Page 138 of Finding Fate

Tucker stared at the now crying twin in front of him. Could what she was saying be true? If it was, he had really screwed up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Stefano cleared his throat. “I hate to break this up, but this isn’t helping us find Izzy. Bridgette, you said you had more to tell us, other than the dresser, I assume.”

“The dresser?”Tucker looked past Annie for the first time since coming into the room and felt his heart drop when he saw the mess. “Izzy did that?”

“And this,” Annie said, holding up the ring for Tucker to see.

“She took off the ring?” he asked as he took it from her.

“She threw it on the floor.”

“Fuck, I’ve screwed up.”

“Do we know why she flipped out? Did you break up with her or something, Tucker?” Stefano asked.

“No. Never. We haven’t even talked since she got home from the hospital.”

“And that’s why. She couldn’t take it anymore,” Annie interrupted.

“No. That’s not why,” Bridgette said from behind them. They all turned to look at her.

“Then, why?” Chuck asked.

She hesitated but pulled the folded up letter from her back pocket. “She found this in my room. I was going to give them to the girls later today. That’s what Patrick wanted.”

“Daddy?” Annie asked, confused.

Tucker snatched the letter from Bridgette’s fingers and read it as quickly as his eyes could fly across the pages. When he finished reading, he darted from the room and raced outside for his truck before anyone could ask to see the letter or what it said.

Annie stared after him. What the hell? He was running off with the letter. She hadn’t even had the chance to read it. “What did Daddy say?”

“I think it’s better if you read your own letter, honey. I’m fairly certain that what upset your sister will be in yours as well.”

Bridgette held out the second envelope, and Annie reached out to take it with nervous, excited hands. It seemed too good to be true.

“Annie?” Stefano asked carefully when she had the letter open. She looked up. “If you don’t mind, could you read it aloud? We all need to hear it if we’re going to find out why Izzy’s so upset.”

Annie nodded, stunned, and began to read.

Hey there, Annie!

Happy eighteenth birthday! Wow, if I were there, I’d be feeling pretty old right now, my baby girl now a legal adult and everything. I know the thought of growing up terrifies you, but I don’t want you to worry. You’re young, and you have plenty of time to get there. Don’t rush growing up. Take your time. It will happen when you’re ready.

But in case you’re still worried about it, I think you should know you’re more prepared than you think. You have a desire for reaching out to those around you, and you strive to protect and encourage others in whatever way is needed at the time. These are strong qualities that will serve you well your entire life. Stay true to them and to yourself.

I have always admired your passion for life, your dedication, and your need to protect. All qualities that drew me to your mother, by the way. You are so like her. Keep that in mind when you two fight. You’re both too stubborn for your own good. Handy for that persistent side we have, but try not to push it on your sister too often.

Now, I know you worry about her, and you mean well. You’ve always taken being the oldest so seriously, but remember, Isabel has a mind and dreams of her own, and you should know that she is stronger than you think. Yes, she feels things harder than most, so she falls harder than most, harder than you can sometimes understand, but understand that beneath it all, she is resilient. Her ability to feel so deeply is her greatest strength. Have faith in that. Let her live up to it.

And your brother… I’ve had such less time with him than you girls. That is one thing I will always deeply regret, even up here. All I can say is keep an eye on him for me, and promise that you and Isabel won’t let him forget me. Tell him all of our crazy stories, and let him know I would be there for him just as much if I could.

How is Jet? He reminds me of myself with your mother, crazy about you long before you ever realized how you felt. It’s been such an honor watching you with the love of your life these past few years, and it saddens me to know that I won’t be there the day he takes your hand. He already asked, you know, so don’t worry when the time comes. You have my blessing. I can’t think of anyone better for you to share your heart with.

I wish I were there to see the beautiful, passionate, young woman I know you’ve grown into, but unfortunately, I can’t. Remember, though, that I will always be in your heart. I’m sorry that it has to be this way, but it’s how it’s supposed to happen. The parent goes before the child, even if, in our case, it happened too soon.

Your mother and I were smart about things, though. We had plenty of life insurance for ourselves, not wanting to leave the other one stranded if something ever did happen. I can leave comfortably knowing that she has enough money to get by without me.

What your mother doesn’t know is that I went one step further. I wanted to make sure that our children had more than enough for what they would need as well.

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