Page 12 of Words from the Heart
Chapter 9
Parker grabbed a cold shower when he got home to try and calm his nerves. Delilah had him all tangled up inside. Stepping into his bedroom with the towel draping over his hips, he sat on the bed. Delilah filled his thoughts. Between the stories Isabell had told him and then the time he’d spent with her – although short, his heart clenched when he thought of her. It seemed too quick to have feelings for this woman, but Parker knew that’s exactly what was happening. He was catching feelings for Delilah.
Sitting there, he noticed the letter he’d shoved in his back pocket. Bending over, her pulled it free from the pocket. Smiling he read Isabelle’s message to read it alone. Well, now seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Slipping his finger beneath the seal, he ripped open the envelope. It was only one page, writing in her classic handwritten scrawl. She was the only person he knew that still wrote by hand, refusing to use a computer to do anything. His eyes prickled with tears as he read the message from the woman he’d grown to think of as family.
My dearest Parker,
If you are reading this, it means my time on this earth has come to an end. I’m an old lady, so that means little to me – I got to live my life and it was a grand one at that. First, let me say that our friendship was very dear to me. You are the son I never knew I needed, for that – thank you. I know you struggle with demons from your past, but it’s time you let those go. Your parents wouldn’t want you to die a lonely man. I wouldn’t want that. Now, the purpose of my letter. There were things I hadn’t told you – things I kept secret from you and most importantly from Delilah. I am assuming since you’re reading this, Delilah found my box. That’s good. I wrote them, always planning to give them to her one day. Once I learned, well… that part is not important right now. I just knew this was how she should find them. There will be things that will be hard for her to read. I know she is stubborn and will try to push you away, but Parker – don’t let her. And if that tool of a boyfriend (I refuse to acknowledge as her fiancé) is still around, find a way to make her see he’s useless. She’s too good for him. You’ll see what I mean when you spend time with her. I know you feel connected to her from all the stories I shared, use that to build a relationship with her – you’re the last connection she will have to me. Now, the last and most important thing I need from you Parker….
Parker smiled as he read the rest of her letter. She was a sneaky old lady, but he knew deep in his heart, she would get her wish – if it was the last thing he would do as a man on this earth, he’d see to it being fulfilled. Parker tucked the letter back into the envelop and slipped it into the drawer beside his bed. He hurried to get dressed and headed back out. He would give Delilah time to process what was happening with them. Until then, he would just work on the house, making it the perfect place for her – and maybe him if his plans worked out.
