Our Forever Promise

by Mary Wasowski

  “Sorry, Mac, not this time,” Walker said.

  He winked and then kissed me without any care in the world that we weren’t alone. Dr. Lemay cleared her throat. And Freddy? Well he’s Freddy, and he mini-applauded our display of affection.

  I bit on his lip in the kiss and Walker leaned in. He said, “Save that for later, baby. You can bite me anywhere you wish.”

  Freddy gasped and screamed, “Swoon!” as Dr. Lemay ignored everyone and focused on her job.

  Walker held my hand with Freddy on the other side doing the same. Dr. Lemay lifted the sheet and exposed my belly, where she put the jelly on it.

  “Oh that’s cold.” I shivered.

  “Sorry, but it’s necessary.” Dr. Lemay replied. She stroked the scanner over my stomach and within seconds our little girl appeared on the screen. She was sucking her thumb and nestled all cozy inside of me. Dr. Lemay clicked and clicked until we had an album of images. She was absolutely beautiful. I looked up at Walker, who had tears in his eyes. Underneath the powerful mogul that the world sees, right here with me, is simply the man that I love and the father of our child.

  “That’s our baby,” he whispered. “I have never loved you more, Reese. Thank you for making me a father again. I can’t wait to hold our daughter.”

  “I love you too. Thank you for making me a mother again. We are blessed. To have this with you is simply a miracle, a dream I gave up having many years ago.”

  “Okay, you two, cut it out. I can actually feel a cavity beginning to form with all of this sweetness. Come on, Reed! Where’s the hard core dirty talking ‘Mr. Wall Sex’ I love so much?”

  We both just shook our heads at my best friend and laughed. Poor Dr. Lemay. She was as red as a rose, but she took all the fun in stride.

  She went over all the details of my exam. Our baby’s heartbeat was perfect. I could listen to that amazing sound all day long. I was at my halfway point of my pregnancy.

  She told us that our little angel was just about the size of a banana. I looked over at Freddy, giving him a warning not to joke about this. He pretended to zip his mouth.

  “All is progressing nicely, Reese. You are measuring perfectly. Although you think you are huge, you’ve only gained about twelve pounds. You are a star patient. Other than the early sickness you experienced, all looks great. I see no reason why you won’t continue to have a healthy pregnancy. I do encourage a reasonable amount of exercise, but also rest too. Anything else you would like to go over?” she asked.

  Walker seemed to be satisfied with all that he heard, and with that, I got dressed. Arriving back home, Nana was cooking up a storm. The house smelled amazing. You would think scented candles were burning, but it was the aroma from the oven that had our tastes buds bursting. She was excited to see the baby pictures I brought home.

  “That’s not ready yet!” she screamed as scolded Freddy who took a taste from one of the pastry bowls.

  He gave her a lifting hug and she laughed, while telling him he was forgiven. Jackson was resting in his room. Riley was in the media room making some videos that she called “book trailers,” as she was an avid reader of many books on her Kindle. She said she was just messing around, but some of them were really good, and I encouraged her to pursue it further. She had been amazingly supportive of Jackson and waited along with him to begin school, but I knew my daughter. She was itching to get her creative juices flowing, so this was a good distraction for her. Who knew where it could lead to? Before she left for her vacation, she took Jackson to an author signing where she “fan-girled” over her favorite authors.

  Riley described the leading men as her book boyfriends, and she adored the women responsible for bringing those men to life. She took a photo with authors Wendy Ferraro and Alice-Montalvo Tribue. Their men were Dylan and Victor. Riley talked my ear off for hours explaining every last detail of their books. I finally put my hands up in the air and conceded to read them. After all, I was living my real life story with Walker. What harm can it do to—what was her word she used—“fan girl” over a few book boyfriends.

  “Wow! Oh my talented daughter. You did a great job with this one.”

  “Thanks mom, but I’m just messing around.”

