Page 54 of Give Me Strength

I can still feel Rachel’s and Mom’s presence in this space, like a warm embrace, a sanctuary that wraps around me. All of the furniture in the room has been replaced, it’s still the high-end, elegant, and timeless, just updated to reflect my tastes. A different four-poster canopy bed stands where the old one was, its intricately carved wood and luxurious drapes dominating the space, bringing back a rush of countless memories. The walls, once adorned with floral wallpaper, are now a soothing shade of lavender. The delicate lace curtains have been replaced with modern, sheer drapes that flutter slightly in the evening breeze, allowing more light to fill the space. A reading nook has been added by the bay window, complete with a plush armchair and a small bookshelf filled with my favorite novels and ballet history books — which Melissa must have moved from my old room into this space.

It’s perfect.

It’s too perfect.

It’s my sanctuary now, a beautiful blend of old and new, a space filled with warm memories and the promise of new beginnings.

New new beginnings.

My gaze drifts to the walk-in closet, its doors slightly ajar. I step closer, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. It was once filled with Rachel’s ad Mom’s elegant gowns and dance costumes, but it’s now been cleaned out and organized to accommodate my wardrobe. My clothes now hang neatly on the racks, my dancewear carefully folded on the shelves.

The familiar scent of lavender sachets fills the air, a subtle reminder of Mom’s love for the flower. I take a deep, steadying breath, letting the sense of peace it instills settle within me. I venture inside, running my fingers along the hangers, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude.

Turning around, I see Melissa watching me with a tender smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Mine are too, and they sting.

“Thank you,” is all I can manage, my voice thick with emotion.

“You deserve a space that feels like home,” she says softly. “Rachel would have wanted that for you.”

I nod, blinking back tears.

“I’ll leave you to it.” She sets my tote bag next to the laundry hamper, then leaves.

Following her, I wander back into the bedroom and plop down on the bed. I close my eyes and let the peace of the room, of the space envelop me.

Thirty minutes later, a soft knock on my door pulls me out of my reverie.

“Ashlynn?” Gilbert’s voice calls softly from the hallway.

“It’s open,” I answer him, sitting up on the edge of the bed.

He steps inside, looking a little hesitant. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.” He glances around the room, his eyes softening as he takes in all the changes, a subtle nod of approval. “There’s something we need to discuss.”

I pat the space next to me. His eyes darken, and he gives me a slight shake of the head. “What’s the matter?” I can’t help but tease him. “It’s just a bed.”

His dark gaze roams over my face, then down my body. A warmth spreads through my veins beneath his scrutiny. “It’s not just a bed, Ashlynn.”

“No? What is it, then?” Why, oh why, am I poking the bear?

His eyes lift mine, the corner of his lip lifts slightly. “Could you join me in the sitting area? Please?”

And he turns without waiting for an answer. Just like that, the moment’s gone.

“Of course,” I mumble, curious about what could be so important. I follow him to the private sitting area that connects the two primary bedrooms. The area, though, might as well be in a galaxy of its own. The space is cozy, yet elegant, with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the sprawling gardens and the distant mountains, now bathed in the twilight’s glow.

The view is truly breathtaking, a serene landscape that always brings a sense of calm.

Gilbert gestures to a comfortable loveseat, and I sit down. Then he sits next to me, before placing a stack of papers on the coffee table in front of us.

I barely register it, though. “How is this any different from what I suggested before?” I ask, a flutter of nerves takes flight in the pit of my stomach.

He’s so close. Is this some newfound form of torture?

It must be, because he leans in, and tucks my hair behind my behind my ear. I can tell he’s trying to keep what little shred of control he’s got left. Butt his breathing is hard, just like the rest of him.

“I know you’ve had a lot to adjust to, since moving in,” he says, his tone is surprisingly gentle and reassuring despite the tension simmering between us, “but there’s one more thing I need to discuss with you. It’s long overdue.”

He leans back, taking his warm with him, before sliding the papers closer to me. “These are documents that, once signed, will officially make you co-owner of this estate.”

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