Page 54

Taylor

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

“Da-d . . .da-d . . .da-d!”

“Shhhh . . .Your mother can’t hear us or she’ll be disappointed, baby.”

I smile at hearing what William says to our daughter as Grandma Maryann and I enter the living room of the new house we just bought.

It’s been almost a year since Betina was born, and we’re finally getting married in a few days.

“William is head over heels for both of you,” Maryann says, turning back to look at me.

I’m pushing her wheelchair because, nowadays, it’s getting harder and harder for her to walk. She’s someone I care about deeply, and every day, the lingering resentment I still hold in my heart fades more. I’ve learned to admire her and love her, too.

She’s never again spoken her son’s name. In fact, nobody talks about him anymore, although I’m sure we all think the same thing: that he is dead.

Now, she knows the whole truth about who the man who fathered her grandson really was, including the existence of the criminal grandson she never met. They were very heavy, painful revelations, and I even feared she might slip into depression. Instead, she seemed to gain new life with my daughter’s birth.

We bought a huge house and brought her to live with us. Her health grows more fragile by the day, and we know she doesn’t have much time left.

I’ve learned that some things are more important than holding on to old hurts. Sometimes forgiveness isn’t possible, and it’s better to just forget whoever hurt us. In William’s grandmother’s case, yes, she judged me, but it was only based on the information she had.

I don’t want to stay trapped in the past in any way.

“Yes, and the opposite is also true,” I finally reply.

My husband approaches with our daughter in his arms, and once again I’m captivated by the way Betina gazes at William with such adoration. It’s like watching a replay of my own love for my father.

“I swear I tried to get her to say ‘Mommy’ first,” he says, giving me a kiss, though he can’t hide just how proud he is that our daughter said “Daddy” before “Mommy.”

“I believe you. But just like me, Betina seems unable to resist your charm.”

Maryann smiles. “My grandson is arrogant, no doubt, but he’s a charmer, too. None of us can resist him.”