  “Riley, this is more than messing around. You took their story and made it into a mini movie. Why don’t you reach out to Wendy and show her what you’ve done? I bet as an author, she would be thrilled that one of her fans took this much time and effort to showcase her book.”

  “Thanks, mom. I’ll think about it.”

  “Do more than think about it…do it. This may lead to other things. You never know.”

  My girl definitely was overflowing with her sparkle. We both were. If someone were to ask me six months ago if this is how I saw my life playing out, I would have not believed it. It happened…it really did happen. The dream of marrying Walker and sharing my life with him was something tucked away in my memories. Now all I wanted to do was scream it from the highest mountain how much I loved him. I was ready…we were ready. In just under forty eight hours, I would be…Reese Mitchell Reed.

  “Mom, earth to mom.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, honey. What did you say?”

  “Nothing important. You must have been having some daydream, huh?”

  If she only knew.

  STEPPING OUT OF the shadows, I observed without being seen or heard. I would wait for the perfect time to strike and make my presence known.

  Fools, all of you. You conniving bitch. You smug bastard. The prince will fall…mark my words. Enjoy your happiness now, while it lasts.

  You soon will discover what it means to lose everything. You took away what was most important in my life. So now, I will take away what you value most.

  And the best part? You won’t see me coming.

  IT WAS FINALLY here, my wedding day, a day I dreamed about for more years than my son had been alive. Some cynical men have called marriage the death of romance, love, and bachelorhood, but I never saw it like that. …Which made it slightly ironic that I found myself at the cemetery on my wedding day. In actuality, I was here with my son to pay respects to Elizabeth before the ceremony.

  Last night, after I made love to her for the last time as Reese Mitchell, I talked to Reese about coming here. She always supported my decisions, and this time was no different. Reese encouraged me to come here today, which made me love her even more, if that was possible.

  She said, “I will never stand in the way of the memories that you shared with Elizabeth. She will forever be a part of your life because of the son you share. Your life with her and your life with me is not the same, and both should be respected. If this is what you need to do, then you have my blessing to do so. Your son needs to know that his mother is not forgotten. Go together and share your loss with each other.”

  I hugged her and said, “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you, but I will never question fate. I love you Reese with all that I have, and tomorrow I am going to make you mine forever. All that I have is now yours, and I will love you all the days of my life until God calls me home, and even then, our love will live on.”

  When I asked Jackson to join me, he seemed relieved because he was intending to ask me to come with him. I always told Jackson he could talk to her anywhere, anytime, but today he felt he needed to be here. It was a need I understood all too well.

  I watched him from afar as he waited his turn for me to finish paying my respects to my oldest friend, his mother. I placed her favorite flowers in the vase in front of her stone. I broke off some rose petals and scattered them on top of her angel.

  “Hi, friend. I bet you’re wondering what I’m doing here today of all days. I guess you can call it a rite of passage with one door closing and another opening, but that’s only partly true. Elizabeth, our door will never be closed. I share a son with you, and your spirit lives on through him. I came so close to losing him, and then he was saved. Thank you for saving our son. Thank you for showing me the way
on my darkest days when there was no light. I did it, Elizabeth. I opened my heart up to forgiving my father. I don’t know if he will ever have peace, but it is something I wish for him. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do all that you asked of me, but I’m sure you know why. I’m still me, and there are some things that can never be undone. I have to protect my family the only way I know how. Our son is here. He’s waiting patiently to talk to you, so I’m going go and give him the time he needs with you. I love you, friend.”

  As I walked away, I watched my son take a seat on the bench in front of his mother’s grave. He needed this time with her.

  “Are you okay son?” I asked him. He was silent as we left the cemetery.

  “I’m fine.”

  “You don’t seem fine. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Dad, I just need to work through a few things on my own. Is that okay if we don’t talk about it right now?”

  “Of course. I just want you to know that I’m here for you.”

  “That’s one thing I’m sure of and never doubt. I love you very much, dad.”

