Chapter 17
Seventeen
EASTON
Easton,
It feels like everything is changing all at once. I wasn’t even sure how to start this letter, so I figured I’d just dive in before I talk myself out of it.
Kennedy is moving in. Last night she packed her things from Ethan’s place and showed up with boxes at my door.
She tried to make it sound casual, like it was only temporary, but I can see it in her face.
She needs somewhere safe. She told me Ethan got angry, shoved a chair so hard it broke.
She left him right then, and I’m proud of her for that.
She’s hurting though, even if she won’t say it out loud.
So, I told her this place is hers as long as she needs it.
The guest room is half full of her clothes already, and we’re tripping over each other in the kitchen, but honestly?
It feels good not to be alone all the time.
I did what you asked, too. I made the calls.
Telling your parents was the hardest, not because I didn’t want to, but because I wanted them to hear it in the right way.
Your mom cried, Easton. Really cried. She said the baby is hope, the first piece of good news in a long time.
Your dad didn’t say much, he promised they’ll be here for me, for us, and I think he meant it.
It felt like they were choosing to believe in you, in us, even when the world doesn’t.
I also called my mom. That was … fun. She got straight to the point about the news of your arrest, and sounded disappointed in me before I could even tell her the baby news.
But when I did manage to tell her I’m pregnant, something in her cracked.
She said she’ll try to come to an appointment.
I don’t know if she will, but it was the first time in years it didn’t sound like her work came before me.
I don’t have very high expectations, but I feel like I did the right thing, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
I’ve been trying to understand your last letter, the one where you mentioned Gray.
I never expected to hear his name from you ever again, and I sure as hell never thought he’d come visit you.
Willingly, no less. I know how much his betrayal scarred you.
I don’t know if I should feel relieved that he showed up, or worried that you’re even letting him close enough to offer help.
But I trust you. If you think what he brought Rick matters, then I’ll stand behind that.
Which leads me to my question: what does it mean?
What did Rick say about the evidence Gray gave him?
Is it enough to help you? Can it lead to you getting bail this time, or even getting the case dropped?
Or is it just another false lead, another scrap of hope dangled in front of us?
I need you to be honest with me, Easton.
I don’t want to let myself believe only to get crushed again.
I keep imagining what it will be like if you walk free before the baby comes.
I picture you at the ultrasound, your hand covering mine when we hear the heartbeat together.
I picture you fumbling with the tiny snaps on a onesie, your face creasing in frustration until you laugh at yourself.
I picture us lying on the couch with the baby on your chest, safe and home and whole.
But then I picture the opposite. Me walking into the hospital alone, my mom hovering but not present, Kennedy doing her best, but not being you. I picture handing our baby to a nurse and wondering how long it will be before you get to hold them.
It’s both versions at once all the time, Easton, and it’s tearing me in half.
So, tell me what you know. Tell me what Rick thinks. Tell me if Gray really gave you something that can change this, or if we’re still bracing for the long fight.
I’ll keep holding on no matter what. But I need to know what I’m holding on for.
Always,
Harley