AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Because where there was hope …
‘We’ll figure it out,’ Morgan whispered, pressing his forehead against Jess’s. ‘I want to be a part of Chiara’s life, and I want to be with you.’
‘I really want that too.’ Jess nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ‘With all of my heart and soul.’
‘I know you do. I can see it in your eyes.’ He smiled and gently kissed her.
And as Jess kissed him back, so tenderly, so softly, he felt like he’d finally found his place in the world. He knew there was still much to be resolved between them, but right now it didn’t matter. All that mattered was the overwhelming love he felt for his new-found daughter and the woman who’d brought her into his life. This was just the beginning of their new journey together.
The room was quiet, save for their deep breaths. It was a shared moment of peace, of healing for them both. But as much as he wanted to stay in that moment forever, the reality of their situation weighed heavily on his mind. They had a lot to talk about, a lot to figure out. And she needed to know what he’d been keeping from her, too.
He pulled away, taking her face in his hands. ‘I’ve got something I need to tell you about too, Jess.’
‘Okay.’ She placed her hands over his, and smiled softly. ‘I’m sure it can’t be anywhere near as shocking as what I just told you.’
‘Hmm, I’m not sure about that.’
‘Morgan, you’re worrying me.’ She reached out and grabbed his hand. ‘What is it?’
He heaved in an almighty breath. ‘Annie gave me this letter to give to you. It will explain everything you need to know.’
* * *
Jess’s eyes widened as Morgan handed her the letter. She recognised Annie’s handwriting on the front of the envelope immediately. Her heart beat faster as she tore it open, her mind already racing with questions. What could Annie have to tell her? What could Morgan have been keeping from her? Her hands shook as she read, and she fought to keep the piece of paper steady.
My dear Jess,
Let me start by telling you how much you mean to me, and how much I love you. And no matter what comes of this letter, I will always feel that way, and be here for you. I just hope, in time, after reading what I’m about to tell you, and the reason why I’ve done what I have, that you can find it within your beautiful heart to forgive me.
Growing up, you certainly learnt how devoted to the church Julie and Enzo were. I did what they asked of me because of this. Even though I can be compassionate to why they felt this way, now I look back on my decision, I regret it, immensely. I’ve missed out on so much. You’ve missed out on so much. And time isn’t waiting for any of us. Morgan, bless his big beautiful heart, is the one that eventually made me see sense, and also helped me to understand how it would be best for me to tell you the truth. We have so much to catch up on, together.
Okay, here goes, I know this is going to come as a shock to you, but my sweet Jess, I’m your biological mum. Now I know right now you’ll be shaking your head, and not wanting to believe me, but it’s the truth. And I really want to make all the years we’ve lost up to you, somehow, some way, if you’ll allow me to.
I won’t say much more, because I know you’ll need time to absorb what I’ve told you. For now, please know I love you with every bit of my heart.
Annie (Mum) xx
As her world tumbled out beneath her, the letter fell from her fingers and fluttered to the floor. Morgan stepped towards her, but she held her hands up to stop him. She sucked in a breath, and then another, trying to make sense of the life she thought had been so normal, up until the point her parents – or should she now say grandparents – had died. She didn’t know what she was meant to say, to Annie or to Morgan. To anyone for that matter. Her mind was reeling, and she felt angry, hurt, betrayed and confused, all at once. Just like Morgan would’ve felt only moments ago. And yet he still wanted to be here for her, to comfort her. God how she loved him so.
She looked up at him, trying to find some clarity in his eyes. ‘You knew about this?’
‘Yes, I did.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me sooner?’ she asked, her voice choked with emotion.
‘Because Julie and Enzo made her promise to never tell you, but then when they passed, and I asked her to rethink this, she told me she was never going to break the promise she’d made to them.’ He sighed and shook his head. ‘When I knew you were coming back to Australia, I started pushing Annie again to tell you, and long story short, here we are.’
She tried to let it all sink in. ‘Does anyone else know?’
‘No.’ He shook his head. ‘Nobody does.’
She glanced towards the door of the kitchen. ‘Not even Nonno?’
He shook his head again. ‘I don’t think so.’
‘Wow.’ She wrapped her arms around herself. ‘This is crazy.’
Morgan took her hands and squeezed them gently. ‘I know it’s a lot to take in. But I’m here for you, Jess. Whatever you need, whatever you want to do, I’ll support you.’
