Cole is now twelve and our little technology geek. I should have seen his dismantling of all the remote controls in the house to see how they worked as a sign of his future interests. Though, what I found scarier was when he put them all back together and they worked. His room was covered in soldering guns, circuit boards, computer parts, television parts, etc.
Cole was a very smiley boy, but never loud. He had red hair, but not like the twin’s auburn, and there were days you could almost see Loreley looking back at you through his eyes. However, he had Aidan’s skin tone and mouth. Having always been the quiet one, he was often walked all over, especially when Alesandra is your baby sister.
Ah…Alesandra. She was exactly as Aidan had said, she was my clone. Her wavy, long, dark hair with my hazel eyes and complexion, she really didn't show any sign of Aidan physically. Though, the moment she was angry or upset, she was her father’s daughter. Not only was she daddy’s little princess, but her jealousy and anger were just like Aidan’s, quick and short fused. Her temper tantrum phase was almost enough to make me murder my own child and she could tantrum for hours regardless of punishments. It was a merciless process. Now that she was nine the tantrums had subsided, but she could still be merciless.
Aidan spoiled her to death and Viola swore it was because all he saw when he looked at her was me. I had to admit it was a very reasonable assumption since I could get Aidan to do just about anything I asked. And Ales ran to daddy to get whatever she wanted.
With the kids being older and still having Kimberly in the house, I could devote more time to the foundation than previously. Viola slowly phased herself into part time and handed me the main functions and responsibilities. Once Viola stepped back and let me take complete control, I pulled Elora in to help. It got her out of the house a few days a week and we bonded as women and not just sisters.
Glancing up from the picture, I twisted up my face at the stack of mail I still needed to go through. It had been another long day at my office with the foundation. With a deep breath, I moved the funding contract I'd been reading and pulled the mail in front of me.
Pulling the stack toward me, I began sorting through and reading invitations, proposed charity event ideas, requests to host a charity auction for Isobel’s Heart, and other letters and documentation. When I came across a thick plain envelope, I frowned. Flipping it over in my hands, I examined it closely. There weren’t any postmarks to give away who or where it was from. The only information was the foundation address and my attention.
Keeping my eyes on the letter, I blindly felt for my letter opener in the drawer on my left and slipped it between the sealed paper folds. I didn’t know what it was about the letter, but something made my stomach clench and tingle. Taking a large swallow, I reached in and pulled out the plain white paper. The all too familiar handwriting brought tears to my eyes.
Dearest friend, Lilli,
No words can express how sorry I am for all that I had caused and for all that I am still causing now. I can only give you my simple apology and my deepest expression of gratitude toward you and Aidan.
Having recently acquired new photos of Cole, I couldn’t help but send you my utmost love and thanks for raising him so wonderfully. He is truly an amazing child and I wish that I could be with him. Since I cannot, I am more than happy that you are. You have done a wonderful job with him.
Please do not tell him of me in the present tense, at least, not until he is much older and can understand the whole story.
Once my father had shot me and I killed him, I knew that my fate was sealed. I could never be anywhere without my father’s brothers or associates coming after me. Nor could I stay and be sent to jail for murder. I had every intention of killing my father if necessary and that would have been evident.
I gave Cole all I could give him, a family full of love and happiness, along with his freedom. Freedom from manipulation and heartache. Please never let him believe that I did not love him, because I always have and always will.
You have my promise that I will not intrude in your life again after this, but I needed you to know the TRUTH. Because you have always deserved the truth, especially after all that you have gone through.
My deepest love and gratitude to all of you.
Lore
END
Note from the author (ME):
It's a bittersweet moment when you complete a book, series, or trilogy. It is the end of an emotional journey, as an author, and I hope as a reader.
Thank you for joining Aidan and Lilli, and the whole MA Gang, on their journey to find themselves, love, and family. I'm so honored and blessed that you spent your valuable time on this story.
With my sincerest gratitude,
Sadie
Coming soon from Sadie Grubor…
All Grown Up
Growing up next door to the man you love - your soul mate, you would think love would see you through everything. But sometimes, you don't get what you want,sometimes you have to grow up. And often growing up means going separate ways.