Losing Him (Mitchell Family #8)(57)

My mother got quiet for a couple minutes. I could see that it pained her to hear me say I was moving away. If anyone was in the position to be able to do it, it was me. My house was paid for and my business could basically run itself. While away, I was going to look into property and see if I could find another bed and breakfast to buy.

They weren’t hard to operate and the overhead wasn’t much, after the furniture and licenses were taken care of.

I was going on no sleep at all, but thinking clearer than I had in a long time. I was prepared to fight for what I wanted and also finally tell Heather exactly how I felt about her, since Amy claimed that women didn’t get it until they heard the words.

“You’re sure this is what you want?” My mother was calm and collected, but behind the fa?ade I knew she was steaming mad.

“Yes.”

“I’m sure your father would fill in for you in your absence if there was ever an emergency. The rest we can sort out at a later time. I can’t promise that he will be happy about this decision. You know how he likes to be the first to know about these kind of decisions.”

“I know, but there’s nothing he can say to make me change my mind. With or without his blessing, I’m going to do what is best for my family. I’d hope that he can respect that. I’m not doing any of this to piss you off or disappoint you.”

She walked over to me and put her palm on my cheek. “I don’t know when you grew up and became so responsible. I may not agree with your choices, but I’m proud of the man that you’ve become.” Tears formed in her eyes and I could see that she didn’t want me to go away.

I hugged her tightly. “Mom, I am going to try to come home every weekend. We’ll use the house as a weekend house. Jacob will be able to see you often while I check on things. In the summer, he can come visit for as long as you want.”

“What does Heather think about this? Was it her idea?”

I shook my head. “No, it wasn’t her idea. She doesn’t even know the decision has been made. She has no idea that I’m asking her to marry me.”

“How do you know she’ll say yes?” I looked at my mother, with her gray hair and her deep blue eyes, she was still a pretty lady. My father had less grays and kept himself busy so he looked younger than he was. They were the only parents that I’d ever known and it meant the world to me that they’d given me such a good life and upbringing. I was lucky and always wanted them to know how much I appreciated them. “She could tell you she isn’t ready.”

I had to chuckle, because I really didn’t know what her answer would be. I was hoping she would say yes, but anything was possible at this point. “I’m optimistic she would. I know she loves me.”

She smiled. “Yes, she does. I think you’re the reason that girl is changed. It was your love that helped her want to be a better person. We all make mistakes, but it takes a strong person to admit that and do something about it.”

“Will you be able to accept her as your daughter-in-law?”

She took a second to gather her thoughts again. For a second, I thought she was going to say no. “If she makes my son happy, than I will be happy. I just don’t want to see that revolving door like it’s always been. This commitment needs to be permanent. Marriage isn’t easy. I’ve had so many times when I wanted to walk away from your father, but at the end of the day, my heart wouldn’t let me. If you really want to take this step, I want you to promise me that it means you will give it your all.”

“I promise. I want nothing more than to be with Heather and Jacob every day for the rest of my life.”

She raised her eyebrow. “I guess it’s settled then.”

I got close enough to hug my mother again. I knew she wasn’t thrilled, but she’d come around like she always did.

After dealing with that, I still had to talk to my father and contact Amy to see if she could speed up the dress being repaired. I had my plan in order.

Chapter 31


Heather


The following morning, after I found the safe deposit box, I was at the bank trying to figure out what my mother had left for only me. After showing her death certificate and my identification, they led me into a room and sat me down at a table. A couple minutes later they brought in the box.

As I opened it, I saw a bunch of papers on top. When I took a closer look I realized that they were old bonds. When I say they were old, I mean they were from the old railroad days and there wasn’t just two or three. There were over ten.

Since I had no idea what they could be worth, I sat them to the side and found a letter from my mother.

Heather,

I’m so glad you found this box. I’ve been saving this for you since the day your father left from our lives. He didn’t just leave me with two children. He left his great-grandfather’s bonds. I’d meant to return them, but after he died, nobody came looking. There’s a copy of his death certificate and a copy of your birth certificate. You’ll need these for identification. You’re probably wondering why we suffered for so many years when I had these sitting around. That answer is easy. They were never mine to spend. I think you deserve this. If your brother ever gets his act straight, there is a stack of bonds with his name on them as well. I don’t know exactly how much they will be worth, but it would be enough for you to get a good start at whatever you want to do. If you’re reading this letter than I’m already gone.