One Step Closer(91)

Wren was filled with frustration at the uncertainty of the future. “But that’s not fair, Jonesy. He doesn’t deserve to babysit me my entire life. He doesn’t deserve to be responsible for me. I don’t want him to be tied to me because of the estate and Lux.”

Jonesy smiled knowingly. “Wren,” she said simply. “I understand. You want him to be tied emotionally.”

Wren’s head bowed and she fiddled with the strap on her purse. It made her vulnerable to admit it, so she only nodded.

“You don’t think he does what he does out of responsibility, do you?” Jonesy asked incredulously.

Wren shrugged slightly. “Cale always made me his responsibility. Maybe that’s why his dad did this.”

Jonesy shook her grey haired head. “I don’t think so, honey. You’ll see.”

Jared had pulled up in front of the house and walked around to open the back passenger door. Both women slid out and made their way inside after thanking him.

“Do you want anything to eat?”

“Don’t bother with me, Jonesy.” Wren hugged her and kissed her cheek. “I’m just going to take a bath, read the letter Edison left for me, and then go to bed.”

“If Caleb comes back and asks for you, should I tell him you’re asleep?”

“If he asks. Goodnight. I love you.”

“I love you, too, darling. Don’t worry about anything. Just get a good night’s sleep.”

“I will.” She started up the stairs, anxious to close her eyes, but curious about the contents of the letter. The envelope was pulled from her purse and she was ripping it open before she even made it to her room.

Wren let her purse drop and kicked her shoes off right inside as the door closed behind her before unfolding the sheet of paper with a short, handwritten note on it.



My Dearest Wren,

I wanted to tell you it was a pleasure to have you as my daughter for the few years I had you. I’m very proud of you for going after your dream and making the life you wanted for yourself.

If you’re reading this, it means you’ve been bequeathed half of the estate and my equity in Lux. I hope that it will bring only good things to your life, including bringing you and Caleb back together.

It’s only fair to tell you that there were two versions of the will and I required Caleb to choose between them. It was my fault that he left to go to Boston and away from you, and he was devastated. I wanted to right the wrong, so I put control over his relationship with you back into his own hands.

I’m certain he has not taken the decision lightly and has done what he believes puts you first. That’s what he has always done. I’ve seen it a hundred times.

Have a happy life.

With love,

Edison



Wren was softly crying when she finished reading Edison’s letter. So, it was Caleb that gave her half of everything, not his father. She wasn’t sure if her heart was shattering, or if it was so full of the love she felt for him making her heart about to burst. She needed answers, but she was physically and emotionally exhausted. Two fat tears tumbled from her eyes and rolled down over her high cheekbones.

Laying the letter down on the end table to the right of her bed, she began to peel off her clothes, letting the new jacket and dress fall to the floor without a thought.

Soon the steaming water and soft lilac aroma of her bath water was soothing her nerves. The combination of the candles and soft scent made her close her eyes and relax in the luxurious gently sloped tub. Even with her eyes closed, the heat seeping into her muscles, and a conscious effort to clear her mind, it wasn’t possible. She was sleepy, no question, but her mind tortured her with doubts about Caleb and Macy, when he’d be home, and his motivation for giving her half of his money.

When it came down to it, that was the bottom line and she had to face it. She inhaled deeply. The flickering of the candles glowed orange and black behind her closed lids as she lifted a hand and leaned her forehead against it.

Last night had been magical; so euphoric it was like a drug, so why did she doubt a single second of it now? The money would make life easier in some respects and harder in others. Without it, she could be sure what was between them was based on emotion. Part of her wished he hadn’t given her half of the estate, then, if they ended up in each other’s life, it would be because they chose it, and nothing else.

He hadn’t said he loved her, but she felt so close to him; they were so connected, it was if they breathed for each other. That raw emotion was more important to her than any amount of money, more important than her career, or where they lived. If she could only have one thing from Caleb for the rest of her life, the only thing she wanted was his love. She wouldn’t have any doubts if Caleb were with her, here, instead of being out to dinner with Macy. However, he was with Macy, so what if she’d misinterpreted the previous evening? What if it were only another weak moment? How could she be around him, if he was still involved with Macy?

A small sob broke from her chest as she let herself cry. It hurt too much to bottle it up inside and she wouldn’t have been able to, even if she’d wanted to. How could she tell Cale that she didn’t want the money without sounding ungrateful? The last thing she wanted was to hurt him or make him think she didn’t appreciate the gesture, but could she tell him the truth? How much she loved him was the only secret she’d ever kept from him. Wren had overcome the things that used to intimidate or scare her, and she had Caleb to thank for it. By leaning on his strength, she’d been able to find her own confidence; yet, he was the one who held power over her and kept her in a place she was still very vulnerable.