Always and Forever: Rugby Brothers, Book 3

by Tiara Inserto

  She hooked her arm into his and led the way to Michael’s room. Antoinette was stopped by a nurse near the doorway of what looked to be a large social room. A sitting area was empty but behind it were several round tables, each with different activities keeping half a dozen people occupied. A lone figure stood by the window; another sat reading by the unlit fireplace.

  They reached Michael’s room at the end of the hallway, entering it after Antoinette gave a quick knock.

  Michael frowned when they entered.

  “It’s me, darling,” Antoinette said as she approached her husband. “Mano’s visiting.”

  Michael stared at Antoinette before smiling. “You’re very pretty, young lady.”

  Antoinette’s musical laugh filled the room, and she raised her hand toward Mano. “Come closer, Mano. He won’t bite!”

  Eyes that didn’t recognize him fell on Mano’s face. “Mano? Do I know you, young man? I’m forgetful.”

  Antoinette brought out a photo album and sat in the armchair next to her husband. She urged Mano to come closer then began to show Michael photos of their past. If Michael were surprised to see himself in photos he didn’t know, Mano couldn’t hear or see it behind the occasional questions Michael would ask.

  Michael seemed content to just listen to Antoinette speak.

  Mano was in several of the pictures. Margot had introduced him to her parents early in their relationship, and his time with the family was well-documented. There were photos of him at a family dinner; when they attended one of his club games; playing cards; having a barbecue in the backyard; the day Margot and he became engaged.

  Later, Antoinette and Mano sat quietly on the veranda of the care home, tea and a plate of untouched biscuits were on the small table between them. Music from inside kept them company.

  “I will forever be grateful you helped us get him here, Mano,” Antoinette said. “I intend to pay you back, you know.”

  “No, please, Antoinette,” Mano said. “We’re family not by blood but by choice. I first fell in love with your daughter, and then her parents. I’m glad I could help.”

  “But you didn’t marry—”

  “My feelings for you and Michael are unchanged.”

  “What about your feelings for Margot?”

  She studied him intently; he remained silent.

  “Corrine thinks you’ll be able to bring her back,” Antoinette continued. “Michael doesn’t have long, Mano. And I think, deep down, even if he doesn’t recognize her, he would want see his daughter one last time. I’d like for him to have that. But it still needs to be her choice, though. It’s important that she has a say in things.”

  Mano heard the quiet plea behind the brave words and the cover of grace. Antoinette would never put herself first. Her needs had always been secondary to her family: moving to the South Island when her life was in Auckland, stopping her painting to care for her daughter, then her husband. Always done with love, without judgement.

  Just like mum. They would have been fast friends.

  And that’s probably why he had to try, because his mother would have. Mano sighed and covered Antoinette’s hand with his. With a soft squeeze, he left her without another word.

  There really wasn’t a decision to be made. He wouldn’t have left America without knowing he was going to see his ex-fiancée. Before, he had avoided looking for her in deference to her last words to him. It had driven him almost crazy with anger and grief…and perhaps fear. Her directive became an excuse to ignore his past without fully understanding it.

  As he pulled out of the carpark, he could make out Antoinette’s figure still standing on the veranda. If he were truly honest, finding Margot for someone else was easier than doing it for himself.

  Mano drove straight to Neela’s house afterward, his earlier numbness now mixed with a taste of adrenaline. It was the same type of feeling he had before a big match: so much on the line, but to make it to the end of eighty minutes meant focusing on one play at a time.

  Results were never guaranteed.

  Both Blake and Neela were sitting on the front steps of their house, bottles of water in their hands, and a rugby ball between them. Neela waved as he pulled up, her face glistening from sweat.

  “You all right?” she asked through the lowered car window.

  “Yeah. Corrine in?”

  Neela nodded. “In the house. She’s giving private lessons while staying with us.”

  “Private lessons?”

  “Yeah. Piano and voice.” Neela looked to the front door. “Little Billy is in there right now. He’s a good kid, but not quite the talent. Why do you think Blake and I are working out here?”

