“If I had found out after the wedding? That scenario is even worse. I don’t think our relationship would have survived under either of those circumstances. You would’ve grown to hate me. Everything is different now, baby. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, for either of you. And Julia, I am so sorry I left you alone in Verona. I’m sorry I didn’t fight for you, for us. I’m so thankful to have you and Liam in my life. You two mean everything to me.
The following morning, Liam runs into their bedroom in his baseball pajamas, and dives under the covers, snuggling up to Will and Julia. When they’re fully awake, they tell Liam the truth, together.
“Sweetie, do you remember when you asked me if Will was going to be your daddy?” Liam nods and smiles. “I know this might be confusing, but Will is your daddy sweetheart. He always has been.”
“You’ve always been my daddy?” He turns to Will, his face scrunched up, confused. Will’s too choked up to speak, and just nods. Liam looks down at his hands, his face sad, “How come you never came to see me before?”
Will turns to her, tears in his eyes, then lifts Liam onto his lap.
“It’s a long story big guy. I didn’t know where you were. But now I do, and I’ll always be here with you.”
“Promise?” Liam places his little hand on Will’s cheek.
“Promise.” Will wraps his arms around him, his voice ragged. A moment later Liam pulls away and smiles at Will.
“Will…can I call you Daddy?” Liam asks, tentatively.
That sends Will over the edge, and the tears spill onto his cheek.
“I’d really like that.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Mom? Dad?” Will calls out as he enters their house. Peter’s memorial is being held tomorrow morning and he hopes they’re strong enough to make it through the service. They’ve been in deep mourning since Will returned from New York, but today, he finds his mother in the kitchen, making a cup of tea and kisses her cheek. She’s showered and dressed, which is more than she’s done in the past two weeks, and her face has some color, it’s not ghostly white.
“Where’s Dad?”
“He’s sitting on the patio.” She points outside.
What a relief. His father’s obsessed with the search for the terrorists responsible for the attacks. This is the first time his father’s been out of the house to Will’s knowledge.
“Mom, I need to talk to you and Dad.” She turns to him, fear in her eyes. “Mom, everyone is fine.” She exhales and lifts her cup of tea.
“Let’s join your father outside. It’s a beautiful day.”
His father is on the lounge chair, his eyes closed.
“Dad?”
“Hello, Will. The sun feels good, don’t you think?”
He loves his parents. They’ve been through so much and he’d do just about anything to save them from more heartache. Anything…but stay married to Avery.
“Mom, Dad…” He takes a deep breath, “I have something to tell you.”
His father nods, indicates for him to take a seat. His mother stands beside him, her hand resting on his father’s shoulder.
Will clasps his hands together, takes a deep breath, and decides to rip the bandage off the wound. “I’m getting a divorce.”
His mother’s eyes grow wide and his father sighs, leans forward and takes Will’s hand between his own.
“I’m surprised you’ve stayed with her this long.”
Will’s completely taken aback. Is his father saying they’ve been expecting this?
But…Kennedys don’t get divorced! That’s been drilled into his head since he was a kid. Once you’re married, you stay married. Marry in haste, repent at leisure, the list of clichés goes on and on. He gapes at his father, then turns to his mother.
“Will, we’re not blind. We know how unhappy you’ve been these past few years. You two aren’t suited for each other, that’s very clear to us. Maybe we should have said something to you sooner, we’ve been so worried about you, but we figured you’d talk to us when you were ready.”
“Sweetheart, you’re a grown man.” His mother takes a seat beside him, her eyes filling with tears. “You have to do what makes you happy. Life is so short…”
“I thought I’d disappoint you if I left her.” He whispers, trying to hold back the tears.
“Marriage is difficult, Will.” His father sighs, “I’ve made mistakes along the way, but I’ve always loved your mother. That’s what keeps us together. Not our children, not the money. We have a foundation built on mutual love and respect. That’s what we want for you. That’s what we’ve always wanted for our children.”
Will wipes away his tears and stands, looking out at the harbor. How could I have been so wrong about my parents? He didn’t give them enough credit. Of course they want their children to be happy. That’s what he wants for his own son.
His father rises and places his hand on Will’s shoulder.
“I know I’ve been hard on you in the past. Maybe pushed you too hard when it came to your career and for that I’m so sorry. We’ve always been proud of you, son. Your happiness is all that matters to us. You have to live your life on your own terms. Don’t waste it trying to be someone you’re not.”
“Thank you, Dad.” He embraces his father, accepting the absolution he’s always sought, but realizes he no longer needs. Still, he’s filled with gratitude and relief.
The worst is over. Now, he has to tell them about Liam and Julia.
“I have something else to tell you.” They all take a seat around the table. “Do you remember Julia Grasso?”
“Of course,” his father says.
“Oh, she was a delightful girl,” his mother smiles. “Whatever happened to her?”
“Well…”
Will explains what happened between them, how Avery deceived them both, breaking them up in the process.
“I saw Julia in Italy… and…” He blushes and looks down at his hands with a shy grin.
