43. Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Lizzie
F riday, 3:12 p.m.
ETHAN: I know getting a text from your brother when you’re probably in the middle of… you know… with your boyfriend is a buzzkill, but… you’ve been gone for almost 24 hours. Just wanted to make sure you’re still alive.
I set my phone down next to me on the sofa with a sigh as James continued rubbing my feet with one hand, holding a magazine with the other. An episode of Friends was playing in the background on the TV, though neither of us was really paying it any attention.
The two of us had been lounging around out here for the past hour, after a very late morning in bed—where we lost track of both the time and reality.
I don’t think I’d ever smiled so much—or been so exhausted— ever .
Eventually, though, we’d made our way out of the bedroom to take what was undoubtedly the best shower of my entire life, and then, eventually, something to eat. And now, I was debating whether to text my brother back or stay here forever.
I mean, yes, my brother came all the way from Minneapolis to spend time with me. And I wanted to see him. But right then, the last thing I wanted to do was leave this blissful little cocoon James and I had been co-existing in for the past— yep —twenty-three hours.
“You should probably respond to him, don’t you think?”
I nudged his chest with my toe, making a face. “Probably. Though I sorta wish he would just tune into our twin-tuition and realize I’ll make it back home eventually .”
James chuckled. “As great as that whole twin thing sounds, it doesn’t sound like it works too well up here in the boonies. Maybe a text would be better.”
“Fine,” I said, grabbing my phone again.
LIZZIE: Yes, I’m alive. Very happily alive. Many times alive.
ETHAN: Yeah, yeah… I get it. Please, spare me the details. A simple thumbs-up would’ve done the trick.
LIZZIE: Let’s consider it payback for calling me Mariah.
LIZZIE: But… I am sorry for abandoning you for so long.
ETHAN: It’s ok, really. But do I finally get to meet the guy?
I looked up again at James, who was eyeing me curiously. “Would you be willing to have dinner with Ethan?
“Of course. I want to know anyone who’s important to you, Red.” He smiled at me, then paused. “Assuming he’s not going to try and fight me to defend your honor or anything.”
I smirked. “Not likely. I’m pretty sure I lost that sometime around one a.m., anyway.”
He waggled his eyebrows at me. “Should we go back to the bedroom and look for it?”
“As tempting as that sounds, it might just kill me.”
“What a way to go, though.”
“Definitely. And ‘death by sexual shenanigans’ would look great carved on our tombstones,” I said, giggling, as I turned back to my phone.
LIZZIE: Yes, I want you to meet him. Dinner at Loon’s Landing at five? Oh, and remind me… I have some other news to share.
ETHAN: You pregnant?
LIZZIE: ETHAN MICHAEL.
ETHAN: ELIZABETH GRACE.
ETHAN: Sorry. Anyway, dinner sounds good. Tell him to be ready for an interrogation.
LIZZIE: I’m rolling my eyes so hard at you right now.
ETHAN:
Indeed rolling my eyes—but giggling in spite of myself—I tossed my phone down again. “Done. I told him we’d meet him at Loon’s Landing in an hour.”
“Great. I’m starving.” He cocked his head, now growing more serious. “Still feeling nervous about tomorrow?”
After I was finally somewhat lucid this morning, I had called LakeView Assisted Living Facility and asked the front desk receptionist if Mitchum Hardon was accepting visitors.
My name—along with Ethan and Mariah’s—was already on the list.
Did Grandma Cora assume we would end up right here? It seemed impossible, but yet… I had no other explanation. Yet another piece of my grandmother’s past that was a complete mystery.
At any rate, I had been put through to Mitchum’s voicemail, where I left him what I’m sure was a very rambling, anxious sort of message that made no clear sense—but it must have done enough, because I’d received a voicemail not even an hour later, inviting us to his place.
It was surreal, really, that this was actually happening. Looking at James, I shrugged. “Of course I’m nervous. What if this is all a huge mistake?”
Leaning over to squeeze my hand, James gave me a comforting smile. “It won’t be. And if things go south, I’ll be there, ok? And Ethan. You’re not alone.”
“I know.” But my voice was small as reality started to weave its fingers back into our safe little haven. I wasn’t ready to leave.
