen’s eyes went wide for a moment and then she smiled. “You do?”
“I do,” I replied. “And, I… I don’t want you to stay away.”
Kristen looked at me with pure joy on her face, and I felt my body lean into hers. I reached out and wiped the tears from her face.
“I missed you so much,” she whispered to me.
“I missed you, too,” I said, as I pulled her towards me and encircled her in my arms.
“How’s Noah?” Kristen asked, as though she’d been waiting months to ask that question.
I smiled. “He’ll be thrilled to see you,” I said. “Come on; let’s go home.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Kristen
“You went shopping?” Melody asked in surprise.
I smiled. “I did.”
“Without me?” she asked accusingly.
I smiled guiltily at her. “I wanted to shop for an hour, and if I’d brought you along, it would have turned into the whole day.”
“You are such a bitch,” she complained. “I don’t even know why I’m friends with you.”
I laughed. “I’m sorry, I promise we’ll go shopping after the New Year. I’m in need of some new clothes.”
“I’m glad you finally realize that,” she nodded. “Now show me the fruits of your labor.”
I smiled and pulled out the red dress I had chosen from my closet. I had the satisfaction of seeing Melody’s eyes go wide with appreciation.
“Wow…not bad for an hour’s worth of shopping,” she said. “That’s definitely a va-va-voom kind of dress.”
I frowned at it. “I’m thinking it might be a little too much,” I said. “This is an office party, after all.”
“It’s a New Year’s Eve office party,” Melody reminded me. “That is the perfect dress for the occasion. You definitely have my seal of approval.”
I smiled and nodded. “Well, I do want to impress tonight.”
“Who exactly do you want to impress?” she asked, wagging her eyebrows at me.
I rolled my eyes in response. “Would you believe, this is one of the first nights in a month tha
t we’re actually going to be alone together.”
“Really?”
“I guess we’ve just been busy doing things with Noah,” I said. “Which I haven’t minded at all, actually. That kid is fun.”
“Apparently… I have to meet him one day,” Melody said.
“I’d like that,” I nodded. “I’d like you to meet Jake, too.”
“Are you kidding? I would love that,” she said instantly. “I’ve been wanting to meet him for months now.”
“Soon, then,” I promised.
“So, how are things between the two of you?”
“They’ve been going really well,” I said. “We’ve talked a lot over the last two months, and I don’t think we have any secrets from each other anymore.”
“I still can’t believe that his wife was your sister,” Melody said, shaking her head at me. “It’s like a soap opera.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Ew.”
She laughed. “I better head out … I have my own New Year’s plans.”
“Right,” I nodded, as I walked her to the door.
The moment she had left, I had a quick shower and then blew out my hair until it was glossy, shiny, and curling slightly at the tips. Then I applied some foundation, added a hint of blush, and opted for a dark and sultry smoky eye. Lastly, I added lipstick, and then I slipped on my red dress. It was a strapless embellished mini that hugged my body. Then I slipped on my high heels and stared at myself in the mirror.
I looked different. The makeup and dress were definitely come hither, but it was more than just what I was wearing. I could feel my own confidence translate on my face, and I smiled happily back at my reflection. A few minutes later, I heard a knock on my door. Frowning, I rushed to answer it, wondering if maybe Melody had forgotten something.
“Jake,” I said, in surprise as I opened the door to find him standing there in a smart black suit that made him look like a Versace model.
“Wow,” he said, looking at me with clear admiration. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” I blushed. “Right back atcha.”
Jake laughed and then he leaned down to kiss me softly on the lips. Then he produced a long-stemmed red rose from inside his jacket.
“Looks like red is the color of the night,” he said.
“Oh, thank you, Jake,” I said, accepting the rose. “This is the first rose I’ve ever received.”
“What?” he said, looking shocked. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah,” I nodded. “None of my previous boyfriends were ever that thoughtful.”
“Well, no wonder they couldn’t hold on to you,” he said as he held out his hand for me.
We walked to the car together, and Jake held the door open for me. He was such a gentleman that sometimes I couldn’t believe my luck.
“How’s Noah?” I asked.
Jake smiled. “You saw him this morning.”
“But I still miss him,” I said.
“You’ll see him tomorrow,” he reminded me.
I nodded. “I have a new recipe I want to try out with him,” I said. “I think he’ll love it.”
“If you suggest it, he’ll love it,” Jake said. “That boy worships the ground you walk on.”
As he said it, Jake reached out for my hand and held it the whole way to the office. When we got to the office parking lot, it was almost nine o’clock, and it seemed like the party was in full swing.
“Won’t people wonder why we’ve come together?” I asked, realizing that this was the first time we were going to be in a social setting with the office crowd, including the board of directors.
“Of course, they will,” Jake said, as we got out of the car. “But it’ll soon become clear to them.”
“What will?” I asked nervously.
“That we’re together,” he said, slipping his hand into mine just before we hit the entrance to the lobby.
“You don’t mind everyone knowing?”
“I want everyone to know,” Jake said. “I love you, and you love me, and that’s something we shouldn’t have to hide.”
