Page 169 of Unraveling Rain
Aww, this man melts my heart every single time.
Rain: You know I will! *heart emoji*
Rain: So Cunningham just texted me, the settlement conference was arranged for tomorrow at ten in the morning. He says he can ask to push it back until you can make it home.
Xander: Ok, hold on.
I bite my thumbnail, nerves climbing again.
I know he has to speak with his coach and the general manager. It could take a while.
Curiosity gets the best of me, and I open the memory box to kill time while waiting for Xander.
Everything’s still there: my white tank top—now yellowed and stiff. The flowery skirt that I was so happy to wear that night, now stained with blood. I thought I looked so pretty in it. Felt so free.
A few pieces of jewelry fall out—gifts from Dennis. A dainty gold necklace, a couple of rings, the earrings he said made my eyes look like stars. I kept them, along with a few of the letters. He wrote how much he loved me and that we were destined to be together forever.
I roll my eyes.
How could I have been so stupid to fall for such a dickhead?
As I sift through the stack, a folded piece of paper slips out—something I don’t remember.
When I open it, Daddy’s handwriting hits me with the force of a million bricks.
My Beautiful Rain,
I stumbled upon this box the other day when I was trying to create a storage system for the attic. But after one too many curse words, I decided to quit and told Mama I was becoming allergic to dust and couldn’t come up with a better storage system.
Could you please keep that secret for me?
I remember well the day you wore these clothes, you were so happy!
Your eyes were gleaming with what I call youthful hope.
I also remember after that day, your light dimmed.
You and River said there was an accident.
I decided to let it go since I know Mama and I raised you to be a strong and independent woman, wishing that with time you would come to me and confide what happened.
This note is to let you know, no matter what happened, I’m always proud of you, and I’ll always love you.
Never forget it, Rain Melody. I love you with my whole heart.
—Daddy
My tears wet the page, and I quickly tryto dry it.
“Thank you, Daddy,” I murmur, pressing the note to my chest.
I cry for what I went through. I cry for having such an amazing dad who gave me the space I needed.
My phone buzzes.
Xander: I’m flying to Raleigh tonight after the game. Don’t try to tell me not to, because you know I won’t listen to you. I already set up a private jet to take me home. I’ll see you soon, Cherry. We got this. I love you.
Rain: I love you too. Thank you. *kiss emoji*
