Font Size:  

“Didn’t want to be a father,” Abby said.

“I know it was hard growing up not knowing who your father was. I can’t imagine what it was like for you. But I look at the woman you have become, even without him in your life. You are strong, intelligent, kind and loving. You don’t need anyone in your life who can’t appreciate all you are,” Timothy said. Abby nodded and he added, “I know none of us can fill the emptiness you must feel, but you are surrounded by people who love you very much and will do anything to keep that beautiful smile on your face.”

Abby nodded, and my heart broke for her. I could see that she just wanted to know. If I was the father, I’m sure Valentina would’ve told her, even if she didn’t tell me.

“Abby, how old are you?” I asked. It was an insensitive thing to ask at a moment like this, but her answer would tell me what I so desperately needed to know.

“I’m twenty-five,” she replied.

Quickly, I did the math in my head. You’re not mine. Fuck. You’re not mine. I didn’t want her to think that was why I had asked, so I quickly put a positive spin on it.

“Abby, you have so much life ahead of you. And you couldn’t ask for a better role model to follow than your mother. I’m sure whoever your father is, it’s his loss. You are your mother’s daughter. I see her when I look at you. By even coming to meet with me, you’ve shown your strength and confidence. I’m sure there are great things ahead of you. Don’t miss them by looking back. Only look forward.”

Tears spilled down Abby’s cheeks and Timothy wrapped an arm around her. “This has been happening a lot lately. The doctor said it’s natural because of her hormones.” I raised a brow and he added, “We’re having a baby.”

I smiled at the warmth of my own thought. “Valentina is going to be a grandmother. You all have so much to look forward to.”

“We do. But…we’re starting our own family, our own life, and….well, my mother should be able to start hers, too,” Abby said. She added quickly, “Not a baby, but maybe a…boyfriend?”

“Is that what you’re here for? To ask me to date your mother?” I asked. Because I would love to, but the same issues from the past are still hovering over me.

“If you love her, then yes, that’s what I’m asking. More like, giving my blessing. She’s grown and so have you. I would like to think you can put aside your differences and find a way to make it work. I mean, you’re not getting any younger. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to grow old with?” she asked.

Glad your mother didn’t hear that.“I don’t consider us on the verge of getting old.”

“Oh, you’re one of those ‘age is just a number’ people, aren’t you?” Abby chuckled.

“I guess I am. Look, I can’t promise anything regarding where our relationship will go, but I can tell you that I’m always here for her. If your mother ever needs me, she can call.” But I’m not going to intrude in her life. She didn’t respond to my text. That was all I needed to know.

“Please, don’t give up on her. She pretends to be a lot stronger than she really is. She’ll never admit it, but she’s lonely,” she said.

I nodded. “A grandbaby will change that.”

Abby nodded. “Thanks for meeting with us. I wanted to see who has my mother’s heart. When you’re ready to bring it back, you know where to find her.”

“That I do.” I wanted to be able to tell her I’d be rushing to see Valentina right after they left, but I couldn’t. There were things that I needed to deal with first. I couldn’t go to her when I wasn’t whole. She didn’t need to deal with my demons. She is about to become a grandmother and doesn’t need any negativity brought into her life. And Abby doesn’t need it either.

They got up to leave, and she hugged me. “Would it be…okay if we kept in contact with you?” she asked.

“I would love that,” I replied. I might not be there, but I’d like to know Valentina and her family are doing well.

“Oh, I almost forgot. You never asked about my name.”

“Is there a reason why I should?” I asked.

“I go by Abby, but my name is Abigail Anna-Marie. My mother never told me, but my grandmother said I was named after your mother. If that doesn’t tell you how much my mother loved you all this time, nothing will.” She kissed me on the cheek, and they walked away.

Abigail. I was too stunned to even move. My mother.

I’d tried so hard to forget the pain of the loss of my mother, that I’d completely missed the connection between their names.

Oh, my sweet, Valentina. You never cease to amaze me. When I think there’s no way I could love you any more than I do, you prove me wrong. Valentina loves with her whole heart and what she’s done is just another example of the kind of woman she is. I was only in my early twenties when she died so I would never be able to give my mother a grandchild, and my older sister Carlie either couldn’t have or didn’t want any children. I never asked. I figured if she wanted to talk about it, she would. But I was overwhelmed with emotion learning that Valentina honored my mother’s memory even with the miles and years between us. I’m not sure if anything has ever moved me quite so deeply. Mom, you might not know it, but you were loved. Carlie loved you. I loved you. Valentina loved you. And I’m sure Abby would’ve, too.

Before I turned to head back to my hotel, I felt a warmth I didn’t recognize on my cheeks. With the sleeve of my shirt, I wiped the tears away.

Thank you, Valentina, for the gift of keeping my mother’s memory alive.

I didn’t know where I was going next, but I was glad to be back in New England. It’s been so long since I’ve been here. I left right after my father’s trial and never returned. It wasn’t going to be easy, but maybe I needed to stay around here longer.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
Articles you may like