  “I love you too, son. Thank you for standing up for me today. It means everything to me that you will be by my side.”

  “You deserve this day with Reese, and every bit of happiness she brings to your life. I’m telling you, dad. One day Riley and I are going to make your story into a movie.”

  “Whatever you say son, just pick an awesome actor to play my part. He’s going to have lots of nude scenes.”

  “You sure are confident.”

  “Hell yeah! I’m a Reed.”

  We both laughed as we arrived back at the house. The heavy heartbreak that we were both feeling after leaving the cemetery had been lifted and replaced with laughter.

  Today was a happy day…a new start for all of us. I kept patting down my pocket to feel the rings and my vows. Jackson told me to relax, but I was too excited to take a breath. I had worked on my vows for the past few days, making sure it was perfect like the angel I was marrying.

  We walked into the house, where the staff was buzzing around, and Priscilla with her clipboard was managing it all. Rosalyn was here wearing her headset and shooting off commands to her assistants. Flower arrangements and candles beautifully decorated the tables. Everything was in place. Nana’s dessert display was something out of Bon Appetit Magazine. She baked all of Reese’s favorites, and surprised even me with creating some French pastries. Was there ever any doubt that Lila couldn’t have pulled this off? Shame on me for entertaining that thought. I glanced over to her and she gave me the biggest “I told you so” smile. Yes, I deserved it, and smiled back.

  AS I SAT at my dressing table to take my first look at my hair and make-up, all created by Freddy, I heard oohs and aahs coming from behind me. I wore my hair down layered with curls as it cascaded down my back. Freddy braided both sides and wrapped them around as if they were a crown. He threaded flowers through the braids, and placed my great-grandmother’s Irish Claddagh pin in the middle, another heirloom I get to pass down to Riley someday.

  “The pin is perfect. I knew it would look beautiful on you.” Nana said as she wiped away a tear. I turned to reach for her hands and folded them with mine.

  “Thank you, Nana. How can I ever say it enough for you and granddaddy loving and caring for me all of these years?”

  “Oh, my sweet girl. Your smile is thanks enough. We only want you to be happy and live the life you were destined for. You have that with Walker, and soon you will be holding another precious life. A miracle from God, wrapped up in the love you have for each other. I could ask for nothing more for you.”

  “Do you think mama and daddy are watching from heaven?”

  “Always my sweet girl…always.”

  “Stop!” Freddy called out.

  With his hands flailing in the air he rushed over to me. “Don’t cry Reese, breathe beautiful girl, and do not wreck my masterpiece. Your make-up is flawless.”

  “Will you stop it? I’m fine and I’m wearing waterproof mascara.”

  We all laughed as Freddy took a big gulp of his champagne and poured another. It was time to begin to get dressed, but I wanted a few minutes with Riley first. I gave hugs to Nana and Freddy, and then to Riley, who patiently waited to talk to me.

  “You do look beautiful, mom.”

  “Thank you, my daughter. Come and sit with me. Speaking of beautiful, you look amazing, Riley. Jackson is going to lose it when he sees you walking down the aisle.”

  “I sure hope so, mom, but it’s what I’m wearing underneath that I can’t wait to show him.”

  “Oh my goodness! I’m covering my ears. TMI, daughter, way too much.”

  “Sorry mom. No filter, remember?”

  “How could I forget? Oh, Riley! Not a day spent as your mother, have I not laughed or smiled at least five times a day when I look into your eyes. You have been my greatest joy in this life. I love you so much.”

  “I love you too, mom. I am so happy you are finally getting your happily ever after with Mr. Reed.”

  “Thank you for saying that. Somehow, I still wasn’t sure how you felt about it.”

  “Mom, I’m sorry you ever had to doubt me. You have my unconditional support. You made me a believer. What you and Mr. Reed share is truly magical. It’s something dreams are made of. It’s beyond any fairytale I ever read. I don’t have to wish anything for you, because you already have it.”

