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Chapter Twenty-Three
Emmett
It was a quiet drive back to my parents’ place after dinner. Olivia was distant and Charlie fell asleep in the back seat within minutes.
When we arrived back home, Olivia put him straight to bed and promised he would get some cake in the morning. Apparently, it was never a good idea for him to eat sweets this late because he always ended up vomiting if he indulged.
We all gathered in the living area while Mom organised the cake.
“So, it turns out that Chef Harris has a good reputation for a good reason. That food was amazing,” I confessed.
“You see? He’s straightened himself out pretty well,” Dad said.
Samantha sniggered. “I wouldn’t go that far, Dad. He’s still a bastard. A talented one, but still.”
“Well, all he needs to curb that is a good woman. A good woman is always instrumental in keeping a man on the straight and narrow.”
“Amen to that,” Mom called from the kitchen.
“I know I’ve got the most incredible woman in the world.” I lifted my wine glass toward Olivia. I was rewarded with the first smile since Courtney showed up.
“Okay, everyone, come on over here!” Mom waved us all over and we gathered around the kitchen island with Samantha front and centre in front of an elegant, polka dot birthday cake with a gold ‘30’ candle stuck into the top.
“It’s gorgeous!” Samantha exclaimed. “Thank you, Court!”
“You’re welcome, babe. It’s almost as pretty as my divorce cake.”
We all sang happy birthday to Samantha. Sammy cut the cake with a huge knife and drew it out. Once everyone was provided with a piece, we dispersed a little. Samantha and Courtney went to hang out in the living room while Mom and Dad stayed in the kitchen. I went in search of Olivia, who’d disappeared quicker than I had expected.
“She went outside.” Samantha pointed at the door to the pool area.
I thanked her and walked outside. After scoping the area, I found my girlfriend sitting at the outdoor setting with her cake was untouched. I took the seat beside her and turned it so I was facing her. I leaned my elbows on my knees. “I still owe you an explanation.”
Olivia hugged herself. “Courtney.”
“Right.”
“You were going to marry her?”
“Yes. It was a while ago now, when I was still serving.” With a sigh, I loosened my tie. “We were high school sweethearts. We lost touch for a while when I left high school, but when I was on leave, we caught up again and picked up where we left off. I asked her to marry me and she said yes, but she wanted to wait until after I came back from my next deployment. She wanted to have the time to organise a beautiful wedding for us. It would’ve been the best leave ever. I trusted her. But I shouldn’t have . . ..”
“Why?” Olivia asked.
“Because she was cheating on me. She used my money to organise a wedding, alright. But it wasn’t ours. She chose to marry a local guy instead. She said she hated me being away all the time, that she wasn’t cut out to be a military wife, and he was here for her whenever she needed him.
“She was cunning about it, too. She got Samantha involved, asked her to be her maid of honour. Sammy helped organise the venue, the flowers, the dresses, the caterers, even the bachelorette night. She and I turned up for the big event, only to find this other guy at the altar.
“So, yes, I walked out on her. Because she didn’t only hurt me, she hurt my family, as well. She took advantage of Samantha and my parents, and I can never forgive her for that.”
“How can they have her in their home after that? How can Samantha stand the sight of her?”
I shrugged. “It’s complicated, I suppose. Sammy and Court have been best friends since they were in kindergarten. Courtney has her back whenever I can’t, and Samantha has this incredible ability to see the good in almost everyone. Just because I can’t forgive, doesn’t mean she shouldn’t. I think my parents put up with her for Sammy’s sake.”
Tears welled in Olivia’s eyes. “I’m so sorry I doubted you. I should have more faith in us, and I should know by now that you’d never hurt me or Charlie.”
I brushed my thumb under her right eye and caught the first tear as it fell. “I understand your fear, Olivia. You’ve been blindsided by a man before; a man who you loved and trusted with your whole heart. But you know what? I can see how much you’re healing every day, and I’m incredibly proud of you.”
“It’s because of you that I’m healing. You continually show me how life can be better. You guide me. You love me and you love Charlie. You’re a positive influence on both of us, Emmett. I only hope that I can heal you, as well.” Olivia slid her hand beneath my shirt and covered my heart with her palm.
