Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
Harrison
I stood over the casket, staring down at my grandmother who lay there peacefully.
“She looks beautiful. Doesn’t she?” Athena asked.
“She does.”
“Harrison, there’s something you should know?”
“What is it?”
“Adalyn is in the city and coming to the funeral.”
“What? You told me she wasn’t coming.”
“I know. I didn’t want you to get all worked up beforehand.”
“And you thought this was the proper place to tell me?”
“I knew if I told you last minute, you wouldn’t have time to think about it.”
“What am I supposed to do? Damn it.”
“Shush. We’re in the house of God.” She walked away and took a seat in the pew.
“What was all that about, son?” my father asked as he placed his arm around me.
“Athena informed me that Adalyn is coming to the funeral.”
“She has every right to be here. Your grandmother loved her.”
“I know that. How am I supposed to face her after what I said?”
“You told me you missed her. Perhaps this is your chance to make things right.”
“She’ll never forgive me.”
“You won’t know until you try.”
I sighed as I turned around and saw Adalyn walk through the doors. Instantly, my heart started to race.
Adalyn
I swallowed hard and took in a deep breath as I stepped inside the church. My stomach twisted in knots, and a wave of nausea washed over me.
“There you are.” Athena hugged me. “Hand me your coat, and I’ll hang it up.”
“I’d rather keep it on.” I clung tightly to it.
“It’s inevitable, Adalyn. It’s better to let him see you now in a church full of people. Plus, it’s hot in here.”
She was right, so I handed her my coat.
“Hey, Adalyn.” Pete smiled as he walked up and hugged me. “I hear congratulations are in order,” he whispered in my ear.
“Thank you.”
“You look adorable in that dress,” Athena said.
“Thanks. It was a last-minute purchase at the hotel boutique. The one I brought no longer fits.”
“I saved you a seat behind us. Unfortunately, there’s not enough room in our row for one more.”
“It’s okay. I don’t want to sit there. No offense.”
“None taken. Trust me.”
I took in a long deep breath as I looked to where the casket sat. I could see Harrison sitting down in the front row.
“Oh my God, Adalyn, you’re pregnant?!” Jenna loudly voiced, and it echoed through the church.
Harrison whipped his head around, and all eyes turned to me. I had never been more humiliated.
“Come on, darling. Sit down,” Athena spoke as she led me to the pew directly behind the family. “You have one hell of a big mouth, Jenna!”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was a secret.”
I took a seat for a moment and then got up and walked to the casket. Harrison already knew, so what difference did it make? I stared down at Mary as a tear fell from my eye.
“Adalyn,” Harrison spoke as he stood next to me. “Is it mine?”
“Now is not the time to discuss this,” I spoke.
“Okay. Time for us to take our seats,” Athena spoke as she placed her hands on my shoulders and led me back to my seat.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
She gave me a heartfelt smile and took her place in the front row. Harrison took his seat and stared straight ahead. He couldn’t even look at me, which was fine. I was over him. But why did it feel like my world was crumbling right before me?
Harrison
I sat in shock as I stared straight ahead at the stained-glass window. I couldn’t believe she was pregnant.
“Are you okay, son?” my father asked as he placed his hand on mine.
“Not really, Dad.”
“The two of you have a lot to discuss. I think the appropriate time would be after your grandmother’s luncheon.”
“Of course.” I nodded.
I glared at Athena, who sat quietly next to me. She knew and didn’t tell me: my own sister, my twin.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she whispered. “Or else I will gouge your eyes out.”
“Real mature, sis.” I shook my head.