I smiled, feeling a wave of excitement overcome me. I squeezed his hand, and we went up in the elevators to the highest floor where the party was being held. We walked into a crowded room and instantly, I felt everyone’s eyes on both of us. Jake was completely unfazed, however. He looked like he was in his element as he smiled and waved at people. I was more nervous than he was, but his boldness gave me courage.
We had been at the party only fifteen minutes when Jake leaned in and whispered in my ear. “I can see the board across the room. Will you excuse me for a little bit?”
“Of course,” I nodded.
The moment Jake had left my side, I found myself surrounded by people who wanted the details of my relationship. Martin, Adelaide, and Tiffany came up to me instantly.
“You and the boss?”
“You and Jake Middleton!”
“Oh my God!”
“Can’t believe it!”
“You are so lucky; he’s gorgeous!”
“And rich.”
“And, he looks like he’d be great in bed, too.”
“You and Jake Middleton!”
“I always suspected.”
“Me too.”
I laughed. “Whoa,” I said. “Calm down, guys, this is not that shocking.”
“We had no idea,” Tiffany said, shaking her head at me. “Why didn’t you ever let on?”
“Because for a while there, things didn’t look like they were going to work out,” I said honestly. “So there was no point in telling anyone.”
“Wait,” Martin said, raising an eyebrow. “This doesn’t break any company policies, does it?”
I laughed. “We’re both consenting adults who are in a committed relationship,” I said. “And, this company doesn’t have any rules against employees dating one another.”
“I suppose even if they did, Jake could change them,” Adelaide said, giving me a sly grin.
“What’s he like?”
“How is he in bed?”
“How much does he earn?”
“Doesn’t he have a kid?”
I held up my hands to stop the steady flow of questions. “Whoa, guys…let me catch my breath, will you?”
“Come on,” Adelaide wheedled. “Give us some dirt.”
“Yes, he does have a son. Noah’s five, and he’s the apple of my eye,” I answered. “Jake is a complete gentleman; he’s amazing in bed, and as for how much he earns…that’s none of your business. Happy now?”
“Not completely,” Tiffany said.
“Well, I’m afraid you’re going to have to be happy with that because he’s on his way over here.”
“Fuck,” Martin said, and then he made a beeline towards the buffet.
“You guys don’t have to leave,” I pointed out, but Adelaide and Tiffany gave me nervous smiles.
“Sorry, hon,” Adelaide said. “He’s still our boss and hella intimidating to boot.”
Jake walked up to me and wrapped an arm around my waist. “What happened to your friends?”
“Turns out you’re intimidating,” I joked, remembering that that was exactly how I felt about Jake when I had first met him.
“Is that right?” he asked in amusement. “Should I be flattered?”
“I would be,” I nodded. “So how did the talk with the board go?”
“They’ve agreed to expand the budget a little and distribute the workload,” Jake told me. “Which means I’ll have more time for Noah…and you.”
I clapped my hands together and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so glad.”
“This party is kind of lame,” Jake said, looking around the room.
“What would you rather be doing?” I asked teasingly.
“Something that requires no clothes…with you.”
I laughed. “Too bad we don’t have any closets here…”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “We don’t have a closet, but we do
have the next best thing.”
With that, he grabbed my hand and dragged me through the hall. The party was loud and buzzing with energy, and while a few people looked in our general direction, they didn’t stay interested for long.
“Where are you taking me?” I demanded.
The hall tapered at one end, and there was a small space that left off from the main room. Jake pulled me through to a door on the side, opened it and pushed me through. Once we were both inside, Jake sealed the door shut with what looked like a mop.
“Is this the utility closet; the one the janitor uses?” I asked.
Jake laughed. “Like I said, the next best thing.”
Before I knew it, his hands were running all over my body, and every protest in my head fell away instantly. All I wanted was to be here with Jake in a small, enclosed space with the sounds of the party echoing around us. I could hear voices, laughter, and music, and it was exhilarating to know that there was only a door between us, and all the people we worked with.
Jake’s hands felt like fire as they roamed all over me. He pushed up my skirt and pulled down my thong. He squeezed my ass hard, and I moaned without worrying about being heard. The music would drown out our lovemaking. His cock was rock hard as he pushed inside me. We fucked against the back wall, disrupting all the cleaning supplies around us.
My body was so titillated by the experience that I felt my orgasm come on early. But before it could fully form, Jake changed positions by turning me around and taking me from the back. I groaned in ecstasy as he fucked me hard, pulling my hair from the back with one hand as the other hand squeezed my left breast.
For the final leg, he turned me around again so that we were face to face. With his lips only inches from mine, he whispered to me while he was still inside me.
“I love you, Kristen.”
“I love you,” I whispered back breathlessly, just as I reached climax.
Six Months Later
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Jake
“Daddy,” Noah called, as he ran into my room. “How do I look?”
I turned to him and smiled at the outfit he had chosen. He had picked his favorite pair of jeans, a t-shirt with Batman on the front of it, and a little blazer-style jacket that I’d bought ages ago knowing he would grow into it. I noticed that he had even combed his hair.
