Page 59 of The Cannon
“Meet your grandson, Beauregard Boone Swift.”
As she takes Beau in her arms for the first time, Brick’s eyes connect with my father’s. A nod passes between them in acknowledgment of the name. Beauregard was my father’s grandfather’s name. No words are necessary.
Chapter 15
Sawyer
The email to my sister hasn’t been answered. It’s been a while now. Wonder why? Maybe I sounded too needy. Maybe she changed her mind about wanting to find any relatives. Or maybe the facts I stated about my memories didn’t match up with hers.
I just wish she’d let me know which it is. I’m hanging here by a thread. Not knowing. My habit is to scan the email as soon as I get the day going. But today there’s other more important things to take care of. Need to check the reservations and details for our Blackberry Farm trip.
Two days isn’t enough, but it’s all we have.
Bristol’s schedule is almost as demanding as mine. Whether it’s a game or practice, visiting children at the hospital or spending time with the foster kids, my time is booked.
She juggles a big practice and then everything a single homeowner does. She’s not one to delegate. I’ll throw money at a problem if it can be solved that way. She prefers to tackle most things herself.
That’s why this trip is going to be good for us both. We’re going to let go of all the stress and be in the moment. Hope she likes the place. But then who wouldn’t? Atticus told me about the Great Smoky Mountain Estate and Resort and she and I did our own investigation.
My cell beeps. Email.
Taking it from my pocket I scan the latest mail. My heart skips a beat. It’s a response from my sister. My hands are shaking as I bring it up.
Sawyer,
My name is Maria Cortez. I’m the best friend of Anne Bradley, the woman you contacted through Ancestry.com. Maria doesn’t know I’m writing you because she hasn’t read your mail yet. I have her phone and just went through her emails.
There’s a very good reason for that. She’s been in the hospital since last month, after being in a car accident. She’s been in intensive care the whole time. But she’s off the respirator now and breathing on her own. She still has a long way to go and bones to heal before she gets to come home. They’re sending her to a rehabilitation home after she gets released.
I don’t know whether to tell her of your letter or not. I don’t want to excite her or stress her out. I know Ancestry.com is reliable and this news will raise her blood pressure. So for now we need to keep the secret just a little longer. I’ve known Anne since grammar school, and I know how much she’s missed you. She’s taught her young daughter Kelly your name. Kelly is staying with my husband Alwar and I because Anne doesn’t have anyone else to rely on.
I’m going to let her tell you about her life. It’s not my story to tell. Let me answer the questions you sent that I can.
Anne said her father wasn’t around, but her mom always tried her best to care for her and the brother.
The mother’s first name was something that sounded like a man’s name. But I can’t remember exactly what.
Her brother was still a toddler when the mother overdosed and that even though they were both so young, she loved him and used to call him “baby boy”.
I’m so sorry I don’t know more. Hope this helps. Here’s my cell number in case you want to ask further questions. 469- 555-3462. We are in McKinney Texas. I don’t know where you live. You can call me any night after six but before ten.
Maria
Oh god. Shit.Think, Sawyer!
Calling Bristol.
“Hello, handsome.”
“You’re not going to believe it. I’m forwarding the email I just got.”
I do what needs to be done andwhooshit’s sent. I hear the ping of her phone as the mail arrives.
It takes only seconds before she sees the original sender’s address. “Oh my gosh. Your sister?”
“Keep reading.”
After a few seconds there’s an intake of breath. “Oh no. Oh, Sawyer.”
