Page 57 of Culmination
Not that it mattered. It could’ve been the most disastrous delivery, but as long as he was here and he was safe and happy, I’d have gladly gone through any struggle.
Before his birth, Rafe and I decided to get married low-key, without fanfare. His parents and his brother, Michael, were there, of course, but the day was solely about us pledging our lives, our love, and our faith to each other. The following morning, we left to enjoy a combined honeymoon and babymoon, spending the next two weeks relaxing on the beach in Florida. Sure, it wasn’t a Fiji vacation or anything, but seeing as I was nearing my third trimester by that point, Rafe wouldn’t even hear of my leaving the country.
Now, we’re settled in Ohio, living in blissful peace on seven acres of wooded land only a few miles from his parents’ place. I never would have asked Rafe to leave the agency, not if he loved the work he was doing, but to my immense satisfaction, he decided he loved running Matthews Construction and I found I had a knack for keeping the books. With a newborn, it’s the best of both words. If I’m not home with the baby, I’m on site with Rafe, Elijah settled into the Pack ’n Play while I try to get work done.
For the first time in my life, I’m content. We begin our days together, spend them in close proximity, and go home as a family unit. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Things with Helene are surprisingly comfortable as well. After discussing things over with me, his parents, and later on his birth mother, Rafe announced that she’d be Aunt Helene, a family friend the Matthewses had fallen out of touch and then recently connected with.
After all, we’d seen the whirlwind in the media once the royal house announced Adrian’s true lineage, and Rafe wanted no part in this circus. Adrian, naturally, had gone underground and no one has seen him since photographers caught sight of him landing on the tarmac at Akinos, where I hope he’s spending time getting to know his mother and healing in so many other ways.
“Baby, come back to sleep.”
Rafe’s stubble tickles the skin on the back of my neck. Shivers run down my spine in contrast to the warmth of his breath. I turn and stare up into eyes I’ll never tire of looking at.
“Before we go to sleep, there’s something I need to show you.”
A tension line wrinkles his forehead, but he doesn’t say a word.
“I’ll meet you in the bedroom,” I tell him, rising onto my tiptoes and pressing a quick kiss to his lips.
I head to the front hall, where I placed the package shortly after it had arrived. Rafe’s in bed waiting for me when I bring the box to him. It’s a rare day when I work from home, and when the package arrived unmarked but posted from Akinos, I knew who it was from, but it didn’t feel right to open it without Rafe.
“What’s this?” he asks, his brows furrowing at the lack of return address.
“I think… Well, it could only be from one of two people, and Aunt Helene already sent Gabriel hundreds of gifts.” I take a deep breath. “So I think it could be from Adrian.”
I expect Rafe to stiffen at the sound of his name, but he surprises me. He picks up the package and hands it to me.
“Then let’s open it.”
With trembling fingers, I tear into the box and pull out a gorgeous baby-blue onesie made of the most beautiful cloth I’ve ever felt. Tears well in my eyes at the thought of Adrian picking this out for our child.
I glance up at Rafe. “Is it weird? That our baby is his nephew?”
Rafe shrugs then gives me a goofy grin. “It could be. We could dwell on all that’s passed, but why? We’re together, we’re happy, we’re a family. The three of us. And if Adrian wants to play uncle from afar, I’m not going to fight him or you over it.”
Warmth fills my heart. I place a hand on my husband’s cheek and gaze into adoring ice-blue eyes. “I love you.”
He gives me a quick kiss then holds up a letter I didn’t see tucked into the box. My fingers unfold the sheet of paper, and my eyes fall onto Adrian’s perfectly scripted handwriting.
Gabriella,
I’m sending this to extend my utmost congratulations on both your recent marriage and the birth of your firstborn son. I was pleased to hear it was a swift delivery and all are well.
I wish I could have made you as happy as he does, but upon reflection, I know now that you were always right. As much as I’ll forever cherish our time together, it’s apparent we would not suit in the longer term. In truth, I never thought I’d meet your equal. But that’s not what I needed. I simply needed to find mine.
Enjoy your lives together, my sweet Gabriella. You deserve only the best. And one day, perhaps you’ll meet the woman who truly brought Adrian Morningstar to his knees.
That’s all Adrian had to say to me. The rest is for my husband, his brother. And as I read the words, tears for everything these two men lost form in my eyes.
Rafe,
I always wondered what life would be like if I’d had a sibling. If I’d been an older brother. Looks like you’re the one teaching me. Surprised I know? Trust me, it was as much of a shock to me as I suppose it was to you. And I suppose this is where I must extend my gratitude on your assistance of keeping trouble off my shoulders. Helene and Frederik helped me escape that day, and on the plane to Akinos, she told me everything. Part of me couldn’t believe you were the bastard who’d stolen my mother from me. Part of me wasn’t shocked at all. Fate is an amusing bitch, even though no one’s ever laughing but her.
Give Brie the future I never could. And perhaps, one day, we’ll cross paths again. Until that time, take care of my nephew. Best wishes to you all, and may you continue to be blessed with fortune and good health.
There’s a break in the page. and then one more sentence farther down.
