Page 135 of Three Stepbrothers Save Christmas

“There is that chance, yes. It is something I plan on finding out,” I answer. Verity turns her attention to me before shaking her head.

“No, I can believe many things about my father now, but even when we were in that office, he still claimed to love my mum. There is no way he would have killed her.”

“I have to agree with Verity.”

We all look to Ryan, who is running a hand up and down her arm.

“I spoke to him once about her mum and how she died, and there was no denying the pain it caused him. We all know he was a fairly good actor, but that was genuine. He loved her wholeheartedly.”

I look from Ryan and Verity who are both looking determined and convincing, I believe them.

“I still plan on asking the doctor, but I think you are right.”

Verity watches me for a moment and seems to relax slightly, until her eyes fall on the other box we brought back.

“What’s in there?” she asks, unable to look away. I can see she’s scared of what it could be, and who can blame her? But I smile to myself as I pull it towards us.

“This is all good, I think. We found things that seem to have belonged to your mother. The box you found is in there, and a safe Ethan found in the large one. It appears that Henry had tried a few times to get into it but never succeeded, which is what makes us believe it belonged to her. But there is no knowing for sure until it's opened.”

“Let me see it.”

Reaching into the box, I pull it out. It’s not heavy, and to be honest I’m surprised Henry never got into because it doesn’t seem the most secure.

“That’s not my mums,” Verity announces as she stands from the sofa and points to the coffee table. “Put it on there, with Mum’s box.” She rushes from the room.

The three of us look at each other, not knowing who’s box it could be if not Miriams. Ethan grabs the one we know is Miriam’s and places it on the table next to the other one as we hear Verity’s rushed footsteps above, causing us all to look up.

“Any ideas?” Ethan asks looking back to us. Ryan and I shake our heads as Verity rushes back down the stairs.

“I knew I hadn’t dreamt the whole thing up,” She announces, rushing back into the room. Dropping to her knees and placing her jewellery box on the table.

“Whenever Mum and I used to go to Auntie Trish’s house I used to try and get into this one. They once told me it contained fun secrets about their lives before I came along. Whenever I asked to see what was inside, they told me I would have to wait until I was older, that I wouldn’t understand yet.”

There is an excitement in her that I haven’t seen since Christmas morning when she was like a child, soaking up all the magic and excitement of the day. I look to my brothers, and judging by the smile on their faces they see it too. We know it may not last, but I soak up the pure joy on her face whilst it lasts.

Verity pulls a locket out of her jewellery box and holds it up. It’s a beautiful silver heart charm that shines in the light.

“My mum gave me this before she died. She told me to keep it safe and when I was eighteen I was to open her chest.” holding the heart in her hands she smiles down, remembering something that makes her happy. “A couple of days after she died, I realised it opened, and inside, I found this.” Opening the heart, she tips it slightly, and a tiny key comes out. “I knew straight away what it would unlock, but I could never find Mum's box. Until that day, I found it in front of Dad, and he hid it away from me again.” Carefully, Verity places the necklace down and pulls the small chest towards her. She inserts the key and turns it slowly. A click sounds out, and her face lights up further. She squeals excitedly as she opens the lid and looks in.

Leaning over so I can see, I notice an envelope with Verity’s name on it. She lifts it out, and I don’t miss the way her hands shake slightly.

“Do you want some privacy whilst you read it?” Ryan asks beside her. She shakes her head and looks at me.

“I’m scared.”

I follow my instinct and move so I can sit with my legs on either side of her as Ryan walks out of the room, whispering that he will be right back.

“Lean against me; I’m right here,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around her. “No matter what it says we are right here with you, just tell us what you need.”

“Here you go, Kitten.”

I look up as Ryan walks over with Verity’s doll in his hand. She instantly reaches out for it and holds it tight.

“Can you read it for me? I can’t see,” she whispers, wiping her eyes. Pressing a kiss to her cheek I take the envelop from her.

“Are you sure?” I ask, not wanting to do anything she might regret. But when she turns her head to look at me, I see how filled her eyes are with tears and smile softly at her as she nods.

“Please, Daddy.”

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