46. Alessandra
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
alessandra
TWO HOURS EARLIER
There are moments in life that stay with you until your heart stops beating.
For some, it might be the birth of their children or the day they marry their soul mate.
Not all moments are happy, and it could be the loss of a loved one or being told your days are being cut short.
Every moment teaches us something and builds resilience.
I learned two things today.
The first is that depending on others fortifies you.
By simply having one or one hundred people to turn toward during your time of need is a gift.
A single word or lengthy talk with one of those people makes you feel invincible.
What’s more powerful is they don’t need to be present to bring you solace.
Existing is enough.
When my calls to Booth went straight to voice mail, that old insecurity tried to creep its way in.
Relying on people is more hassle than it’s worth.
You don’t need to involve him in this .
This time, my walls went up for a different reason: to keep those thoughts away.
I didn’t need to involve him; I wanted him there.
Depending on Booth draws out an inner strength I didn’t know was possible.
He hasn’t let me down once, and would have been here in a heartbeat.
As I sat in my car, staring at the red truck parked next to me, imagining what Booth would say and do gave me the courage to step outside and tap my knuckles against the solid oak door.
The second thing I learned is that Harvey wanted to be here.
To meet me.
The daughter he never knew existed until today.
“He’s in here,” Martin says as we stand outside the living room door.
“ I’ll give you two some space.”
I blink at the door handle.
Then , before I overthink it, I’m wrapping my arms around Martin’s middle and squeezing.
“ Thank you. For everything you’ve done to make this happen.”
He doesn’t move at first, then after a second, he relaxes and returns my hug.
“ It’s you I should be thanking, Aly . Had you not come to Sutton Bay …” His voice catches.
“ I’m not sure I would have ever seen my son again. I’ve not only reunited with him, but I’ve gained a granddaughter.”
My body stills.
Martin quickly pulls away, head jerking side to side as he mutters, “ Sorry . I didn’t mean to imply we were family or any?—”
“We are family.” My smile wobbles, hands tremble, but a new warmth seeps into my chest. “ You might not be the family that raised me, but you’re the family I’ve been lucky enough to gain.”
His distress melts, and the lines in his face deepen with a smile I’ve never witnessed before.
That alone gives me the final dose of courage to walk through the door .
I inhale deeply, close my fingers around the handle, and step inside.
Harvey flies to his feet the second I enter, almost knocking over a glass of water in his flurry to stand.
Familiar eyes I’ve only seen in photos blink back at me as he wipes his shaking hands on his jeans.
He’s tall, black curly hair disheveled like he’s been pulling at it.
We both stand stock still, studying one another silently.
My mouth is so dry, I worry sand will pour to the floor when I speak.
Thankfully, he speaks first. “ You’re …gosh, you’re—” He clears his throat.
“ Alessandra . You’re Alessandra . I’m Harvey .”
My heart clenches as he thrusts his hand toward me and then frowns at it with flushed cheeks.
“ I’m not sure about the protocol for this type of thing.”
Before I know what I’m doing, my hand is in his and I’m shaking it lightly.
“ You can call me Aly .”
“Aly. Right , yeah. It’s a beautiful name.” His smile is awkward but genuine as our hands drop.
“ My wife, Sandra , has gone out to get a pie from the bakery in town. Mart —my dad tells me you live above it.”
My dad.
An unexpected sense of fulfillment hits me.
Three lives changed massively today, and if my journey has helped reunite a father with his son, then at least the trials and heartache I’ve experienced weren’t in vain.
Harvey showed up. Not for me but for his dad, proving that hope is never lost.
“My friend Quinn owns the bakery. You’ll love her Danishes .” I point to the sofa.
“ Can I join you?”
“Please. Please .” He gestures for me to go first.
We sit a healthy distance apart, both our postures rigid and unsure.
I go to speak, when Harvey blurts, “ Are you happy? Healthy ? ”
His question catches me off guard.
He winces. “ Is that the wrong thing to ask? Sandra said that was important. Honestly , I’d be lost without that woman. My car keys go missing at least twice a day.” When he looks up, his face is apologetic.
“ Sorry , I’m a little nervous.”
Harvey and Martin might share features, but they’re nothing alike.
Where Martin is stoic, Harvey is clumsy.
It’s endearing and quickly puts me at ease.
“I’m very happy. I’ve had a wonderful life, raised by two people who have loved me unconditionally since the day they brought me home. I’ve wanted for nothing. And apart from an emergency appendectomy at fourteen, I’m fit and healthy.”
He exhales.
“ I’m really glad to hear that.” Then his gaze drops to his fisted hands, and without being asked, he offers an explanation.
“ I was very young when I met Rebecca . My mom and I were visiting my aunt in Ringwood and we met at a house party. My aunt moved that winter and I never heard from Rebecca after that.” His eyes flutter closed as he takes a breath.
“ I want to be honest with you, had I known she was pregnant… Well , I can’t be certain what decision I would have made. I’m cursing myself for ignoring my dad’s calls and letters now, but you have to understand, it had nothing to do with you. We have a complicated history.
“The moment I found out, the first thing I wished for was that you had a good life and a family that cared for you.
Knowing that’s the case brings me a lot of comfort.
I don’t know much about you, but from what my dad has shared, you’re a pretty incredible young woman.
A credit to your parents, I’m sure.
They’d agree with me when I say our children’s happiness is intrinsic to our own.
It’s clear they’ve raised a beautiful daughter.
” He leans forward, eyes sparkling.
“ If it isn’t too much, I’d like you to pass on my thanks to your parents. For raising and loving you when I couldn’t. ”
Something slides down my cheek.
It’s then I realize I’m crying.
“I can do that,” I whisper as he hands me a tissue.
“My dad said you might have some questions about family history and medical records? I don’t have anything on me, but I can get that information for you.” He grabs a notepad and pen off the table and peers over at me, waiting.
In and out. That’s what I’d said over two months ago when I first arrived in Sutton Bay .
Once I had my answers, I’d leave.
After hearing Harvey’s sincere words, witnessing his misplaced regret, and seeing what a lovely man he is in the short while we’ve been sitting here, those answers don’t feel so important all of a sudden.
“How about today we get to know each other?” I offer.
The pen drops to the floor and his eyes spring wide.
I’m worried I’ve overstepped, but then his surprised expression morphs into a smile.
“ Yes . Yes , that sounds good.” He crosses a leg over the other and gets comfortable.
“ Tell me about yourself, Aly .”