Belong (Seven Year Itch #3)(65)

“This is what you’ve wanted all along. You wanted me to be out of the picture. You probably prayed for this to happen to me.” She was raising her voice, alarming the nurses. I saw them peeking through the window to see what was going on.

“I would never wish harm on you.”

“I don’t believe a word out of your mouth, Chad. You say you’ll be here for me, but it’s only temporary. I can’t go through this wondering if you’re screwing her when you’re not around. I don’t need your negativity. I want you to go, Chad. Get out of here. Go!”

What was I supposed to say? Veronica knew I loved Rachel. As much as I knew I’d be there for her, she had a point. My end game would take me back to Maryland, where I still longed to have a future. Whether or not Veronica would recover was irrelevant. We’d never be together regardless the outcome, and I felt ashamed for feeling so adamantly about it.





Chapter 35


Like a whirlwind, he was gone again, taking my heart with him.

Chad’s visit had left me vulnerable. I wanted to feel guilty because he’d been with me while his wife was clearly suffering. Chad hadn’t given me much details, though I assumed from the blood loss she could be having a miscarriage. My heart hurt for the unborn child, if that was the case, but somewhere in the darkest part of my mind I wondered if her losing the baby would help Chad to come home to me. She certainly couldn’t hold it over his head any longer.

I didn’t want to be the ‘other woman’, the one who wished up wishes she could have the wife’s life. I wasn’t that women, however, I did hope the end result would give me Chad, because let’s face it, I was tired of fighting a losing battle. I took two steps forward to get over him, and ten steps back when he showed up to prove his love to me.

I knew he had a long flight ahead of him, so I went about my day as normal, going into the office and then stopping by the hospital to see my grandson. That evening the two were released, and we celebrated with pizza at my daughter’s home. Getting her settled kept me focused, after all she was my first priority. While holding little Grayson I scanned the living room, paying close attention to how small it was.

When Stephanie came back in the room and sat down next to me I felt obligated to speak with her regarding better living arrangements. "I know I probably should have mentioned it sooner, but Charles left me half his estate. I'm as shocked as you must be, which brings me to the reason I'm telling you now. How would you like to move into your childhood home to raise Grayson? I know it's what your father would have wanted."

"Seriously? Are you considering moving into the mansion, Mom? It's huge."

"Don't worry about me. I'm asking you a serious question. Would you like to raise your son in our family home?"

"I would love it." she tickled the baby's nose as she spoke. "I think your daddy will like it too. You are being serious, right?"

"Of course. I want the best for both of you. The house is paid for. You wouldn't need to worry about a mortgage or being able to afford it. I pay the property taxes quarterly, so even that's pretty easy."

"Are you seriously giving us the house?" I could see how Stephanie would be shocked, though I'd never felt more fulfilled then when I saw the excitement flash across her face.

"Yes. Little Grayson needs a big backyard to run around in."

She hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you so much."

While she held me I felt it necessary to tell her what else was going on in my life, starting from when it all began. "Steph, do you remember meeting Chad in my office years ago?"

"I think. It was so long ago. Why?"

"When your father and I were apart we had an affair. It didn't last long, and as you already know I worked things out with your father and we lived a happy life together."

"What's this about? Why are you telling me this now?" She inquired.

"Back then I fell in love with Chad, and him with me. Though brief, it was a strong connection we shared. He moved across the country to distance us so I could focus on my marriage and we severed ties. Up until Charles passed away I hadn't seen or spoken to him."

"Okay. I'm still confused."

"Seeing him again, spending time together, it brought back feelings I didn't know were still there.?"

"Wait," she paused. "Isn't he married?"

"It's complicated."

“It must be.” I could tell she was trying to wrap her head around it. “I think I could tell something was between you at the funeral. The way he comforted you was too friendly.”

“Really? I didn’t feel uncomfortable.”

She laughed in a sarcastic manner. “Of course you didn’t.”

“So, are you upset with me?”

“No. Dad is gone. There’s nothing we can do to bring him back. As much as I’d like to think he’s the only man you’ll ever love, I know it’s not how life works. Besides, I think he’d want you to be happy. If this guy makes you feel that way, go for it. You’ve been alone for too long.”

“I appreciate you saying that, Steph.”

“Wait,” she sort of interrupted. “Isn’t he my age?”