Sitting up the rest of the way, James pulled me towards him. “I mean it, you won’t have to go through anything alone. You told me last night you would never leave, and neither will I.”
I pulled back to look at him. “Even though the Hardons are now a part of my life?”
“Yes, in spite of that unfortunate detail,” he said, making a face. Catching my annoyed expression, he laughed. “Ok, sorry… not the time for jokes.” He took a deep breath. “I love you, Lizzie. That means loving all of you.”
“I know… I love you, too. Even in spite of your lame attempts at humor.”
“Just means I haven’t peaked yet.” He grinned as I settled back against his chest, his breathing deep and even. “Say, there’s something else I wanted to tell you about. What do you think about… a library in Dearing Creek?”
“Um, do you even know who you’re talking to? Libraries are my safe space… I’ve always thought this town needed something better than the tiny one at the community center.”
“Good. Because I want to build one.”
I sat up again, looking at him. “You want to build a library?”
He nodded. “My mom was a lot like you, always with a book in her hand. She was the librarian at my elementary school. Seems being with you has been bringing back a lot of memories of her I’d forgotten about.”
I squeezed his hand, leaning forward to give him a brief kiss on his cheek. How could anyone not adore this man? “I love that you’ve been thinking more about your mom.”
“It’s been… cathartic, actually. Remembering her without it hurting so much.” He took a breath. “That’s why I want to build this library. To honor my mom, but also start doing some good with the money left to me. I think this would be something that would make her happy.”
“I have no doubt it would. It’s unbelievable, James. And so generous. Think of how it will impact the community, too.”
“I know. She’d love that part especially.” He returned my smile briefly, but his eyes were serious. “When I was at the hospital with GiGi, all I could think of was how I was losing the two most important women in my life, just like I’d lost Mom… all because I couldn’t get over my pain and my fucking resentment. I’m done wasting another second on any of it. It’s time that I start living for today, rather than being stuck in the past. And I don’t want to fear it anymore, either. It’s a part of who I am, just like my mom is. I know she’d want me to embrace everything I have, and not waste it. Most of all, my life with you.” He squeezed my hand again. “Everything else we’ll just figure out along the way.”
I nodded, feeling the tears prick behind my eyelids. “Brave together, right?”
“Brave together.” Then he leaned in and kissed me—slowly, lovingly.
And for a moment, it was just the two of us again, safe in our little bubble. But regardless of what happened tomorrow or in the days that followed, I knew he was right—together, we could face anything.
Together, we belonged.
The next morning, James, Ethan and I walked through the front doors of the main offices of LakeView Assisted Living, a few minutes shy of eleven. We were in the midst of another late-August heat wave, which was doing nothing to help me cope with what lay ahead. Because despite my bravery at initiating this meeting the day before, my anxiety now was set to bubble over—panic coursing its way through my veins, my hands and face half tingly and numb. I rubbed my fingers now as the receptionist gave us verbal directions to our destination, barely hearing the words myself, but thankful that the two men at my side seemed to be listening.
I was also glad that the two of them had hit it off so well the night before at dinner. At first, Ethan had a little fun with him, demanding that James make an honest woman of his sweet, innocent sister. But a french fry flung square into his face (with strategic aim by said sister) was enough to have both of them cracking up at my expense before diving into talk of kayaking, favorite bands, etc.
Ethan had also been surprised by my decision to reach out right away to Mitchum. And he was also the one who pushed me to finally leave another voicemail for Mariah, detailing everything that I’d uncovered and our plans for today. I knew it was the right thing to do, but it stung that she’d shut us out so completely all summer. We may not always see eye-to-eye on things, but still—she was our sister. We were all we had left.
Though I had to admit—as we now walked out of the building and back into the sticky air, following the sidewalks past rows of single-level bungalows—along with many residents eyeing us curiously—I was beginning to doubt the sanity of my actions. I mean, I hadn’t even taken the time to plan out what I was going to say to the man, how I would act. Should I be aloof? Angry? Accepting? What was the right thing to do here? What would be respectful, without betraying Grandpa Walter’s memory?
But now that we’d reached the blue door of a beige home and Ethan had knocked, there was no more time to think or hyper-analyze. This was it.
The door swung open a moment later, revealing the smiling face and tall, regal posture of the man I’d been terrified to face—instantly taking my breath away, as all I could see in this face was our mother.
