Interlude
“Ahhh… That was such a beautiful story. I think it’s special how Drew and Eden worked things out, got married, and have remained together for forty years,” Kylie said.
“I’m not surprised my dad was the one who called Drew out about falling in love. Dad, Drew, and Uncle Lester were very close,” Vanessa added.
A smile appeared on Brittany’s face. “That’s right. Your dad was Harold Steele. I had forgotten about that.”
“Yes,” Vanessa said sadly. “Dad never gave up cigarettes, although we all begged him to. He tried a few times but just couldn’t do it. He eventually died of lung cancer. Harold Jeremiah Steele was the best dad my sisters and I could ever have.”
“How old were you when he passed away?” Brittany asked.
“I was twenty-two. I’d just finished college and was working for the Steele Corporation. That was a hard time for all of the Steeles, but especially for Mom, my sisters, and me. Like I said, Dad was the best.”
The room got quiet for a moment, and then Kylie said, “Speaking of dads… Did Eden’s father ever come around after disowning her?”
“Yes,” Stacy answered. “According to Eden, her mother died unexpectedly of a ruptured appendix. Her father called to let her know and asked her to attend the funeral services. She went with Drew and Galen, who was almost one year old. She was pregnant with Tyson but wasn’t showing yet.
Her father took one look at Galen, saw those green eyes, and figured Drew couldn’t be all bad if he could produce a perfect grandson with the Tyson’s trademark green eyes.
He apologized to both Eden and Drew, asked for their forgiveness, and also inquired about the possibility of becoming a part of their lives, as he had no one now.
He took Eden’s mother’s death pretty hard.
I understand they loved each other deeply. ”
“I recall that they accepted Mr. Tyson’s apology,” Vanessa said.
“All six of Drew’s sons became very close to their grandfather, spending summers with him in Boston, and often taking trips with him abroad.
He, in turn, spent the holidays with them.
Those boys were the joy of his life. He didn’t pass away until they were grown men.
He attended Galen’s thirtieth birthday party and gave a beautiful toast to his firstborn grandson.
Mr. Tyson was very proud of all six of them, and they adored him tremendously.
When he passed on, they took his death hard. ”
Vanessa paused. “They’d heard how ruthless Elijah Tyson had been in trying to force their mother to return home to marry another man and to give up modeling.
When I asked how they felt about it, they said it didn’t diminish their love or admiration of their grandfather one iota.
In the end, the fact that their mother was on the run was what led her to their father.
They figured that what was meant to be, would be. ”
“That’s true. What happened to Tyson’s vast enterprise?” Kylie asked.
“When he died, he left his entire business portfolio to Eden and substantial shares of stock to his grandsons. No one wanted to move to Boston permanently, so Eden hired a capable executive team. Eli goes there at least three times a year to meet with them,” Stacy said.
“And Eden honored her father by naming her second child, Tyson, and her third child, Elijah,” Brittany added. “So, her relationship with her father had a happy ending as well.”
The room grew quiet again as the women continued to move around, placing flower arrangements on the table. Vanessa finally broke the silence. “Kylie, we’re all family and care deeply for Tiffany. Will you tell us what happened with her and Gary? Is it something the two of them can work out?”
“If Gary Palmer knows what’s good for him, he will stay away from my daughter,” Kylie said, anger in her voice.
When everyone in the room stopped and stared at her, she drew in a deep, calming breath. “News about what happened will probably begin spreading around the family, if it hasn’t already. So, maybe it’s best if you all hear what really happened from me.”
Then, squaring her shoulders, she said, “This is how it began …”