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The frigid air nipped at my cheeks as I stared at Hugh, his words slowly sinking in. I could understand his reasoning. I’d withheld Aila’s affair and our fight before the accident from her parents for roughly the same reasons.
“But I couldn’t face you after that,” Hugh implored, his face begging me to believe him. “The whole damn thing was too shameful. I knew you would hate me if you knew what I’d done, so I moved out of the cottage.”
I searched his face for any hint of deception but found only sincerity etched into his features. The hurt and anger that had drained me for so long began to ebb away, replaced by a quiet, uncertain sadness.
“Jesus Christ.” I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the truth settle upon me like a crushing burden. “It all makes more sense now. I never understood all of it until now.”
Hugh broke into my silence. “I’m not asking for forgiveness; I don’t deserve it for what I did. I just couldn’t keep it inside any longer. The guilt was eating me up whole.”
One stupid mistake was like a domino that set in motion a chain of misfortune that had affected all our lives and led to tragedy all around, including the loss of two innocents. We were all victims in our own way and it all stemmed from one stupid mistake.
Perhaps talking through my issues with a therapist years ago had begun to heal my old wounds. Maybe having Summer by my side had blunted the pain of that loss. But. finally hearing the truth today left me feeling lighter. Less burdened down by the past. I was able to let go of the remaining guilt I’d held on to.
I’d always mourn the loss of Aila and her baby, but it wouldn’t define me anymore. “Do you really think the baby was yours?”
Pain flickered in his eyes. “Aila was sure of it. The due date matched. I can’t be sure, but I still grieve the wee babe. Every year on the due date of the bairn, I lay flowers on Aila’s grave for them both.” He swiped a tear from his eye.
I stared into the darkening sky as snowflakes danced down around us like tiny confetti, their icy touch both chilling and soothing.
“What happened was a tragedy all around,” I said, clenching my fists, my breath fogging in the cold air, “you and Aila made choices that affected all of our lives. I can even understand how desperate and scared Aila must have felt to be in that situation.”
I squeezed Summer’s hand, grateful for her reassuring touch. Her unwavering support had given me the strength to face my demons, and now I could finally let them go. “I think we’ve both punished ourselves enough for that terrible day. It’s taken me years to move on and find happiness again, but I did with Summer and my family. I hope you can move on from it, too.”
A mixture of surprise and gratitude washed over Hugh’s face as he thanked me, and then he disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone with Summer.
“Good for you, Knox,” she smiled, planting a tender kiss on my cheek. The warmth of her lips sent a shiver down my spine, reminding me just how much I loved this woman.
I looked into her gorgeous blue eyes and felt a surge of love and gratitude for the woman who’d become my rock. A sense of closure settled over me like a warm blanket. “I finally realized that holding onto grudges only causes more pain. It’s time to let it go.”
“Come on,” Summer said softly, tugging me gently toward the grotto where our children awaited. “Let’s go make some new memories.”
As we walked away, my arm wrapped protectively around her, I realized that life was far too short to cling to old grudges. The past would always be a part of me, but it was time to embrace the present and cherish the love and happiness I’d found.
“Hey,” I whispered to Summer as the snow continued to fall, “thanks for being my wee Bouncy Bumpkin.”
She smiled, her eyes twinkling like the Christmas lights that adorned the town square. “Always, my wee Limpie Pie.”
My face mirrored my displeasure at hearing the old nickname. “You know I hate that nickname. There is nothing wee or limp about my cock!”
Summer laughingly shushed my boisterous retort and then we turned our attention back to the Christmas festival, as we met up with my parents and our bairns. The snowflakes continued their graceful descent, dusting the cobblestone streets with a powdery white veil, and laughter and the sweet scent of spiced cider filled the air.
“Hey, there’s the giant Christmas tree!” Grace exclaimed, pointing towards the towering fir adorned with twinkling lights.
“Let’s go take a look,” suggested Carter, his innocent eyes wide with excitement.
As we walked hand-in-hand towards the tree, the sound of carolers filled the air, their harmonious voices floating through the crisp night. I looked around at my family — Summer’s radiant smile, the wonder in my children’s eyes, and the love that surrounded us all.
At that moment, I realized just how lucky I truly was. I had two beautiful children who brought endless joy to my life, and Summer — the woman who had mended my broken heart and taught me to love again. They were everything I could have ever wanted.
“Knox,” Summer whispered, leaning close so that her breath tickled my ear, “you did the right thing today. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Sunshine,” I replied, my heart swelling with gratitude for this incredible woman by my side. “But you know what? I couldn’t have done it without you.”
As we stood beneath the twinkling lights of the giant Christmas tree, surrounded by the magic of the season, I knew that our future was bright. Together, hand in hand, we would face whatever challenges life threw at us and emerge stronger than ever before.
The End
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