Page 24 of Shadows of Recovery

Tristan looked at his brother, appreciating the words. “She does mean a lot to me, James. I didn’t realize how much I needed someone like her until she was in my life.”

Amelia, never one to miss a chance to tease, raised an eyebrow. “So, should we start planning for a wedding anytime soon?”

Tristan laughed, shaking his head. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re taking things one step at a time. But... yeah, I think this could be something real.”

Millicent, always attuned to the emotional undercurrents of her family, placed a hand on Tristan’s arm. “We’d love to meet Sophie whenever the time feels right. We’re all curious about the woman who’s managed to capture your heart.”

Tristan smiled, feeling the warmth and support radiating from his family. “I think she’d like that. And I’d like you all to meet her too. We’d love you to fly out for Easter. Stay at the house. Get to know Sophie.”

“We’d like that,” his mother said.

Tristan sat back, a contented smile on his face, feeling more at ease than he had with them in a long time. The evening had been exactly what he needed—a reminder that no matter how intense life got, he had a family who loved and supported him unconditionally.

As the night wore on, a sense of clarity and peace settled over him. The road ahead with Sophie might have its challenges, but with his family behind him, he was ready to face whatever came next. The warmth of the evening, the laughter, and the shared love wrapped him in a sense of belonging that would carry him through the days ahead.

Suddenly, their father clutched his head and collapsed, sending a shockwave of fear through the family.

Millicent screamed, her face a mask of panic, "Call 911! Something's wrong with your father."

Claire grabbed the phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed. Amelia sprinted for her father's medical bag, her training taking over.

Tristan knelt by his father’s side, his heart pounding. "Dad! Stay with me. Help is on the way."

James took up a position opposite his brother, his own fear barely contained. “I’ve got a pulse. Tristan, he’s stopped breathing.”

Despite their efforts and the swift response of the paramedics, their father had suffered a massive stroke. He was rushed to the hospital, but the damage was severe. The hours that followed were a blur of worry and helplessness as the family clung to each other for support in the hospital waiting room.

Eventually, an ER doctor approached them, his expression grave. "I'm sorry. We did everything we could, but your father didn't make it."

Millicent Blackwell broke down, her cries of anguish filling the sterile corridor. "No... no, this can't be happening."

Tristan held his mother tightly, his own heart breaking. "Mom, we're here. You have all of us to help you get through this." The family stood united in their grief.

* * *

Late that nightas Sophie lay in bed, her phone rang. She groggily reached for it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Tristan's name on the screen.

"Tristan,” her voice was thick with sleep, “what’s wrong?”

"Sophie, sweetheart, I’m sorry to wake you.” His voice sounded hollow. "My dad... he had a massive stroke. He's gone."

Sophie sat up, her heart breaking for him. "Oh my God, Tristan, I'm so sorry. I'll catch a flight and be there as soon as I can."

"No," he said quickly. "No, it's okay. I'll stay for the funeral and then come home. I don't want you to have to go through this. I'm sorry about missing Valentine's Day. I'll make it up to you."

"Tristan, I don't care about Valentine's Day. I care about you," she insisted, tears filling her eyes. "Are you sure you don't want me there?"

"I'm sure," he replied, though he sounded distant. "I just need to get through this. I'll see you soon."

After the call ended, Sophie sat in the dark, thinking. Was he trying to protect her, or was there something more? Did he not want her to meet his family? She picked up the phone again and called her sister, Isobel.

“Soph, what’s wrong?” Isobel asked. It was four in the morning.

"Izzy, I’m sorry. I don't know what to do," she confessed, her voice shaking as she explained what happened. "I feel like he doesn't want me there."

Isobel's voice was calm and reassuring. "Sophie, he's grieving. People handle emotions differently in times like this. He's probably just trying to shield you from his family's stuff. People’s worst behavior comes out at wakes and funerals. Don't overthink it."

Sophie took a deep breath, letting her sister's words sink in. "You're right. Thanks, Izzy. And I’m sorry to wake you.”

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