Page 83 of The Right Kind of Wrong

“New York is going to be our new home.”

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It was already dark out and Carter had gone to bed while Nathan showered. I, on the other hand, couldn't sleep. I sat underneath a tree with the envelope in my hands, unable to open it yet also unable to let it go.

Whatever was in there I truly didn't want. I'd give it all up to have Nana back and take her with us to New York…It was nothing but a wish, though. A wish that would never come true. I wrapped the blanket tighter around my body and sighed, wishing to the many stars in the night sky that maybe, just maybe, there was a way to get her back.

“What are you doing?” Nathan shouted from the door. I turned around and rolled my eyes; he was shirtless, hair wet from the shower and sweatpants hanging low. Not cool.

“Come, sit with me,” I said, patting next to me.

He smiled, closing the door behind him and jogging towards me. “Shit, it's chilly,” he complained.

I snorted, shaking my head. “It's Pennsylvania, Nate. What did you expect? Plus, you're the one trying to show off all that,” I said, waving my hand over his toned chest. “If you need to suffer while you do it, so be it.”

Nathan scoffed and took the blanket, throwing it over the both of us. He noticed the envelope in my hands and frowned.

“You don't have to do open it yet, baby,” he said, pressing a kiss on my head.

“I want to,” I replied. “I just don't want to do it alone. Can you stay with me?”

He nodded, squeezing my shoulder as I began to open the envelope with trembling hands. I smiled when I realized there was a photo of Nana and I together; a rare one of when I was just a baby and she was much younger, holding me with the bright smile that characterized her. No one else in the family had that picture, and knowing that it now belonged to me made my heart swell with happiness.

“She looks so happy there,” Nathan smiled.

I nodded, turning the picture around. Her perfect handwriting was there, a small note written on the back.

Taken by Carter at a family gathering.

Evelyn and I together, 10 months old.

She shines as bright as a star

.

I let out a shaky breath, handing the photo to Nathan while I went on to take out the letter folded within the envelope.

“Here goes nothing,” I said to Nathan.

“I'm here,” he reminded me. “Take your time.”

My dearest and beautiful granddaughter,

If you are reading this letter it means that I am no longer with you on earth, but please know I always watch over you, no matter where I am. I've always hated the idea of having to write a goodbye letter but seeing the events that have arisen since you returned, I found myself with the need of writing a new one.

Though to me you will always be my little girl, when you returned I was met with a strong and courageous young woman, one that has surpassed any possible expectations. You are everything I thought you'd be. Strong, beautiful, and noble.

I will begin this letter by apologizing to you. I cannot help but think that I have failed as a mother by the way my daughter behaves with you. You deserve better, your sister deserved better. My biggest mistake was giving her everything and now, it breaks my heart to see you paying the consequences.

Though I love both your sister and you equally, I am sad to say that I believe she is too far gone to get through to her. There's a good heart in there somewhere though and hopefully one day it'll shine through, but for now, I need to ask a few things of you.

Don't ever, ever try to change to make Elizabeth or Hannah happy. Be true to yourself. This is who you're meant to be, no one should ever try to change that: not a man, not friends, and definitely not your family. Whoever is with you needs to accept you for who you are. No exceptions.

You have a family that isn't blood-related, Evelyn. That includes Nathan, your friends and I am assuming in the future Nathan's family. And the people at Tessa's, I know all about them. They are wonderful and loyal, just what you need by your side.

Lastly, my dear, don't forget that I am incredibly proud of you. Perhaps I failed with your mother, but I made up with you; raising you into the generous young woman that you are, although I know that it more than likely has nothing to do with me. It's your nature. Your heart is made of gold and Nathan should treasure it forever. I'm sure he will.

Papa would have been so very proud of you.

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