* * * *
When Char got settled in her seat on the plane, she pulled out the letter from her father again. She hadn’t revealed everything in the letter to her mother and Kathy, because most of it contained information that her father wanted her to know only. He talked about the money in the first paragraph, but in the second and third paragraphs, he told her that he had joined AA six months ago and had been sober since, and that he had just joined Gamblers Anonymous because he wanted to leave all the money for Char and didn’t want to gamble it away. He wrote out his last will because his doctor told him he was dying of liver disease.
He didn’t tell her about these things because he was afraid that like everything else in his life, he would fail in this endeavor and didn’t want to disappoint her any more than she had already been disappointed. He also told her that the reason he didn’t make himself visible when he went to events like her graduation was because he had such an awful, stormy relationship with their mother. He was afraid they would get into a fight and everyone would be miserable. He didn’t want to spoil their occasions. At the time he thought his reasons were legitimate, but in the end, he regretted his choices. He wished he had made the effort to be involved in their lives when they were children.
He was never more proud than when Char graduated from college in real estate and started going to work in the business. He showed the picture he’d taken of her to all of his friends and co-workers. Finally, in the end of his letter, he encouraged her to spend her money wisely, to enjoy her life, and to be happy. He was sorry he was a poor excuse of a father and allowed another man to raise her, but he could see a part of himself in her. He hoped that in time she could forgive him and look upon him with kindness.
Tears were forming at the corners of her eyes as she folded the letter and put it back in the envelope and into her purse. Char felt relieved, sad, and happy, all at once. She felt free, as if she had been released from some dark energy. She was going home now. She was going home to the love of her life, and there would be many tomorrows with him.
She thought about the fact that she and Vincent hadn’t used protection when they had sex. With everything that had happened in her life recently, she hadn’t really given any thought to the fact that she could have gotten pregnant until her mother brought the subject up with Joannie. Chances were slim that she’d gotten pregnant, but if she did, she and Vincent would cross that bridge when they came to it. She felt confident that he would stand by her side and be there for her.
As she stared out of the window into the darkness, she fell asleep. She was awaken by the stewardess advising her to buckle herself in as they were getting ready to land.
When the plane landed, she walked down the terminal to the airport. When she arrived on the concourse she looked around until she spotted Vincent. He was leaning against a wall, with a soft smile on his face. Char ran to him and threw her arms around him.
“I love you, I love you, I love you,” she said as he laughed and picked her up, twirling her around in his arms.
“I love you too, honey.” He put her down and kissed her tenderly on the lips.
They walked over to get her suitcase, and then walked arm-in-arm out of the airport. As they strolled over to Vincent’s vehicle, they looked out at the horizon and saw the most spectacular, beautiful Jarillo sunset.
About Constance Bretes
Constance Bretes is an author of contemporary romance and suspense. Her romance books are often set in different parts of the country, but her favorite site is Montana. She’s married to her best friend and resides in Michigan with him and a houseful of cats. When she’s not at her regular 8-to-5 job, she can be found writing, researching, and spending time with her husband.
Constance’s Website:
www.conniebretes.weebly.com
Reader eMail:
[email protected]
More Beachwalk Press Titles by Constance Bretes
Delayed Justice
The Last Dig
Love Songs
Book of Love
Delayed Justice
Can two former lovers set aside their differences and work together to bring a criminal to justice?
Five years ago, Sami Parker’s life was changed forever when she was injured in a bombing incident which left another young woman dead—a woman who happened to be the fiancée of Sheriff Makeeta Robertson, Sami’s former lover. Initially, Sami was a suspect in the crime, but the sheriff was forced to release her due to a lack of evidence. The town, convinced that she got away with murder, turned against her.
At last an arrest has been made and the sheriff needs Sami’s help to get a conviction, but can she trust him? Although wary and cautious, she wants to see this man brought to justice and wants to clear her own name once and for all. But the awakening feelings she has for Makeeta bring yet another problem. Then there’s the secret she’s kept for the last five years—one she may not be able to keep any longer, and one that may change the outcome of the trial.
Content Warning: contains some sexual content
The Last Dig
Bones, bodies, and a love rekindled.
Paleontologist Caroline Priest is shocked when she finds a dead body at her dig site. When she calls it in to the sheriff’s department, her former boyfriend, Rand Callahan, comes out to investigate. The evidence quickly starts to point to Caroline being the killer, and Rand has no choice but to arrest her.
It’s clear to Caroline that she’s been set up, but by who and for what reason? While Caroline is out on bail, Rand rekindles his relationship with her as they try to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Content Warning: contains some sexual content
Love Songs
Separated by fame, reunited through music.
When Jennifer Summers returns to the U.S. after spending two years in Africa, she has some decisions to make. Should she resume her singing career or continue to live a secluded life out of the spotlight in the hopes that her stalker won’t be able to locate her?
Years ago Jake Ackerson let Jennifer go so she could pursue her dreams. When she suddenly returns to their hometown he’s determined to rekindle his relationship with the woman he never stopped loving.
Jake’s band is temporarily without a singer, and Jennifer agrees to take the position, but in doing so she is once again pushed into the limelight, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before danger strikes.
Will Jake be able to protect her, and can he convince her to put past hurts aside and give their relationship another shot?
Content Warning: contains some sexual content
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