“Elizabeth, Ethan… hard to believe you’re actually here, standing in front of me.” Mitchum’s deep timber of a voice was warm and his eyes were watery—not at all what I’d expected. But beyond the few assumptions I’d made based on who his family was, I hadn’t known what to expect, not really. I stood there awkwardly for a moment, not quite sure of what to do next. Then I extended my hand awkwardly to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
God, you’re such a dork, Lizzie.
Face burning, I noticed Ethan giving me an amused look before following suit. To my left, I felt James squeeze my hand. But I barely felt it as my fingers were mostly numb by now.
But Mitchum took it all in stride. “No formalities needed around here, my dear. And who is your friend?”
“This is James. Though he’s actually my boyfriend.”
James stepped forward somewhat stiffly, reaching a hand out as well. “James Tate. My grandmother is Georgia LaMott. You might remember her?”
For a moment, the old man looked startled. “Yes, of course I know Georgia. Good woman.” Then he brightened, motioning us in. “Anyway, please, come in. No sense catching up out here with all of my nosey neighbors lurking about.” Glancing over my shoulder briefly to catch an older woman passing behind us with a walker, we followed him through the door.
Moments later we were all seated with glasses of lemonade and iced tea in a comfortable, well-decorated living room—the shelves and walls around us lined with framed photographs, old and new. The only sound, other than the ice clinking in our glasses as we took awkward sips, was the air conditioner whirring softly in the background. I thought back to the day James and Jesse had installed the unit in my own cabin and how grateful I was for the cooler air during that early summer heat wave. How I had hoped it might help cool down the simmering attraction I was already starting to feel towards my contractor back then.
For once, I was grateful my wish had not been granted.
But I had to say, I wouldn’t have minded a little cosmic intervention to help settle my nerves right now.
Might as well get this over with.
“So, Mr. Hardon… you’re probably wondering why we’re here.”
“Mitchum, please. And from your message, it sounds as though you have found your grandmother’s letters.” He chuckled. “Cora was wondering how long it might take you.”
I froze. “Wait… you knew she had kept the letters? How much did she tell you?”
“Well, I suspect just about everything.”
Ethan leaned forward in his chair. “Were you always in contact with her?”
“Not again until several years after Walter passed away. I assume you know enough about the early days, by the letters?”
I nodded. “Yes, and GiGi… I mean, Georgia… filled in the missing gaps. About how the two of you met, your secret relationship, and…” I trailed off, not quite knowing how much to say. Even though I ached to know everything .
But his eyes, though sad, were also kind. “Your mother, Cynthia.”
I gave another small nod, though the words, ‘How were you able to just walk away?’ were caught in my throat. I felt James’ arm loop behind my back, pulling me in closer.
“I promised Cora I would never lie to you kids about our story, and you know much of it already. But I want you to know also that I truly loved her. I’d been a grieving widower for a few years, with two young boys… but I wasn’t looking for love. Meeting Cora that day felt like fate and, well, it became quite impossible not to love her. She was the most beautiful, passionate woman I’d ever met, and our time together brought life back to me again.” He paused, glancing out the window across the room, his voice sounding very far away. “We knew what we were doing was wrong. Cora had been so lonely as a young wife, all on her own, so unhappy… and to be honest, so was I. We let things go too far, and I should have been the one to stop it. But in the end, it was her.”
Ethan cleared his throat, and I could tell he was affected by Mitchum’s story as much as I was. “Did you ever get to see our mother?”
He shook his head. “No, I made that promise to your grandmother. She wanted things to work with Walter, and this was their second chance to have the family they both wanted. After the mess I’d created, I owed both of them that. And it was better for your mother. So as hard as it was, I honored her wishes.” He turned his gaze back towards the three of us, his eyes locking with mine. “But I never stopped thinking of my little girl. Never stopped loving her, wanting her to be happy, secure. That’s why I set up the fund for her.”
“Wait, what?” This time it was James who spoke up, his hand tensing against my side.
“The fund. I contributed money annually for every year your mother lived to an account to help support her, along with giving Cora and Walter the deed to the cabin and the land surrounding it. It’s how your parents were able to purchase their home outright, how her college tuition was covered… and I believe the rest was passed down to the two of you and Mariah?”
