Epilogue
Freya
I'm re-reading a letter from my father. I got it a few weeks back, and now I'm waiting for him to come to my home here in Hunter's Peak. Connor and I are wary of his visit, but it feels right to give him a chance after he's made the effort of communicating with us.
He wants to meet his grandson, he says, but I worry he might want to treat him like an 'heir' and use that excuse to control him. Ian is just three years old and enjoying life in the mountains.
At exactly three in the afternoon, a black car arrives at our doorstep, and my father gets out of it. It seems he came alone and I take a breath in relief. No brothers to muscle their way into my life and try to take me away.
I'm sitting on the porch swing, and when he comes closer, I place a hand over my big belly. Ian's sister will be here in less than three weeks. I soothe her often by rubbing my belly, and I swear she loves it.
"Hi, Freya."
"Hi, Dad."
"Thank you for letting me come for a visit."
"You are welcome here as long as you respect me and my choices."
"About that…"
"Dad…"
"Your brothers have taken a page out of your book and gone in the direction of their hearts. They said if you the youngest could do it, they could too."
"I'm sorry dad, I know you had tons of expectations for them."
"Yes, but those were my dreams for them. They had their own secrets that eventually came out into the light. I'm sad they won't be working so tightly with me, but I respect their decisions. As I respect yours. Now I see I've got another grandbaby on the way. Where's Ian?"
"He's running an errand with his father, but they'll be back soon. Do you want some iced tea? It's scorching hot today."
"Yes, thank you."
We spend some time talking and getting to know one another as we are now. It was an amazing experience talking to my father and not having him direct me in all things. I actually was able to give my opinion and have it respected which had to take a lot of growth for him to accept.
When Ian arrives with his father, my dad plays with him and I give them time together to get to know one another. Connor didn't want to see my father, but I needed to have some time with dad first and then have Ian spend some tie with him.
Now I'm watching them interact through the window. My dad looks younger as he plays with my three-year-old, but he's full of smiles now whereas before he was always frowning and giving orders. I guess people can change.
Connor stands behind me and startles me.
"My God, you should wear a bell."
"I like surprising you."
He puts his arms around me and holds me tight.
"How are my girls faring today?"
"I'm good and so is she."
"No fussing or kicking today?"
"I think she likes her grandad."
"Are things good with him?"
"As good as they can be. I trust him a bit more, but it's going to be a work in progress."
"I'm just glad he came and is showing some respect and understanding."
"What are your feelings about it?"
"I'm not sure, kitten. Last time I saw him, I had to run him off here with a shotgun. It's difficult to come back from that."
"But you'll try?"
"I'll do anything for you, Freya. You should know that by now."
"Thank you."
I turn around in his arms and lift my face up to ask for a kiss from him. He understands my gesture and places a soft, gentle kiss on my lips. His beard tickles me, and I smile. My smile is soon gone as he deepens the kiss and holds me tenderly.
Connor's kisses always have a tendency to make me feel weak at the knees, and this time it's no different.
We stop when we hear voices come closer.
I hide my face in Connor's chest as he exchanges pleasantries with my father.
Dad stays for dinner, but throughout it Connor and I exchange heated looks.
Tonight, when there's just the two of us, we'll make each other feel like we've finally come home. Forever.
THE END