  He paused just outside the large rumpus room that Blake affectionately called “his library.” Keys were struck on an unseen piano then a clear, melodic voice broke the chord into individual notes.

  Corrine used to volunteer as a music teacher at the learning center he had helped start through their church. Then he cringed as the next set of notes – sung by a younger and, very enthusiastic voice – pierced through the air.

  He poked his head through the opened doorway. Corrine saw him immediately but kept her focus on her student. Only a slight nod in his direction acknowledged his presence. She joined him in the kitchen fifteen minutes later, accepting a mug of tea after a brief hug.

  “How was Michael?” she asked.

  “Okay. I’ve nothing to compare it to. He looks good but he didn’t recognize Antoinette or me.”

  “If he’s up and talking, it’s a good day. There have been days he just wants to stay in bed. And she sits with him. All day. Even if he never sees her.”

  “She had an album of photos. Looks like she takes it out often. They’ve had quite a life…quite a love story.”

  Corrine nodded but continued to stare into her mug. Instincts told him she had something to say, but he didn’t expect the loud wail.

  “I’m sorry, Mano! So, so sorry!”

  Tears had appeared suddenly, and the anguish in her voice matched the sorrow etched in her face.

  “I’ve felt so guilty this last year.” Corrine pushed a strand of hair behind an ear and wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve. “I lied to you. I knew from the beginning where she was. Have always known. I loaned her the money to leave Christchurch, to leave you.”

  She didn’t wait for him to say anything. It was as if a dam had broken, and the words came flowing quickly. Her hands moved wildly; her voice was keen and urgent. But he didn’t hear anything; he only saw her pain.

  Corrine received the brunt of Margot shutting herself off from the world during treatment. He hadn’t noticed how much so until Corrine had asked if he would say something to Margot. She missed her friend; wanted ten minutes to say “hello.” But Margot guarded her time carefully. “I don’t want to see anyone,” Margot had said. “I don’t need anyone to feel sorry for me. It’s my fight. Corrine will wait. She’ll understand. She always has before.”

  He blinked as the memories merged with the present.

  Sad eyes met his. “When she phoned, I couldn’t say ‘no’ to anything she asked of me. I was just so happy to have her back in my life again,” Corrine said. “I missed her so much when she was sick. She only wanted you. And her mum and dad. No one else."

  Leaning over, Mano reached for Corrine’s hand. She grasped it firmly.

  Neela appeared in the kitchen with a box of tissues. She pulled out the empty chair, sat next to Corrine, and covered her former roommate’s shoulders with her arm. “Hey, I thought we agreed there won’t be any more tears while you stay with us,” Neela said softly. “At the rate you’re going through all our boxes of Kleenex, I might have to start charging you for them!”

  Corrine blew her nose into a tissue before looking at Mano again. “Well, I guess you coming home means you’re going to get her?”

  Mano crossed his arms. “I will try to see her. That’s all. I’m still not sure why you think I could convince her if you c
ouldn’t. You’re her best friend.”

  “I was her best friend. You took over that role when she fell in love with you.”

  “Well, I don’t think either of us can claim that title anymore,” he countered.

  She smiled sadly. “No, I guess not.”

  He didn’t miss the gentle squeeze his cousin gave Corrine. Impulsively, he asked, “Do you want to come with me?”

  A shadow of surprise and something else crossed Corrine’s face. Fear? Reluctance? Whatever it was, she replaced it quickly with firm shake of her head. “Thank you, but no. She’s already seen me. Might be best for you to do this alone.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Seven Hills, CA.

  Her eyes opened before she heard the soft vibration of her phone, almost as if her subconscious knew he’d be calling. Eden reached for it, aware of the bubbles of joy that accompanied the anticipation of hearing Mano’s voice.

  Mano: Did I wake you?

  Eden: No. Was hoping to hear from you. Want to talk?