“We get the picture Will.” His father chuckles, “Why are you telling us this?”
“Julia had a baby.” He takes a deep breath and sits upright in his chair, “I have a son.”
His mother gasps, holding her hands to her chest.
“How long have you known?” His father sits back, his eyes narrowing.
“I found out a few days ago.”
His father’s brows draw together, his eyes sad.
“Mom, Dad, do you believe in fate?” They both nod their heads. “I’ve loved Julia since the day I met her. Not a single day has passed that I haven’t thought of her. We’ve had some major roadblocks, but something always brings us back together. Time, distance, none of that matters when it comes to Julia. When I saw her again on September 11th…” he shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders, “I just knew. Nothing else mattered. We’re meant to be together. I’m never letting her go again. And I’m not missing another day of my son’s life.”
His mother’s eyes fill with tears. “I have another grandson! When can I meet him?”
They knew there’d be a lot of people at Peter’s memorial service, but because of the national spotlight shining on the circumstances of his death, it’s turned into something of a media circus. The press isn’t allowed in the church, but several news crews are set up outside.
Will surveys the scene as he escorts his parents and Sloane up the steps of the church. Vans with satellite dishes are parked along High Street, reporters speaking into microphones, some interviewing people, others talking directly into the lens of the camera. Photographers are everywhere, their flashes blinding them as they make their way into the church.
The press didn’t attempt to interview family, even they knew that would be crossing the line, but they captured their every move on film, from the moment they exited the car until the church doors closed behind them.
Julia was right not to come to the service. Avery is here, sitting in the pew behind the family. He can’t stop her from attending
this service, but if she says one word to his parents or Sloane, he’ll throw her out himself, in front of the television cameras.
Will and Kevin are both gripping Ellie’s hands, physically restraining her. When she first saw Avery sitting in the church, he thought his sister was going to leap over the pew and attack her.
He told her to ignore Avery, but Ellie’s been shooting her the fiercest looks throughout the service, and when it was time to shake hands in peace with the people surrounding them, his family embraced each other, ignoring Avery.
Not Ellie, though.
He held his breath when she turned and grasped Avery’s hand and whispered, “I hope you rot in hell.” His sister’s not messing around. Avery wisely remained silent and left the church as soon as mass ended.
Throughout the service, Sloane is composed, even peaceful. Ellie brought her to the obstetrician yesterday and she’s officially in her second trimester, the furthest she’s ever carried a child. The doctor appointment put her mind at ease, and she feels Peter is with her, protecting their child.
After the service, his parents invited family members to join them at home. Once the majority of mourners have gone, Julia arrives with Liam and his niece and nephews. Ellie’s kids tear through the house, but Julia and Liam linger in the entryway.
Will catches her eye and crosses the room to greet them, lifting Liam into his arms, and wrapping his arm around Julia. She’s nervous about seeing his parents. She’s afraid they’ll be upset with her for keeping Liam from him. He’s reassured her that’s not the case, but he can tell she’s still fearful.
He kisses her cheek and smiles reassuringly as he leads them to the backyard where his parents are waiting.
His father stands as they walk onto the patio, and his eyes grow wide as they approach the table. His mother is sitting and her mouth drops open when her eyes alight on Liam’s face.
“Liam, these are my parents, your Grandma and Grandpa.” Liam’s head is down and he looks at them through his long eyelashes.
“Nice to meet you.” He holds out his little hand.
“I’m so happy to meet you Liam.” His father’s face breaks into a big grin as he shakes his grandson’s hand.
His mother slowly rises, her eyes fixed on Liam, and walks toward them. She places her hands on his son’s face and Liam smiles.
“Hello Liam, can I have a hug?” she asks, and he nods, wrapping his arms around her. “Oh my goodness. You look just like your daddy when he was a boy!” She kisses him and squeezes Will’s hand.
Ryan, Aidan and Caitlin join them on the patio.
“Come on Liam, let’s go!” Ryan says, pulling at his cousin’s shirt.
“Can I go play?” Liam asks.
“Of course you can.” Will ruffles his hair.
The children run to the swing set his parents installed for them a couple of years ago. His parents embrace Julia and they all take a seat around the table.
“Julia. It’s so wonderful to see you again! I feel like I just stepped back in time…Liam looks just like Will!” his mother exclaims.
“I’ve always thought so,” Julia says and looks down, tightly grasping his hand.
“Will explained the circumstances to us,” his father says. “Of course we wish things had been different, but…we understand you were in a difficult situation, and we want you to know how happy we are to welcome you and Liam into our family.”
“Julia,” his mother smiles, “I haven’t seen my son happy in many years, and despite the loss of our Peter, we’re thrilled to meet our grandson, and couldn’t be more delighted about you two finding each other again.”
Julia closes her eyes and sighs, her face breaking into a smile.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The house lights rise as the curtain falls on Act Two of Trinity Repertory’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Every morning, Julia wakes up filled with gratitude for all of life’s blessings. And they are blessed. As Gabby once said, how many people ever meet their soulmate? Not many.
