Chapter 13 - Edward Hale’s Last Letter
Richard looked twenty years older.
He handed Aaron the envelope.
“Your grandfather gave this to me,” he said to me. “I was supposed to give it to Aaron if the truth ever came out.”
Aaron opened it.
Edward's handwriting covered three pages.
He wrote about William.
About Evelyn.
About the damage caused when men protected pride instead of people.
Then came the final paragraph.
Aaron, if you are reading this, you have probably inherited consequences you did not create. Be careful not to inherit the character that created them.
Aaron stopped.
His eyes filled.
He continued.
My granddaughter does not need a powerful man. She does not need a rich man. She needs an honest one. If you cannot be that, leave her alone.
I covered my mouth.
My grandfather had written it before our wedding.
Aaron folded the letter.
“He knew.”
Richard nodded.
“He suspected what our family was capable of.”
“Why didn't you give this to me?”
“Because I was ashamed.”
Aaron stood.
“All of this happened because people were ashamed.”
“I know.”
“No. You know now.”
Richard lowered his head.
Aaron walked outside.
I followed.
He stood beside the steps.
“I wish I'd read it.”
“Would it have changed you?”
He thought about that.
“No.”
The answer surprised me.
“I think I had to lose you.”
“That sounds terrible.”
“It was terrible.”
He smiled sadly.
“But it's true.”
I took his hand.
Not because I had decided anything.
Because he was hurting.
Aaron looked down at our hands.
Then at me.
He didn't move closer.
That mattered.
I did.
I kissed him.
Softly.
Briefly.
When I stepped back, his expression was almost comical.
“Claire?”
“Don't make this bigger than it is.”
“I wouldn't dare.”
I smiled.
“Good.”
May you like
But driving home that night, I touched my fingers to my lips.
And I knew it was already bigger than I wanted to admit.
