17. Isabel
Isabel
“You okay?” Pauly’s voice reaches me, softer now, full of concern.
I nod, because I can’t seem to do anything else, my throat too tight for words as I pick up the envelope with my name on it and turn away from them. The weight of everything presses in, and I need space. Just a little distance to breathe.
Approaching the window, I let my gaze drift out over the ocean. Waves roll in and crash against the rocky shore, sending mist into the air that catches in the light.
Outside, Kimber walks the path with Bear trotting happily at her side, Grams moving along beside them, her head tilted toward the warm breeze like she’s soaking it in. She’s chatting about God knows what, and Kimber listens like it’s the most interesting thing she’s ever heard.
A small ache settles in my chest as I watch them.
Is she spilling secrets? Or spinning outrageous tales?
My eyes drop to the envelope in my hand, and I swallow hard, my fingers tightening slightly around the edges. I’m not sure what I’ll find inside, but I know it matters. Another piece of the puzzle I’ve somehow found myself putting together.
Will it be more lies? Or the truth my grandfather has finally decided I can handle?
There’s only one way to find out.
Taking a slow breath, I run my finger along the sealed edge and rip it open. Inside are two letters. One is sealed with the royal crest my father once used, and it brings an immediate sting to my eyes. The other is folded.
With shaky hands, I unfold the second one first. It’s from my grandfather.
I blink, forcing the words into focus, trying to read it without letting everything else crash in at once.
My dearest Isabel,
It’s time you learned the truth. I’m sorry it’s taken this long for you to hear it.
The decision to keep it from you was made before you were born.
Not by me, but by your mother. She understood the risk in a way the rest of us didn’t.
Recognized the danger you’d face if the wrong person found out about you.
She acted without my knowledge, deceiving me and several others along the way. I didn’t uncover the full truth until after her death, when a letter similar to this one found its way to me.
I won’t bore you with the details. You’ll read the full account soon enough in the letter she left behind for you. To ensure your safety, I honored her wishes and kept it buried, waiting for the right time to present itself.
Your confusion is understandable. I expect you’ll have questions, perhaps more than answers, and may even find yourself doubting the choices made by those who care about you. I can’t speak for the others, nor do I know their reasons. I can only tell you why I did it.
My relationship with your mother was a difficult one. Sofia had a habit of pushing against every rule I set, even the ones in place to protect her. She reminded me so much of your grandmother. The tighter you pulled on the reins, the more she fought them.
When she was in her early twenties, we had one of our biggest arguments. She defied me, so I made a choice I’ve regretted ever since. I cut her off, convinced she would come back when she was ready to follow my rules. She didn’t.
It’s a mistake that has stayed with me. One I think about every day and wish I could take back. When her letter arrived, I followed her instructions without hesitation. Not out of certainty, but because I owed her that much.
It didn’t take long to realize I hadn’t eased my conscience. It only shifted from your mother to you and has been there ever since.
I should have told you sooner. Sat you down when you were old enough to understand and given you the letter your mother intended you to read long before now. All I can do now is hope you’ll forgive me for what I’ve done and for what all of us allowed to happen.
Go easy on your grandmother. At the heart of it, she was only ever trying to honor your mother’s wishes. She’d planned to share the letter with you on your eighteenth birthday, but her memory started slipping years before that.
The responsibility then fell to me, and I made the decision to keep you in the dark. I’m a stubborn man and convinced myself it was the right thing to do.
There was always the concern that she might let the secret slip, but your tendency to brush off her unusual comments made it easier to keep the past hidden.
Too much is coming to light now, and the secret I’ve kept won’t stay buried much longer. Your mother has waited long enough to explain the decisions she made and why it was the right one.
The life you’ve lived, as protected as it was, has prepared you for what’s ahead. You’re stronger than you think, and you won’t be forced to face it alone. Your family will stand with you and protect you, making damn sure no one forces you into a life you didn’t choose.
No matter what comes, stay true to yourself. You will always be known as Princess Isabel Sofia Lopez Reyes, but that was never meant to be all you are.