  The phone sounded, and she pressed the green icon quickly. “Good morning! Technically, that’s true, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” Mano said. “Just about midnight here. Sorry I didn’t call earlier. Spent some time with my cousin and Corrine.” He paused. “Planning to see Margot tomorrow.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Ready.” He sounded determined. “Spent the last six months wanting to see her. Then not. It’s time.”

  “I’ll be here when you get back.”

  “I know.”

  “I love you. You got this, babe.”

  “Babe?”

  “Too ordinary? How about ‘Honey’? Hunk-of-mine’, perhaps?” Eden grinned. Pulling her covers as she rolled over, she imagined Mano’s face. He’s frowning.

  “What’s wrong with my name?” Mano asked.

  “Don’t you want a nickname?”

  “No.”

  Eden laughed. He’s smiling. She remained awake fifteen minutes after he said goodbye. No embellishment; no nicknames. Just a “I miss you, too.”

  I’ll take it.

  Sighing, she stared at the blank ceiling and knew she wouldn’t go back to sleep. She reached for her phone.

  5:45 am.

  Brandon, Lisa, and the children would have just reached the airport in New Orleans. Once they were checked in, she’d get a call from Aidan. Brandon would make sure of it. He always did.

  Maybe it was time for Aidan to live with Brandon. It wasn’t as if San Francisco was far away. It’d be half an hour on BART to the city center, then she would hail a taxi to Brandon’s house in North Beach. It had always been a possibility. Even her fathers knew it would happen, hence their efforts to build an independent relationship with Brandon and Lisa.

  Eden decided on a hot chocolate to keep her company on the balcony. Nobody was about so early. The trail leading to the St. Anne’s was decidedly empty, a reminder of how vacant the campus could be over the holidays.

  Alistair still snuck onto campus over Thanksgiving break which meant Eden spent much of her first day home going through a dozen of his emails. She was certain another dozen would be waiting today. College hoops was in full swing; commitment letters from next year’s Freshman class continued to be processed; the fencing team needed a new trainer to travel with them.

  She welcomed the emails and texts from Alistair; they were expected and strangely comforting. Normalcy in one part of her life was welcomed.

  Surprising but equally comforting were the text messages from Liana, Cat, Veronica, and even Mark Johnson (she took a screenshot of that one with the intention of printing then framing it). Each had separately checked in with her through the day and sent photos. That little Levi had wormed his way into her heart already. It’d been awhile since she’d last held babies. She wasn’t so old that another baby couldn’t be in her future.

  Eden grinned.

  She’ll keep that idea to herself for the time being. Even granite had its breaking point.

  A few hours later, Aidan texted her as soon as the plane landed at SFO.

  * * *

  Aidan: Dad wants to know if it’s okay if we stop at Pop and Granddad’s to drop off presents. Lisa brought them beignets.

  Mom: Granddad would never forgive me if I said ‘no.’

  Aidan: OK.

  Mom: I’m going for a swim later in the afternoon, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from me.

  Aidan: OK. Can we have Mexican tonight?

  Mom: Of course! Tradition!

  * * *

  Only one lane was occupied when she entered the pool. After her first set, she found herself alone…except for a pair of expensive Italian shoes facing her when she reached the side.

  Settling her goggles on her head, she swallowed the panic that immediately surfaced at the unexpected. “Where’s Aidan? Is he okay?”

  Brandon sat down and began to take his shoes and socks off. “Yes. He’s at the apartment with your dad and Pop. We left a message on your phone that we’re coming straight here. With Mexican. The twins were jumping on your bed when I left.”

  Eden grinned. “You abandoned Lisa to deal with that?”

  “Her idea,” Brandon said. “She thought our conversation should be just between us.”

  Eden eyed Brandon suspiciously. She pushed off the wall and watched him put the exposed half of his legs into the water. “What conversation?”

  “Have I ever thanked you?”

  “For what?”

  “For taking care of our son? Especially while I was training for the Summer Games. I mean, you could have made it really difficult for me.”

