Page 89 of Heartstrings & Horizons
With trembling hands, I open the book and flip to the first page. Tears well in my eyes as I take in the photograph of the three of us on the day I was born. I can feel the overwhelming love in my parents’ gaze as they both look down at the little bundle swaddled in a blanket.
The next page is more of the same, baby pictures of me and my brother, the 1st day of kindergarten, high school graduation — every major milestone is here. When I turn to the last page, a gasp escapes my lips, my eyes widening in disbelief. There’s a photo of me and Cade from our wedding, standing at the end of the dock, looking at each other like we’re the only two people in the world.
“Where did you get this?” I ask softly, the words barely making it out of my mouth as a silent tear tracks down my cheek.
“Mags sent it to me alone with a few not so subtle choice words. I’m so sorry we didn’t support you. You’ve always been one to follow your own path, and while I believed I was doing the right thing, I see now that we may have been placing obstacles in your way instead of helping you along. I have many regrets in this life, and all I can offer now is the promise that I’ll try to do better.” She pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “I’d like to meet your husband someday,” she whispers.
I stand from my position on the floor and turn to wrap my arms around my mother. It’s true, we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I don’t doubt that she thought she was doing the right thing. It’s going to take a lot more than a scrapbook of memories to erase the years of hurtful words and judgment, but it’s an olive branch and I intend to take it.
“I think you should talk to your dad. He has some apologies to make, too.”
“I will, Mom. Thank you.”
“Luca said that he would drive the truck to Oak Ridge for you when you’re ready for the rest of your things. You can leave anything you want to keep here at the house and we’ll get it loaded for you when you have an official moving date.”
“Sounds good. I’ll let y’all know when the paperwork is approved and we can figure out the details.”
“Y’all? You really are a Kentucky girl now.” Her hazel eyes shine with amusement; the crow’s feet around them have deepened with age. She’s always had kind eyes. I got my mom’s short stature and her figure, along with the Fanelli jawline, but my eyes are all Roberts from my dad’s side.
I really do love Oak Ridge — it feels more like home than anywhere else in the world. But I don’t tell her that. I’m maxed out on emotional confrontations with my mom.
I’m labeling a box of romance novels for the keep pile, when my phone chimes with a notification — I already know who it is. A smile lights up my face, the first genuine one since I arrived back in town.
Cade: Tell me you’re coming home soon.
Paige: I’m coming home soon.
Cade: WHEN?!?!?!?!?!
Paige: I’m finishing up in Northbrook today.
Paige: Luca’s driving me to dad’s for a couple of days.
Paige: If I can get a flight from there, I could be home by Friday.
Cade: I can’t fucking wait to see you, Sunshine.
Cade
My wife is coming home.
Oh fuck. My wife is coming home.
It suddenly sinks in that we’re not finished with the library yet and we have exactly 3 days to get it done. We’ll need to cram 4 days of work into 3. That’s doable, right? I shoot off a quick text to Miles to let him know about the recent developments before I grab my coat off the hook and storm out to my truck, determination thumping in my veins with every step.
I put my truck in park outside of a home decor store. Cara texted that she’s on her way over to the cabin with Ivy so they can get a jump on painting the bookshelves. Dean and Miles are hanging trim, and I have to pick out some decor to fill in empty spaces on the shelves. I find a perfect ornate gold frame, along with a few smaller ones to scatter around the room, some new plants, and a few other knickknacks to place along the shelves.
In my quest to discover some of Paige’s favorite books, I may have resorted to logging into her Kindle account. Along with several other paperbacks and hardcovers, I handpicked several special edition books from her wishlist, eager to surpriseher with a collection of literary treasures. I know she’ll be coming with a whole truck load of books once the paperwork is approved, but for now I wanted to have a few things on the shelves when we do the grand reveal.
Paige
We arrive at dad’s house no worse for the wear, no thanks to Luca who still drives like a maniac.
“Are you sticking around long?” I ask Luca as we step out of the truck.
“No, I told dad I’d hang around for dinner but you know how Sue and I are around each other. It’s best if I head out after we eat.” I give my brother a knowing look. We both have a complicated history with my dad and his girlfriend. Although they've been together for years now, she could never stand sharing his affection with his kids.
“Listen, Paige. I know we have some shit to work out, but I want you to know that I’m proud of you for following your own path. Our parents aren’teasypeople, you know, even though they mean well. And hey, if you have a guest room I’d love to come check out Kentucky sometime. Maybe meet your new husband so I can give him the ‘Don’t fuck with my sister’ speech.”
