Page 111 of The Addendum

If I had my way, that wouldn’t happen again.

I watched as Ashley accepted Katy’s gentle ministrations. She spoke quietly to her about Aunt Penny and Juliet, all the while stroking her hair in a maternal gesture she always used with our girls. I had a feeling Ashley needed that motherly affection at the moment.

“Do you want us to stay?” Katy asked. “Or come home with us and stay until Luc comes back?”

Ashley blinked at her question. “You would stay?”

“Of course, dear.”

“I think I’m okay. I need time to process all this, and I tend to do that alone.”

Katy chuckled. “Another trait you share with your father. He broods, though.”

“I do not,” I replied, lying through my teeth. I brooded a lot.

“Deep, dark, broody moments,” Katy whispered to Ashley, making her smile. “All Wuthering Heights-type moments.”

I had to chuckle as both women laughed.

“Enough. Stop giving my daughter the wrong idea about me. I’m nothing but fucking sunshine and roses,” I grumbled.

“Oh, and the language,” Katy tsked.

Ashley smiled and reached for my hand, wrapping her fingers around mine. “It’s okay, Richard. From now on, I’ll make up my own mind about you. And so far—you’re doing okay.”

I winked at her. “Good to know.”

32

ASHLEY

Katy and Richard left not long afterward, making me promise to call if I changed my mind. Richard wasn’t happy about leaving, and his genuine concern touched my heart. It felt nice to be worried about by a parental figure.

It felt nice not to hate him.

I sat on the sofa, rereading my mother’s letter. Richard had left his envelope behind, and after a while, I slipped both letters into the manila envelope and put them back where I found them. I would replace the glass for the picture tomorrow and return it to my nightstand. The letters belonged with the pictures. They showed me growing up with my mom, and her story was connected to those pictures. I would keep them together.

Luc called when he took a break, his voice concerned when I answered.

“Ashley, love, you called? Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine,” I assured him, then told him everything that had transpired.

“Holy shit,” he muttered a few times during my explanation, otherwise remaining silent and letting me talk.

When I finished, he whistled. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there.” He paused. “But I’m glad you reached out to Richard.”

“He was great,” I replied. “He and Katy. She’s very, ah, lovely.”

“She’s amazing. Very maternal with everyone. She’s perfect for Richard.” He stopped speaking. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

I cut him off. “No, you’re right. They’re a great couple.” I swallowed. “I want to get to know them better.”

“I know they’ll be thrilled.”

I told him about the brunch on Sunday.

“Are you ready for that?” he asked.