Page 90 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

“Ah, here we are,” the older woman said. “It’s in an envelope with your name on it. Do you want me to open it and read it to you or do you want to come get it?”

“I’m in France. Please open it. Thank you.” My hands shook and chills ran up and down my spine. I maneuvered myself to one of the chairs and sunk into it.

“All right. It says, ‘My dearest Maia, stay away. Things are worse than before. Don’t ever come home. Stay safe. I love you. Mom.’ Oh honey…” the woman whispered.

“Thank you. Um, do you know anything about the funeral plans for Evelyn?”

“Let me see…” she said, and I could hear papers shifting. “Says here the service for Evelyn Fields will be this coming Sunday at our onsite church.” Sunday was six days from now.

“Thank you so much for your help,” I said and then abruptly hung up.

Tears fell down my cheeks as I got up and walked to the French doors. The entire room felt stifling hot and the air thick as molasses as I opened the doors and went out onto the balcony. I braced my hands on the concrete banister and looked out over the lush green gardens, my thoughts a turbulent whirlwind.

My dearest Maia, stay away.

Things are worse than before.

Don’t ever come home.

Stay safe.

I love you.Mom

Out of nowhere, a coffee cup appeared next to my hand and then a pair of arms came around me, locking around my waist.

“Hey, you look lost deep in your thoughts,” Rhodes rumbled against my shoulder as he rested his chin there and pressed his chest to my back, surrounding me with his warmth.

“I called home.” Even I could tell my voice was monotone as I responded.

“And?”

“My grandmother died.”

Instantly Rhodes spun me around and cupped the sides of my neck, pushing my chin up with his thumbs. His gaze was piercing and filled with sadness.

“I no longer have a way to reach my mother,” I breathed.

He shook his head. “That’s bullshit. I’ll make it happen.”

My bottom lip trembled. “You don’t understand,” I croaked and clung to the sides of his shirt. “She left a note. I had them read it to me.”

“And what did the note say?” His steely gray eyes were clouded with worry.

“She told me things were worse than before—and to never come home.”

Episode 84

A Walk in the Park

SUMMER

The next few days consisted of me, Jack, and TJ spending loads of time with the Johansens and the Belangers. The ten of us all together made for a truly entertaining group. Every last adult fawned over TJ, building connections that I knew would last his whole life. It was all so bittersweet. While my family was through the moon happy to have a little one to dote on, Jack and Erik were knee-deep in the grieving process. Ellen had been a true sister to them. Even Irene and Henrik were having moments where they carried solemn, wistful expressions as we all showed TJ as much love as possible.

Yesterday, the funeral home released Ellen’s ashes. For now, they’re sitting next to an urn that holds Troy’s ashes. Apparently, Ellen hadn’t wanted to spread them. She preferred to keep her husband’s remains close. While the sentiment was sweet, it definitely wasn’t vibing with the guys. Erik and Jack had spent the better part of the day trying to figure out what to do with them as we walked through a park filled with naked green statues. Vigeland Park is a place that holds some special sentiment to Erik and Savannah, and they were eager to take TJ to it, so we all bundled up to brave the cold weather and set about seeing some naked art.

“So this artist is super famous for what again?” I asked Jack while pushing the empty stroller. TJ was walking about ten feetahead, each hand held by Erik and Savannah. They really had committed to becoming more involved in TJ’s life.

“Besides the fact that Gustav Vigeland was responsible for all two hundred and twelve bronze, granite, and iron pieces, he designed the park itself.”

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