You carry a heart that is greater than any crown, and it shows in the way you see what others overlook. Your ability to make sense of the broken and mend the shattered isn’t just a skill, but a profound kindness that is uniquely yours.
It reminds me of the physician in the book you once gifted me. He healed more than wounds. The year it began still holds the key.
Trust your heart. It has never failed you yet, and I believe it never will.
I love you, Isabel. I always will.
Your grandfather,
Rico
I reread my grandfather’s letter three times, letting each word settle deeper than the last. It hits harder every time.
When did he write this? Recently? Or has this been in his safe, waiting for a moment that never came? I’ll never know now.
Settling into the chair beside the window, I close my eyes, the letter still clutched in my hand as memories of him surface.
One after another, they come faster than I can sort through them.
He was a man of imposing presence, yet distant, more content to observe than engage, which made him difficult to understand.
Was that because of the guilt he carried? Did he fear I’d reject him once I learned the truth?
I can’t help but wonder if his hesitation was rooted in fear… fear that I’d follow in my mother’s footsteps.
A hand lands on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. The weight of everything I’m feeling presses down harder, and when I open my eyes, the face in front of me isn’t the one I’d hoped for.
Not that I’m surprised. Aiden said he wouldn’t be back until tonight, and it’s only been an hour.
“Here,” Lane passes me a box of tissues and sets a bottle of water within reach. “Drink that. Aiden will have my head if something happens to you on my watch. Need anything else?”
I twist the cap loose, shaking my head. “No. Thank you. I’m sorry. I’m sure babysitting me is the last thing you both want to do.”
The soft tapping of the keyboard fills the space behind him. Pauly doesn’t even look up. “Nonsense. You’re the easiest assignment we’ve had in forever.”
Lane lowers himself beside me, bracing a hand on the edge of the chair as he studies my face. “Want to talk? If not with me, I can get Misty or Kimber.”
Needing a distraction I let out a slow breath and ask, “How did you end up married to Aiden’s little sister?”
Pauly beats him to it, a low murmur that quickly gains strength. “Yes, please tell that one again. It never gets old.”
After he rolls his eyes, a grin pulls wide across his face. His eyes lighting up, like he lives to share this. “He brought me along when he met his siblings for the first time. I noticed Kimber right away.”
“You mean you banged her right away. Tell the truth.” Pauly’s laughter is contagious.
“Is that true?” The smile comes easy this time as heat rushes into Lane’s face, the color spreading up to his ears. It’s…. kind of adorable.
“It wasn’t like that.” Flipping Pauly off, he runs a hand through his hair trying to recover. “Did we? Yes, but it wasn’t like he’s making it sound.”
“Funny, because I remember it differently.” A soft, feminine voice carries in from the hallway, edged with amusement. “Go on, though. I’d love to hear your version.”
Lowering his chin, he shakes his head. “Fine. Maybe I took advantage of the situation after dinner when everyone else turned in. But that’s not exactly my fault. You’re the one who went skinny dipping in the pool.”
Kimber shrugs as she crosses the room, a small smile playing on her lips as she leans down to press a kiss on the top of his head. “Didn’t realize you were lurking in the dark.”
Her gaze meets mine, and she smiles. “Imagine how shocked I was when I came up for air to find him standing at the edge of the pool… stripping.”
I take a sip of my water, unable to hide my grin. “Bold.”
“Bold indeed.” Kimber takes a seat on the window ledge, leaning back against the frame as she crosses her ankles.
“He watched me all night. His hungry gaze followed my every move. It was a first for me. Most guys didn’t notice me at all.
The shy, nerdy girl, whose glasses were thick and always had her nose in a book. ”
Her fingers brush lightly along the window seal. “I’d just gotten LASIK surgery. Misty pushed for the rest, saying now that I had new eyes, I needed a new haircut.” She looks back at Lane, and something softens in her expression. “Timing couldn’t have been better.”
Lane’s hand finds her leg, resting there like it belongs. “I’d have noticed you regardless. Your appearance had nothing to do with it.” His thumb traces a slow line over her knee. “Though I can’t deny I appreciated the view. Still do.”
Now it’s Kimber’s turn to blush. “Same.”