They’re two of the lucky few, and what makes it even more special, is they realize how fortunate they are, and appreciate each other that much more. It took them almost ten years to get here, but every ounce of pain seems worth it now that they’re together.
“My true love is grown to such excess I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth,” Julia sighs and smiles. This has always been her favorite play, and she knows most of it by heart.
“This is good stuff.” Will squeezes her hand, and looking into her eyes paraphrases the Friar’s words, “You shall not stay alone till we are made one.”
“That could very well be the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me.” She smiles and leans in for a kiss.
Will pulls her to her feet and they join the crowd in the lobby. They don’t go out often, preferring to stay home with Liam, or spend time with family during these chilly fall evenings, but tonight is a special treat, a gift from Will.
“If you will excuse me, kind sir, I will be back anon.”
“Are you going to be speaking old English for the rest of the evening?” Will raises an eyebrow.
“Thou desirest me to stop?” She flutters her eyelashes, a smile on her lips.
“Ah, no, fair gentlewoman. Tis like softest music to my attending ears.”
“Spoken like the Bard himself!” she laughs.
Will wraps his arms around her, holding her close.
“I love you fair Juliet.”
“I love you, my Romeo. Wow! That was so corny!”
“Yeah, it was, wasn’t it?” He kisses the tip of her nose and smiles.
“I’ll be right back, I don’t think I can take too much more of this mushy stuff,” she laughs and winks, making her way to the ladies room. “Oh, a gimlet for me please!”
Why is the line for the ladies room always ten times longer than the men’s? Julia wonders. The temptation to sneak into the men’s room is strong, but she doesn’t, and sighs with relief when she finally reaches a stall. The bell signifying the end of intermission is ringing when the door opens and Julia hears a familiar voice…and a familiar name.
“Avery, what’s going on? What is Will doing here kissing my son’s teacher?” the woman asks in a hushed voice.
Really? In the bathroom? Don’t these women ever check to see if anyone else is in the room before they start talking about other people? She peeks through the crack in the stall and finds Lacey Bennett, a volunteer parent at her school, standing by the mirror with Avery, her eyes filled of concern.
Avery is pale and Julia wonders how she plans to get out of this one. Obviously Avery hasn’t told anyone that she and Will are getting a divorce.
She’s been surprisingly quiet over the past couple of months. Avery’s stalling over the paperwork, but hasn’t bothered them at all. All communication has been through their lawyers, and Will has been more than fair with the terms.
The house on Poppasquash and everything in it is Avery’s, though Julia suspects she’ll sell. She’s not from Bristol originally, why would she want to live near Will’s family? And the house on Nantucket goes to Will. There’s not much else to negotiate. She get’s half of all Will’s assets, but she can’t touch his trust fund, and they are selling the boat and splitting the proceeds.
The last thing on the table is alimony. Will wants this over and is ready to hand over whatever Avery wants, but his lawyer told him to let him do the negotiating. If all goes well, the divorce should be final by April.
“She’s Dex’s teacher?” Avery asks, her voice strained.
“Yes! She teaches history at The Academy. What’s going on between you and Will? You don’t seem very surprised to see him with another woman. Did you know about his affair?”
“I’ve had my suspicions. They were involved before we were married and…” Avery shakes her head, then begins to cry and Lacey comforts her on the loveseat in the ladies lounge.
Julia rolls her eyes at the absurdity of this situation. What sh
ould I do? I’m trapped! She may have to wait it out, but Will is undoubtedly on the other side of the door waiting for Julia, drink in hand. It could get ugly if Avery walks out of the bathroom before she does.
On the other hand, Julia doesn’t want to confront Avery here, now! Especially not in front of Mrs. Bennett, a mother of one of her students for Christ’s sake! No matter what happens, this will be all over school by first bell Monday morning.
Good god! Lacey Bennett of all people! She’s not known for discretion. Julia’s spent a bit of time with her this year, organizing classroom events and field trips, and despite her penchant for gossip, they work well together. She’s a board member and one of a small group of parents actively involved in the PTO.
It all hinges on what Avery says next, because if she crosses the line, the gloves are coming off.
“We’ve been having some…difficulties lately. Peter’s death has been so hard on the whole family, Will in particular. And…we recently received more bad news.” Avery lowers her voice to a whisper, “Will is sterile.”
Julia almost bursts out laughing. Really, Avery? Sterile?
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s awful! No wonder he’s acting out. Men are big babies when it comes to their virility. They become cavemen, beating their chests to prove how manly they are. He’ll come around.”
“I just can’t believe he’d bring his mistress out in public! I could take the humiliation in private, but for him to flaunt his indiscretion…I don’t know what to do!” Avery sighs dramatically, the tears continuing to flow.
Did Avery think she could pretend to be married to Will indefinitely? This is absolutely ridiculous. Lacey shakes her head, squeezing Avery’s hand.
“Just goes to show, you never know some people. I’ve spent a lot of time at school with Julia Grasso and I never took her for a home wrecker. She seems so nice!”
What if I Fly? Page 30
