Page 99 of The Addendum

He paused, his hand on the door. “I hope one day we can be friends too, Ashley. I’d like that.” He frowned then spoke again. “And although I’m sorry it happened the way it did, I’m not sorry to have met you.”

Then he was gone, leaving me with my thoughts.

29

ASHLEY

Given that Richard and Heather had both shown up unannounced at my office, the welcoming committee that greeted me the next morning at the winery shouldn’t have surprised me.

Heather was by the door, offering me a hug as I walked in with my clients. Behind her was Addison Riley, the president of ABC, and to my shock, standing to the side, watching me cautiously, was Grace. I tamped down my sudden nerves and steeled myself to act professional and at ease. I introduced my clients, who were impressed when Addison said she wanted to show them the venue personally. I could see the daughter, Ellen, getting excited as she walked around the room, taking in the décor and staring out at the view. Her mother was listening with rapture as Addison told the story of the winery and her family’s involvement. Addison smiled in my direction.

“Ashley told me you wanted something unique and beautiful. I know Anne can work with your wedding planner and Ashley to create exactly that.”

“How is it possible this is available?” Ellen asked. “It’s perfect.”

“It’s a fairly new addition. And we are very choosy about the events we allow to use the facility,” Heather said. Her words made Ellen’s mother smile. She liked the thought of exclusiveness.

“And Ashley tells me you want cakes.”

“Yes,” Ellen agreed. “Ronald loves cake.”

“We have the best in the city. The province, even,” Heather boasted.

“We can arrange for a tasting if you like,” Grace offered, speaking for the first time.

“Oh, that would be lovely.” Ellen glanced at her mother. “This is the place, Mom. This is where I want my reception.”

I smiled at her words. It was the first time I had seen her involved and engaged with the process. I liked knowing she was happy—it was her wedding day, and she should have what she wanted.

Her mother nodded. “I would like to book the venue. We’ll take whichever weekend is available in April.”

“Of course,” Addison said. “Follow me, and we’ll get the paperwork started.”

They walked out of the room, leaving Heather, Grace, and me behind.

For a moment, we stared at one another. Three women, all strangers, yet related. Curious. Cautious. Not knowing how to start.

I searched their faces, wondering if they were looking for the same things as I was. Similarities.

It was there with Heather in the eyes. With Grace, it was the smile. All of us had the cowlick. I alone had Richard’s long fingers.

“Well, if this isn’t set up for a bad joke,” Heather said.

“Hardly a joke,” Grace replied, her voice calm but tight.

“No, it isn’t,” I agreed. “I’ll go find my clients and say goodbye. They can sign the paperwork, and Anne can get in touch.”

Grace stepped forward. “No. Wait—you don’t have to leave.”

“What would you like me to do, then, Grace?”

“Have coffee with us.”

I was stunned. “You want to have coffee with me?”

She swallowed, looking unsure and nervous. I noticed her fingers fidgeting and the unconscious tapping of her toes. But she cleared her throat and pulled back her shoulders. “Yes.”

My mind raced, and once again, I felt on the edge of a precipice. I could refuse, walk away and reject her olive branch. Or I could accept it and sit with these two women with whom I shared a blood bond and perhaps forge a tentative beginning.