Damn, they are adorable. “Aww. So, Aiden was okay with you two?”
A quiet laugh sounds behind us, keys still tapping in a steady rhythm.
“Not even a little,” Pauly says. “Pretty sure he caught them and told Lane he’d better not be fucking around with his sister unless he was serious and intended to do right by her.”
That sounds like something he’d say.
Rising to his feet, Lane brushes his hands down his jeans. “He gave his blessing. Not that I needed it.” His attention settles on Kimber. “I knew the second I saw her that she was the one I’d never let go.”
“Possessive much?” A light, airy sigh escapes Kimber’s lips. “Aiden threatened to castrate him if he hurt me.”
I can see it so clearly, the details sharp and precise in my mind’s eye. Aiden has a side to him that wouldn’t let even his best mate fuck his sister over, even if she’s someone he’s just getting to know.
Kimber shifts on the ledge and narrows her eyes at me. “So, how did you and Aiden meet?”
“I was out with Jen. He was at the same pub. Heard me belt out a horrible song during karaoke. Looked at me with eyes that melted me from the inside.” My cheeks are burning, a fiery warmth spreading across my skin.
“After we dropped Jen off, he spanked me for getting out of his truck after he ordered me not to move.”
“Well, then.” Kimber swallows and then fans herself with her shirt. “He sounds a lot like Lane. And since he’s my brother, I’m going to stop you right there before you make me throw up.”
My laugh catches me off guard. I didn’t think I’d find anything funny after reading my grandfather’s letter.
It doesn’t last.
The sound catches, twists, and suddenly I’m bent forward as tears take over. My emotions are all over the place, and thankfully, I don’t have to explain why.
This time, a soft hand lands on my back, offering a gentle pat. No words. No pressure. Just a quiet understanding.
I drag in a breath and force myself upright, wiping my face before I look over at her. “Sorry, I guess that just hit me wrong. How was your walk with Grams?”
“Very entertaining.” Kimber lets out a small, quiet snicker. “I bet she was a hoot when she was younger. Kept everyone on their toes.”
“She did.” I agree as my gaze drops to the other letter in my lap. “Where is she now?”
“Misty and she are watching a show. I’d be surprised if she makes it through.
She seemed worn out after getting some fresh air.
Bear insisted on sitting at her feet. He’s taken a real liking to her.
” She acknowledges the letters in my hand.
“You’ve got time to read those if that’s what you want to do. They look important.”
My thumb traces the seal, and I sigh. “It’s from my mother. She died when I was three… and I didn’t even know it existed until just a few moments ago.”
Looking behind me, I turn to Lane and Pauly. “Do you mind if I take these to my room? I think I’d like to read this one in private.”
Lane looks up from what he’s doing. “They’re yours. You can burn them if that’s what you want to do. You don’t need our permission.”
“That won’t be happening.” I wave my hand at the table where the gun once sat. “They might be able to help us sort this mess out.”
It’s no longer there. I’m guessing he put it away, along with the letter addressed to my grandmother.
“I’ll be back. If anything happens that I need to know about, come and get me. Especially if it involves Aiden.”
“You have my word,” Lane says as he puts on a headset, his face growing intense as he watches the screens in front of him.
I make my way down the hallway, slowing when I reach the sitting area. Grams is napping peacefully, her breath soft and steady. Misty and Wylan sit nearby, engrossed in a television program.
She looks so peaceful. As if the world isn’t crumbling in around us.
The urge to wake her tugs at me, to ask about Grandfather’s letter, to hear something, anything, that might make sense of it. But I push it down. Bringing him up will only upset her. She keeps asking when he’s coming to get her, and I don’t have the heart to tell her he never will.
I turn before I can change my mind. I need to do this now.
Inside my room, I close the door quietly behind me and move to the bed, sinking into the mattress as I pull the covers up to my chin. Tears well up in my eyes as I study the seal, knowing that it’s been this way for twenty-three years.
Taking a steady breath, I do what I’ve watched Antonio do countless times. I bend the letter until it snaps, the sound sharp in the quiet. Then I unfold the pages and stare at the handwritten words my mother wrote just for me.