Page 74 of Love Story
Just like Wilson Gage had prayed that long ago night.
Ashley wiped at a few tears on her cheeks. She ran her fingers lightly over the copy of the photo at the center of the project board. The one the justice of the peace took of her parents the day they were married. “Mom, you were so beautiful.” Ashley smiled through her tears. “I wish I’d known you back then.”
Ashley had always known that her parents had made mistakes. Learning about Dayne’s existence made it clear that no one was without fault. Not even her parents. But not until Cole’s project did Ashley truly understand the details of what had happened.
She only wished she’d known about all this when her mother was still alive. So they could’ve sat across from each other and talked about it. How her mother must’ve felt much the way Ashley did when she came home from Paris.
They had so much more in common than Ashley ever knew.
She grabbed a tissue from the counter and dabbed at her eyes. The Memorial Day barbecue was tomorrow. She had lots to do today to get ready. The younger kids were working with Landon this afternoon cleaning up the backyard. Landon’s way of giving her time with Cole.
Today was the day she was going to tell him what he wanted to hear. The details of his story. Ashley took a deep breath and tried to pull herself from the display in front of her.
She was still at the table a few minutes later when Cole came bounding into the room. “You ready, Mom?”
“Yes.” Ashley turned to face him. She smiled and tried to still the anxiety building within her. The next few hours would be critical to her relationship with Cole. “The car’s out front.”
They drove to Lake Monroe, the place the Baxters often came when they wanted fresh air and space to think. Together they hiked partway down the main path, and at the first bench they stopped. “How’s this?” Ashley smiled at him.Please, God, don’t let him see how nervous I am.
“Great.” Cole sat down beside her.
For a while they looked out at the lake and didn’t talk. Warm temperatures had hit Indiana that weekend, and combined with the sun on the water the day was beautiful. Ashley broke the serenity between them first. “You did a beautiful job on your project.”
“Thanks.” Cole smiled at her. “I’m glad you were part of it.” He turned so he could see her better. “I’ll always remember going through that with you.”
Ashley looked into his face, her handsome older son. “At the end there, all I could think was how they lost their baby. And how their pain made them so much more understanding when I came home from Paris.”
Cole nodded. “You got to keep me.” His eyes reflected the light off the water. “Like, the saddest part of Grandma and Papa’s story—giving up their son—made it easier for you to keep me. Because Grandma understood what you were going through.” He paused. “That’s so cool.” Then he reached over and took hold of her fingers for a brief moment. “You’ve been the best mother ever.”
The best mother ever?The last thing Ashley wanted to do was cry. This talk was for Cole and about Cole. She needed to keep herself together. But the words Cole had just spoken would stay in her heart as long as she lived. She could always look back and think herself a terrible person, an accidental mother without a clue how to raise her son.
But because ofhermother, Ashley had learned from the best. Cole’s kind words were proof. What better endorsement could she ever have than that?
He got to grow up with her... and she was the best mom ever.
Ashley sniffed a few times and closed her eyes. She could do this, she could get through the story and not break down. Her son was counting on her. Her eyes opened. She took a sharp breath and lifted her face. “I’m sorry for making you wait.”
“It’s okay.” Cole rested his elbows on his knees and looked deep into her eyes. “So... I guess my first question is easy. How did you meet him? My dad?”
The breeze off the lake could do nothing to take the edge off her sick stomach. She could picture him, Jean Claude. The handsome well-known artist who welcomed her into his studio and raved about her paintings. The man who filled her head with dreams of becoming his protégée. Yes, she could still see him. After all, his face still looked back at her every morning over breakfast.
Ashley blinked a few times. “His name was Jean Claude. He was a famous artist with a studio in the heart of Paris.”
“Wait.” Cole looked confused. “Mom? What are you talking about?”
The confusion became hers. She shifted so she could see Cole better. “Your father. Isn’t that what you want to know?”
“No.” A slight laugh. “Mom... not him.” Cole shook his head. “I want to know about mydad.” He raised his brow. “You know, the one you married?”
Her mind raced ahead of her heart and an understanding began to dawn in her soul. Could it possibly be? All this time? “You... want to know about Landon?”
“Of course. He’s my dad.” This time Cole’s laugh came more quickly. As if he were truly astonished at the turn of events. “You’re so funny, Mom.”
“I am?” Ashley felt light-headed. She pressed her back against the wooden bench so she wouldn’t feel as dizzy.
“Yes.” Cole took her hand again. “Is that why you’ve been so worried?” His laughter died and compassion filled his expression. “You thought I wanted to know about some painter in Paris?” He shook his head. “That man wasn’t my father. Never.” He released his grip on her and sat up, his tone light. “Now that we have that out of the way, will you please tell me about my dad?”
It was Ashley’s turn to laugh, and she did so without reservation. Head tipped back, rejoicing for the turn things had taken.Thank You, God... How wonderful is this?When she could breathe again she looked at Cole and felt her joy double. She was going to talk about Landon. The way she had practiced. The way she had wanted to from the beginning.
