Sitting there, he noticed the letter he’d shoved in his back pocket. Bending over, her pulled it free from the pocket. Smiling he read Isabelle’s message to read it alone. Well, now seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Slipping his finger beneath the seal, he ripped open the envelope. It was only one page, writing in her classic handwritten scrawl. She was the only person he knew that still wrote by hand, refusing to use a computer to do anything. His eyes prickled with tears as he read the message from the woman he’d grown to think of as family.
My dearest Parker,
If you are reading this, it means my time on this earth has come to an end. I’m an old lady, so that means little to me – I got to live my life and it was a grand one at that. First, let me say that our friendship was very dear to me. You are the son I never knew I needed, for that – thank you. I know you struggle with demons from your past, but it’s time you let those go. Your parents wouldn’t want you to die a lonely man. I wouldn’t want that. Now, the purpose of my letter. There were things I hadn’t told you – things I kept secret from you and most importantly from Delilah. I am assuming since you’re reading this, Delilah found my box. That’s good. I wrote them, always planning to give them to her one day. Once I learned, well… that part is not important right now. I just knew this was how she should find them. There will be things that will be hard for her to read. I know she is stubborn and will try to push you away, but Parker – don’t let her. And if that tool of a boyfriend (I refuse to acknowledge as her fiancé) is still around, find a way to make her see he’s useless. She’s too good for him. You’ll see what I mean when you spend time with her. I know you feel connected to her from all the stories I shared, use that to build a relationship with her – you’re the last connection she will have to me. Now, the last and most important thing I need from you Parker….
Parker smiled as he read the rest of her letter. She was a sneaky old lady, but he knew deep in his heart, she would get her wish – if it was the last thing he would do as a man on this earth, he’d see to it being fulfilled. Parker tucked the letter back into the envelop and slipped it into the drawer beside his bed. He hurried to get dressed and headed back out. He would give Delilah time to process what was happening with them. Until then, he would just work on the house, making it the perfect place for her – and maybe him if his plans worked out.
Chapter 10
Delilah sat in the chair facing out towards the creek, this place held so many memories for her. She used to swim in these waters – up until she left for college. Pangs of regret filled chest, her grandmother had sacrificed her life to raise her, and Delilah turned tail and ran as soon as she was given a chance.
Fingering the envelopes, she pulled the first one out. She giggled as she saw Momma Belle had handwritten each of them. Her grandmother refused to use a computer, although Delilah had tried to show her. It was part of the reason they’d lost touch over the years. John kept her secluded from everyone, and email was not her forte.
My sweet Delilah,
Words cannot express the emotions I am feeling today. Happiness, sadness, anger, all wrapped into one. My daughter… my sweet, sweet daughter Cassie died today. She was so young, and so full of life. She had her secrets – and as a mom, not knowing those were hard. When she told me, she was pregnant with you, well… frankly I was pissed. I was pissed because she was only a child herself. But then you came into the world screaming with a head of hair, and we were both lost.
Your mom enrolled in college, promising you a better life. She worked so hard to try and become a parent you would be proud of. I know you probably won’t remember your mom, you’re too young, but I promised her, and you, I won’t let her memory fade.
Today was supposed to be your day. Your special moment turning one, but it was marred by a senseless mistake that took your momma from us. We should be celebrating your life, instead we are mourning your mother. I know you have no idea what’s going on. I watched you play and toddle to and from all the guests. Your clueless to the truth to their presence – how I wish I was you. This pain I feel is nearly unbearable, but looking at you smile and giggle, numbs the sadness in me. One day, when you’re old enough, I’ll tell you the truth. But not today. Not tomorrow either. I want your birthday to be a happy moment, so until you’re old enough, this will be my secret. I love you, little Delilah. You’re all I have left of your mom. I will guard your heart with all that I am.
Love you,
Momma Belle
Delilah hadn’t realized she was crying. The tears splashed onto the worn paper, staining the linen sheet with drops of salty wetness. She folded the letter and placed it back into the box. Closing the lid, she wiped at the tears on her cheeks. All these years, she’d been under the impression her mother died during childbirth. Why didn’t she remember her? Another thing Momma Belle had done so selflessly for her. How hard it had to have been to keep this secret all these years, the burden it had to be. Delilah stood, clutching the box to her chest. She hurried up the walkway towards the house. As she got closer, she could hear the pounding of a hammer. Placing the box on the bottom step, she quickly walked around to the front of the house. Parker was kneeling at the base of the front stairs, nailing a board where the one she’d stepped through used to be. He was bent over, his jeans riding low at his hips, and his shirt had ridden up, giving her a perfect view of his sculpted back. She shook the lustful fog from her head and called out, “Parker, I didn’t know you were back.”
Parker glanced over his shoulder, casting her a panty melting grin, “I didn’t want to disturb you. It looked like you were pretty into whatever you were reading.”
“Oh… I was reading the first letter in the box I found.”
“Anything good?”
“Actually – surprising. Momma Belle never told me my mom died on my first birthday – all this time I thought she died when I was born. She didn’t want it to tarnish my day, at least that’s what she said in the letter anyway.”
“Wow. That’s heavy.”
“What about yours?”
“Oh… she didn’t say much. Just thanking me for the friendship.”
Delilah felt like he wasn’t telling her something. But she wouldn’t press, it wasn’t her business anyway – not really. When he was ready, and if there was more to it, he’d tell her eventually.
“Would you like to grab dinner with me? I am almost done with the step.” Parker drove one last nail into the fresh wooden plank, before standing.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Look, about last night.” Delilah sighed.
Parker cut her off, “And this morning.”
“And this morning…” Delilah blushed, “I’m just not ready for whatever this might have meant. I need some space. Ok?”
Parker studied her closely, “Space?”
“Yeah – time to get my head on right. I don’t even know if I want to go back to work. You don’t need that drama weighing you down.”
He stepped close to her, his lips only inched from hers as he placed his hand on her hip, “How about you let me decide what I can handle.” He pressed his lips to hers, the heat of his kiss sent a shiver down her spine.