  “You’re pretty amazing yourself. It’s no wonder why Jackson loves you so much. Your story is just beginning, and I’m so happy you found your own prince to love. Having said that, please never forget who you are. When you’re in love, it’s like no other feeling you will ever get to experience, especially when it’s with the right person, someone who can see you all the way through to the deepest depths of your soul. Take it one day at a time. Live and have fun in all the moments between you, okay?”

  “Okay, mom. I promise. Now can we get you married already?”

  “Absolutely. I just need a few minutes to compose myself, and then we can call the team back in.”

  “You got it. I’m going to check on Jackson. I’ll be back soon. Love you.”

  “Love you more.”

  Wiping my tears that managed to fall, I thanked the make-up gods for waterproof mascara. My make-up was still flawless and Freddy’s blood pressure intact and steady. My dressing room was filled with flowers, but one rose was placed here on my table. Of course, it was from Walker. He left me a note with a few simple words:

  Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t hear the door open and close. I looked up to the horror standing behind me.

  “Hello, Ms. Mitchell.”

  “Henry,” I whispered.

  Elizabeth’s father, Henry Townsend, is standing with a gun directed right at me. I instinctively cover my stomach to protect my baby.

  “I said hello, Ms. Mitchell. Where are your manners? Don’t you remember me? Of course you do. I can see it in your eyes. I’m the man that changed your life. And today, I will do it all over again.”

  I’m silent. I’m stunned. I’m shaking. I’m crying.

  “Nothing to say? You seemed pretty talkative a few minutes ago. Spouting tales of unrequited love and dreams coming true. Isn’t that what you said to your daughter? She’s quite beautiful and very reminiscent of you at that age. I can see why my grandson is infatuated with her, the same way his father was with you. I wouldn’t count on this day ending the way you have pictured it. You don’t have your ‘happily ever after’ just yet. Today, I change your story by taking away what matters most to Walker Reed.”

  “Please don’t hurt me. I’ll give you anything, but please don’t hurt me. I’m pregnant.” I sat frozen to the chair as my frightened eyes stared back at his manic ones.

  “Yes, I see that. Another bastard child of Reed’s.”

  “Shut up! How dare you say such vile things? You don’t know anything about Walker and me, and our children as you say, are not bastards. This baby,
as well as the son I lost, was conceived in love, a forever love that is unending.”

  “Bravo, Ms. Mitchell, you certainly do have a feisty side, don’t you? I remember Phillip telling me all about it when you were down on your knees begging not to be thrown out of his son’s life, and yet here you are, begging again.”

  He continued, “You protected your family from the wrath of Phillip all those years ago. So I ask you: Will you do the same today? Will you sacrifice yourself for the safety and well-being of your family? Because we know family means everything to you, and I also know what it means to Walker. This is the one thing we do have in common. My Elizabeth was my world. Her happiness meant everything to me, and when it was threatened, that’s when I decided to remove the problem. You, Ms. Mitchell are still the problem. You need to be gone, but this time, you won’t be coming back. Now, get up!”

  “You are out of your mind if you think I’m going anywhere with you. Walker has this house surrounded by security. We will never make it out of the front door.”

  “Wrong again, Ms. Mitchell. Your entire staff, down to your lovely grey haired grandmother, is busy with today’s event, and clearly not paying attention. How else do you think I got in here? I’ve been watching you for days. I could have taken you several times, but I think today is fitting, don’t you think? Here you sit and wait to meet your groom, to take your vows to become husband and wife. A dream, as you say, you’ve been waiting to come true. I can just picture the devastation on his face when he discovers that you have left him…yet again.”

  “You are delusional. Somewhere deep inside of you, you have lost your humanity. Grieving for your daughter has left you lost and empty. You feel alone right now because you are on the outside looking in, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can right this wrong before it’s too late. Your grandson loves and misses you. It is never too late for forgiveness, and it is not too late for you. Please don’t do this, Henry. Please don’t hurt me or my baby. You still have a chance.”