Page 53 of One Last Night

The pizza is enjoyed in the living room, mostly because that's where the tv is. Sean and I enjoyed our fill of pizza, but the most satisfying part of the meal was watching both families laugh and joke and enjoy each other's company like they were one family. They might not be a family in the strictest sense, but it'll be good for all of them to at least be friends and good neighbors.

“You remember how our parents always got angry at us for watching television instead of spending time with our families?” Sean asks me.

“No. We never had a television growing up.”

He lifts an eyebrow. “Really? My God, your momwasterrible.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re incorrigible, you know that?”

“That’s not a proper use of that word,” he retorts.

“It’s still true.”

“Fair enough.” His smile fades. “I’m sorry. I said a lot of terrible things to you that you didn’t deserve to hear.”

I shake my head. "No, you didn't. You said a lot of terrible things that I needed to hear. It's one of the reasons I love you. You won't let me lie to myself. And you were right about some things. I had a meltdown when I saw those letters I wrote Annie. It took a while for that meltdown to manifest fully, but I've been completely off balance since I saw them. And I think you're right. I should read them. When we get home, you and I can look through them together."

His smile returns. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

I start to smile, but irrational fear seizes me. I grab his arm and say, “You have to promise to still love me after, though. No matter what you read, no matter what horrible thing I’ve done, you have to promise that you won’t look down on me after.”

He puts his hands on my shoulder and says seriously, “Mary, there is nothing on Earth that I could find in those letters that will make you any less the most perfect, most beautiful woman who’s ever lived. And if that’s the reason you’ve been afraid to read them, then shame on you.”

That’s not the reason I’ve been afraid to read them, but that doesn’t change that Sean’s given me just about the perfect response. I laugh softly and pull him into my arms, kissing him deeply.

I don’t think about the others in the room—children included—until Kevin teases, “Hey, if Luann and I can keep our hands to ourselves in front of people, then so can you two.”

Sean and I separate and turn to see Robert, Julian and Victoria staring at the two lovebirds. Luann has her face buried in her hands, and Nathan is laughing so hard tears are rolling down his cheeks. Kevin turns beet red and points at the tv. “Look, the Patriots just scored a touchdown!”

We all laugh at that.

Baked Alaska turns out to be a sort of pie lined with cake, filled with ice cream and topped with browned meringue. It’s incredibly delicious, and though Beatrice makes a point to tell everyone that she’s disappointed about the wasted roast, she is clearly pleased when everyone asks for seconds of the dish.

After dinner, the children are allowed upstairs on the condition that Nathan remain in the room with the other two. The adults retire to the great room for drinks.

Victoria, Julian and Robert end up involved in conversation about their shared past—both as individuals and as a family. I am amused to hear many of the stories contained in the diaries traded amongst the three of them. Sean and I are left out somewhat, but that’s all right. I came here hoping to help this family, and it seems that against all odds, I’ve succeeded.

We continue talking late into the night, and when we finally give up the fight, Victoria offers to allow Robert to spend the night. "In the guest room, of course."

Robert smiles a little. “That means Kevin spends the night too. You realize that, right?”

Victoria sighs. "We tried to keep the two of them separate for months, and they still found a way. At least this time, they don't have to sneak around."

Robert shrugs. “I guess you’re right about that. God, they grow up fast, don’t they?”

Victoria smiles at Julian. “Yes. They certainly do.”

Julian shuffles uncomfortably. “Well, I’m glad you two can be so sanguine about it, but I think I’ll just go check on the two of them before I go to bed.”

“Good luck,” Robert calls after him.

He and Victoria laugh. Sean joins them, but I can only manage a smile. When Victoria looks at Julian with the love only a mother can show, something bleeds inside of me. Sean noticesmy expression and frowns, but I shake my head before he can ask what’s wrong.

We say our goodnights and then head to our room. The children are still in Nathan’s room, laughing and talking quietly. I’m sure Julian is very comforted to know that Nathan is still with them.

When the door to our room closes, Sean says, “All right, Miss Mary. Out with it. What’s the matter?”

I fold my arms across my chest and sigh. “Did you see the way Victoria looked at Julian?”

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