  “Oh, come on, Bran…”

  “No, I’m serious. I’m not sure if I ever did. Just for the record, I was grateful. Still am. Forever will be.”

  Eden swam back to the side of the pool. “You don’t have to thank me for taking care of Aidan. He’s my son too. That’s what I’m supposed to do.”

  “But you didn’t insist I stop training or stay back instead of going to the Games or—”

  “Hey, I was from that world too. I knew I had to stop, but there was no reason why you had to. You gave me what you could as a boyfriend.”

  “Your dads didn’t think so.”

  “No, neither of our parents were happy with how we handled things.”

  Brandon chuckled. “No. And when we said we weren’t planning on getting married…”

  “It was like World War Three happened,” Eden laughed. “At least it wasn’t my side that used the ‘b’ word!”

  Brandon’s face shaded a little. “I’ll never forget that. I couldn’t believe that came from my grandmother. You weren’t worried about it though. That’s what attracted me to you in the first place. You marched to your own beat, Eden. You always have. I hope Aidan gets that from you.”

  “This feels like a fairly surreal conversation. Are we sharing feelings, Brandon?”

  Brandon smiled. “We’ve come a long way. But, look, Lisa and I have discussed this. I want to help.”

  “Help? What kind of help?”

  “If you won’t go back to Tommy, let me help coach you.”

  She knew her mouth was hanging. This was the last thing she ever expected Brandon to say. He was done with swimming. He wouldn’t know a thing about coaching.

  “I know enough.”

  Eden shut her mouth. “You have a job; you have a wife; you have twin daughters who are in the middle of potty training!”

  “The Yuans are open to switching houses with us right now. They know us; we know them. They want to stay in the city for the time being. Moving to Seven Hills for a few months will give Lisa and me an idea of whether we want to raise the girls in the suburbs or in the city.”

  “Wait— when did this happen?”

  “Called Charles while we were in Louisiana.” Brandon looked around him. “Aidan and I had a good talk as well. He really wants to stay out here. Despite everything he’s been through, he likes it here.�
��

  “And Lisa is okay with this?”

  “It was Lisa who brought up the idea,” Brandon said. “Eden, it’s your turn to go for the dream. I remember how much it meant for you to qualify, to do what your mom did. You can do this.”

  She shouldn’t be suspicious but… “And you moving here? This has nothing to do about whether I’m still capable of raising our son?”

  Brandon studied the swirls his legs were creating in the water. “We had a bit of a scare. We’ve managed to make it work so far. It’s a good thing. And Aidan’s a really good kid. I’m so proud of him, of who he’s becoming.”

  “Me too,” Eden said softly.

  “We were so young when he was born. Things could have gone really wrong. For whatever reason, even when neither of our parents thought we could do it, we did it. Aidan has always been a priority between us. Neither of us forgot that. And we’ve always agreed that Aidan lives with the person who can best help him at the moment.” Brandon raised his head to look at Eden. “You’re that person right now.”

  Her throat caught at the sincerity in Brandon’s eyes. “Thank you. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to hear you say that to me.”

  Brandon smiled. “I know you had to cut hours while you were training. Do you need any money to tide you over?”

  “What? Oh my god, can this conversation get any weirder?”

  “I mean—”

  “No! I’m okay. Really.”

  “Is Mano lending you money?”

  “Is that really any of your business?”

  “Oh, so you are taking money from him.”

  “No! Oh geez.”

  Brandon laughed. “It’s so easy to rile you up, Eden. I hope Aidan doesn’t get that from you.”

  “Don’t you have to get your nails done or something?”

  “Grasping for straws, are we? You’re blushing. You must really like him. You’re usually more straight-forward if you don’t like a guy. This is good. Time for you to get back in the game.”

  Eden pulled herself up from the pool and accepted the towel Brandon offered. “It’s easier for you guys to get back in the game. Single moms aren’t exactly at the top of most men’s wish list.”