I felt like my head was about to explode—suddenly, the size of the inheritance that had been left to the three of us was starting to make a lot more sense. But now another question was burning inside me, and I needed to ask it—even though I was afraid to hear the answer. “Did… did she know about you?”
Mitchum hesitated for a moment, glancing down at his hands. “I didn’t ever have reason to think so, based on our agreement. But, after your grandmother and I reconnected here last year, she shared that Cynthia had found her diary one summer when your family was here at the cabin. When she confronted Cora, she had no choice but to tell her the truth.” He sighed. “Things were never the same between them after that. Cynthia, of course, blamed her for all of it and pushed her away. And it about broke Cora’s heart. But there was nothing to be done.”
“And the money?”
“She refused to touch it once she figured out where it had come from. She and your father had already paid for their house by that point—but the rest just sat there.” He smiled sadly. “But I’m grateful it was passed down to you kids, at least. All I’ve ever wanted is for you all to be taken care of. Even if I couldn’t be a part of your lives, I could at least do that much.”
My mind was going in a million different directions as piece by missing piece of the patchwork of our lives was filled in—the money, our mother’s resentment of Grandma Cora, everything. I couldn’t believe the truth had come out, and yet, we never knew about it until now.
“Thank you for being honest with us. I can’t deny it’s a lot to take in, but… we know this must’ve been hard on you, too.” Ethan flashed him a tight smile before taking another sip of his lemonade.
“Yes… you’re a good man, Mr. Hardon.”
I turned, almost not sure that I had heard my boyfriend correctly. But James was sitting there, looking straight at Mitchum with a serious expression. And from my perspective, I could see that his eyes were watery as well.
This day had been full of surprises for all of us.
Mitchum’s expression was emotional as well as he looked between the three of us, nodding but looking unsure of what to say next.
It was then that I finally found my voice again. “We’re grateful for everything you’ve done for our family, despite how things started. But I’m wondering… does your family know about all of this?”
“Yes, they do. I told my two sons once I brought them into the company many years ago, as I needed to provide an explanation for why I was transferring money all these years. Mitch Jr., my oldest, took it better than Robert did. Their children don’t know yet. But I’d love for all of that to change, if it’s ok with you.”
I froze. “What do you mean?”
“I know you three have lost so much, but if you are willing, I’d love to welcome you into the family officially. You’re all Hardons, and it’s time the rest of the family knew it, too. But all of this is on your terms. Though, at the very least, I’d love to get to know you while I’m still able.” He smiled tentatively, eyes tearing up once more. “Losing Cora for a second time has felt unbearable, but I’m still grateful I was given this time with her. I know you kids have lost so much, and that what I have to offer won’t replace the people you loved. But we’re here. And you’re family.”
Family. I felt the tears spring to my eyes, the truth of how much we’d lost still so fresh after all this time. But also, they were tears of hope for a new beginning.
“I think… I’d like to try.”
“Me too,” Ethan said, piping up.
Mitchum’s smile grew. “I’m so glad to hear it. Oh, and before I forget, I have something for you, Elizabeth…” He rose from his armchair, walking over to a drawer in the credenza and pulling out an envelope and walking over to me. “Cora said it would be ok to give you this, if you ever came calling.”
Taking it from his hand, I immediately recognized my grandmother’s handwriting. My eyes darted back up to his face. “Is this…”
“... a letter from Cora? Yes. Though I regret saying it’s only the last one she wrote when she ended things. I burned the others many years ago. It hurt too much to have them, knowing what I’d lost.” He sat back down in his chair, sighing. “But I kept this one all these years, as a reminder that I was doing the right thing.”
“Um, thanks. I don’t know what to say.” I was desperate to read the letter immediately, but instead, I tucked it away as he continued.
“You’re welcome, my dear. I’ve been blessed with so much in my life…. My family, my business, and two great loves. I’m just grateful I can now share it with you.”
And as we drove back to the cabin a short while later, Mitchum’s words still rang in my head.
For too long, I’d been focused on what had gone wrong, on what I had lost. Of doubting what I believed in and what was right in front of me.
But now, I didn’t want to waste another second of looking backward or trying to find perfection.
I already had everything I ever wanted.