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You’ve been put through a lot to come to the end of this hunt, but it’s happened because you’re the wanderer of the family. The hope of this task is for you to realize you don’t have to be far from home to have adventures. You can have it all, an exciting life that also includes a great love and the support of your brothers.
The ring is from the most beautiful woman in this world, your grandmother. She told me from the first time she held you, it would go to you, and only you. She knew even then that your journey in life wouldn’t be easy.
It gives me great pleasure as I sit in my office with a fire blazing next to me, to know what a fine man you’ve become. It fills me with pride to be a part of your journey in life even after I’ve departed from this world. I’ve had a lot of time to come to terms with my mortality. It wasn’t easy to accept at first, but I feel peace about it now, especially once I figured out this little game for the three most important people in the world to me.
There will always be mystery when it comes to the three boxes left to you. Who was the woman in the lake? I want to believe it was either your grandmother or your great aunt, my sister, who also departed this world too soon. I carefully opened those boxes years ago, and when I found out I was dying I knew I wanted each of you to have one final adventure in life that included me.
The lady in the lake inspired me. That’s why these boxes must be opened one at a time. It’s now your task to pass the magic onto the brother of your choice. You must not give the secret away because they must each complete their journey, and they need the magic of the game to keep them motivated. Your grandmother was taken from me far too soon. She was the love of my life, and I was forever altered when I lost her. I want you to have that same love. A man isn’t complete without his other half.
I do believe this journey was always about magic, and most importantly about finding yourself. I knew more than you realized about Courtney. What a beautiful soul she is. There was no other choice but for her to accompany you on this journey. You’re meant to be together. No one has to be alone; they shouldn’t be. Too many become broken and bitter by choosing that lonely path. Hopefully, you’ll make changes in your life to set your path straight before this happens to you. May you have the strength to know what to do with the black box. I love you, grandson, more than words could ever say. I will someday see you again, but not too soon. Live free and love openly. Accept that there’s magic in the world, and know that I’ll walk at your side every step of the way.
With eternal love,
Gramps
Tears stream down my cheeks as I read the letter. These are the last words from a grandfather who raised and loved these boys more than words could ever express. It’s been a journey I’m more grateful now to have been allowed to come along on than anything I ever did in my life.
Blaze looks at the letter, front and back, a frown on his face. This is the end of the treasure hunt, but Blaze’s gramps had obviously meant it to be the beginning of his grandson’s journey in life.
Blaze finally sets down the letter and picks up the jewelry box. He opens the lid and finds the antique wedding ring sitting inside, the diamonds glittering in the sun, taking my breath away. Our gazes meet and I don’t know how to read the look in his eyes.
“I remember when my grandmother wore this. It was so sparkly it would send rainbows on the walls when the sun hit it.”Blaze runs his finger over the center diamond. I hold my breath. I realize in this moment if he wants me forever, I’m his.
But I watch as shutters close over his eyes and know this isn’t where his journey will take him. He isn’t ready to stop. I learned more from this treasure hunt than he did. For him, it really was about getting to the end. For me, I realize I never fell out of love with him, and I want a future with this man that includes roots and babies. But I might wait forever and still never have this.
“It’s okay, Blaze.” A few more tears slip from my burning eyes.
“Cori.” My name comes out as an apology. I hurt so much right now, but what I hate more is thathe’salso hurting. He never meant for things to go this far between us. He loves me as much as he’s capable of loving a woman. At least I’ll be able to carrythiswith me during all of the lonely nights to come.
“It’s okay.” I lean against him and kiss him for a final time. “You found what you needed to find. I’m glad I was here with you. I’m going to let you absorb it all.”
He grabs me and kisses me hard before letting me go. He gives me a mournful look that shows me how torn he is, and I barely hold it together. I walk to the quad. At least I got to share this adventure with him and got my goodbye. Before I leave, I look at him one last time, as he gazes at the ground, looking utterly lost.
“Goodbye, Blaze.”
He looks up and our eyes meet. I see the finality of his decision in his eyes. I can’t look anymore. I turn on the machine and ride away. It’s over. Our journey is over. This time I’m the one walking away, but it’s because he wants me to. The pain is all-consuming, but I’ll survive. We’ll both survive.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Blaze
I’m back in town after a couple of weeks. And it’s still been too long to be gone. My heart wasn’t in the job I worked and that put me and others in danger. I was lost and out of sorts the entire time I was gone. I quit on the spot. Only when I landed in Washington, jumped in my vehicle, and began the familiar drive back home did I finally feel free again.
I lost out on too many years with my brothers. I won’t do it again. My first stop is for some advice. I might’ve screwed up to the point of unforgiveness, but I have hope.
When I pull up to the ranch, I see both Zach’s and Callan’s cars out front. I smell something being grilled. Good. I’m starving, and this time, I’m damn well getting fed. I’ve lost ten pounds in the last couple of weeks, having no desire for food. Out back Zach and Callan are at a table. Zach has a burger and fries in front of him. I quickly scoot in beside him and reach to grab a handful of his food.
“I guess what’s mine is yours,” Zach says as he looks at me with a brow raised. He turns a pleading look to the cook at the grill, who laughs.
“Coming right up,” the woman says, and Zach beams at her.
I polish off my food and catch the cook’s eyes with what I hope is puppy dog eyes. She laughs again. “I think I’ll give you double.” I’m glad there’s a new cook. This one is a lot more willing to feed me than the last one.
“You’re my favorite new person on this planet.” She shakes her head and starts overflowing new plates with delicious smelling food.
“You’re home pretty quick,” Callan says as a plate is set in front of him, and he digs in. Mine’s right behind his and I don’t hesitate to grab the corn and bite into it. Absolutely delicious. I finish chewing then look at my brothers.
“I’m supposed to be here.” They both look at me in shock. Callan’s the first to speak.
