Freedom of Love (Letter From Home #2)(22)

Molly,

I hope you will accept this gift from one mystery book lover to another. I have so many things I want to say to you…the most important being that I am so sorry for my behavior and hurtful words. You offered me friendship…and I threw it away, and my regret over that is greater than you can imagine.

I wish for you everything that was stolen from you. I wish for you happiness and health and a future full of good books. If you can ever find it in your heart to forgive me, please do. You made an unbearable war easier to get through. You made lonely nights better with the books you sent. Your friendship gave me hope and for that I am so grateful.

I truly miss you,

Brody

I stared at the letter in my hand, re-reading the words several times over. Closing my eyes, I felt a tear slide over my cheek before it dropped onto the page, smearing one of the words. Sucking in a deep breath, I laid the note to the side so I could examine the beautiful book, smoothing my fingers over the cover. Walking over to the shelf, I slid the treasured item next to some of my other classics.

After class the next day, I rushed to work, closing the door behind me to keep out the chilly wind. Smiling at Gus, the owner of Candlestick Books, I hurried over to the counter. He perched on a high stool, his plaid shirt and sweater vest giving him an elfish appearance.

“Molly, my girl,” he called out, his friendly smile curving his wrinkled face.

“Sorry, I was late getting out of class.” I looked at the groups of people mulling over books and sitting at small tables drinking coffee. The barista behind the coffee counter nodded my way as he continued to fill orders.

“You’re okay, my dear. We’re handling things just fine,” Gus said, sliding down off his stool. “I’ll head home to the missus now, so you and Richie can close up.” He patted my hand as I moved behind the counter to take his place.

As soon as the crowd thinned, I headed to the shelves containing mysteries, a particular book in mind. Scanning the covers, I found what I was looking for, smiling at my discovery.



(Brody)

I left the airfield, the successful medical flight from Washington D.C. to Chicago was now over and I was back in my new pickup truck driving toward my apartment. Arriving forty-five minutes later, I gathered the mail from my mailbox that had been collecting for the three days I had been gone. Walking toward my apartment, my neighbor popped out of her door.

“Mr. Molina! I’ve got a package for you. I signed for it while you were gone.”

Smiling at the elderly lady, I stepped inside her apartment—like mine, only filled to the brim with knick-knacks…and three cats. Taking the box from her outstretched hands, I thanked her before making my way to my own front door.

Dropping my bag, I tossed the mail on the counter and glanced at the return address on the package. It was from a bookstore near Charlottesville. I recognize that handwriting – Molly! Nerves hit my stomach as I stared at the box for a moment, the desire to open it warring with the fear that she might be returning my gift to her with a f*ck-off letter enclosed.

I had found her address from an easy internet search but had heard nothing from her about the gift I’d sent.

Finally, steeling my courage, I sucked in a deep breath as I ripped it open and peeked inside. Seeing a copy of a Jonathan Kellerman novel, my breath left my lungs in an audible whoosh. Lifting the older book, I saw that it was a signed copy. And there was a note tucked inside. Nerves hitting me once more, I unfolded the note.

Dear Brody,

I was surprised to receive your sweet gift of the book and your note. There has been so much I have wanted to be able to say to you, but yes, I do forgive you. Although, I need to ask your forgiveness, as well, for not being forthcoming about my situation at the beginning.

I never meant to deceive you. In the beginning, I just thought I would send some books, but then as we became friends, I did not want you to judge me…I judged myself enough.

A great number of changes have occurred in my life and I miss having you in my life to share them. I hope you enjoy this book. I am now working in a bookstore part-time while I finish my degree. So once again, I am surrounded by my old friends.

I wish you happiness as well.

I miss you too,

Molly

I flopped down on the sofa, my legs ready to give out from underneath me. A smile split my face as I leaned my head back, feeling lighter than I had in months.



(Molly)

The sun was shining through the picture window in the front of the bookstore, casting a warm glow onto the old, polished, wooden floors. I loved this time of day when the morning rush of coffee patrons had left and the lunch shoppers had not yet appeared. Gus was in his small office in the back, Richie was cleaning the coffee machine, and I was dusting the worn, wooden shelves loaded with books. Beautiful, antique candlestick sconces lined the paneled walls, giving Gus the idea for the name of his shop, as well as a tribute to a bygone era.

Moving behind the shelves, I disappeared into the aisle of mysteries to continue to dust. Hearing the bell over the door ring, I continued to clean, knowing Richie could assist the customer if necessary.

“Need some help?” I heard Richie call out.

“Um…no, I’m just looking,” a deep male voice replied. The timbre was rich, low, and sexy. I felt butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I stood slowly. My feet moved of their own accord around the end of the tall shelf until I had an unobstructed view of the man standing just inside the door.