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“I understand,” I tell her.
I’ve seen parents at the hospital engaged in that same battle, wanting to give their children everything they ask for and yet having to say no because they want their children to get better.
“As Christine’s mother, I want what’s best for her,” Vivian goes on. “I want her to have a job she loves. I want her to find her purpose in life, to use her gifts. I want her to have true friends. I want her to find a good man who will take care of her better than her father took care of me and to have a family of her own.”
I nod. I’m pretty sure my mother wants the same for me and I’ll want the same for my child.
“But I guess this once, I have to do what makes her happy instead. I don’t want her to be with Norman, but if it’s what she wants, if it’s what she thinks will make her happy – and I can see that it does – then I will let her be happy. As much as it hurts me to know that she’s not getting what she deserves, I’ll content myself with knowing she’s happy getting what she wants, because ultimately, that’s all we parents want – for our children to be happy.”
I lift my glass. “Now, I’ll drink to that.”
Now I’m convinced that Vivian didn’t push Norman down the stairs. When all is said and done, she’s a mother, a mother who wants her daughter’s happiness even if it comes in the form of an old butler.
Vivian picks up her cup as well. “I’m sure Samantha would also want you to be happy.”
I pause. The rim of my glass hovers less than an inch from my lips. I put it down without taking a sip.
“I thought you didn’t believe I’m Samantha’s daughter.”
“Well, actually…” She sips her tea, then puts down her cup. “I have something to tell you.”
I hold my breath in anticipation as she moves closer to me.
“The DNA test results are out,” Vivian whispers to me. “You’re Samantha’s daughter.”
My eyebrows arch. “I am?”
Vivian nods, then gives me a hug. “You’re my niece. Oh, I can hardly believe it.”
She pulls away.
“But I do, of course.” She touches my cheek. “You are Ellis Northup.”
I say nothing. I’m still too astonished to say anything. Is it true? The DNA test results are really out? I really am a Northup?
Well, I believed I was, but now, I know. I really know.
I’m a Northup.
“I’d throw a party to formally welcome you to the family,” Vivian says. “But it’s so close to Christmas I was thinking we’ll just celebrate it then. We won’t tell anyone yet. We’ll tell them during Christmas. It will be a lovely surprise, a present for everyone.”
I look at her. I want to remind her that not everyone will find it lovely. Gabriel and Suzannah still hate me. There’s still the matter of the note I got. But I don’t want to ruin Vivian’s joy, not when I haven’t seen her this happy before. Besides, maybe Gabriel and Suzannah will have a change of heart. Maybe the note really was just a harmless prank or a mistake. After all, Vivian’s the last suspect on the list and she doesn’t seem to have been the one who sent it. Maybe I should just forget about it, let it go. Why should I focus on one bad thing when there are good things to celebrate?
“That sounds nice,” I say as I finally find my voice.
Vivian takes my hands in hers. “Oh, it will be the best Christmas ever. After all, isn’t Christmas about family?”
She’s right, of course. Christmas is about family, and we are a family. We may not get along. We may have secrets from each other. But we are a family. That’s why I know everything will be alright.
Indeed, I suddenly feel happy. My heart feels light, like a heavy burden has just been lifted from my chest.
That’s right. This is my family. They won’t hurt me. Rainier doesn’t have to worry about me or protect me anymore.
At the thought, my heart sinks. Does that mean Rainier is going to leave?
“What’s wrong?” Vivian asks as she notices the change in my mood.
“I was just thinking about Rainier,” I tell her honestly. “Can I tell him… about the DNA test result?”
Vivian pauses a moment, then nods. “Of course. He is your fiance, after all.”
“Thank you.”
I don’t know how he’ll take it, but I have to tell him. Who knows? It might not change anything. I mean, he already knows I’m a Northup based on what my father told him.
“But are you sure he loves you?” Vivian asks.
I give her a puzzled look. “What?”
“Because if he doesn’t and you tell him you’re a Northup, he might break off your engagement.”
