Page 117 of Love Me Forever

I followed her. "I'm sorry I ran away. I didn't even greet you and the rest of the family," I said the second I sat on the mattress.

She put an arm around my shoulders. "My girl, we’re not holding it against you. Trust me, even I forget how overwhelming these things can be, and I've been at a few events over the years." She paused, then said, "You know, I understand where you're coming from. When I first joined the Maxwell family, it was also overwhelming. It felt like I'd never make it."

I sat up straighter. "Really?" She seemed to effortlessly glide through life.

"Oh yes. The family was very well known in Chicago even back then. Beatrice and her husband had done a spectacular job with the bookstores. Everyone knew my husband, and everyone thought I'd married him for his money.”

I blinked, completely surprised. "No way."

She smiled sadly. "Unfortunately, they did."

"So how did you get over it?"

"I loved my husband dearly. And Beatrice took me under her wing. I want to do the same for you. I know my son and all my kids are here for you." Winking, she added, "But sometimes it doesn't hurt to have the perspective of someone older—or, as Beatrice likes to say, wiser."

I was moved by her words. "Thank you, Lena. I’d love that. I’m so sorry about what my Mom did.” My eyes were leaking. She released me to grab her purse and handed me a tissue.

“I’ve had a hunch that things weren't easy for you growing up, and sometime, when you’re ready, you can share as much or as little as you’d like about that. Okay?” She put her arm around me again, then said, “Just know we all love you and are thrilled to have you in our lives. Never forget that.”

All I could do was nod.

"I know it might seem like there's no way to come back from that article, but trust me when I say they’ll forget about it. They did in my time, too, when there were fewer distractions. Now the attention span of the world is even shorter. They'll move on to other things eventually.”

“But the opening of the hotel is so important for Travis,” I said in between sobs.

“There, there. And it's going very well. I can tell by the number of people attending the party and by the bookings they already have."

"I don't want to overshadow the celebration, you know? By being there, the gold digger."

“Oh, pishposh. You don't overshadow anything, even if it feels that way. And even if you did, as I said, it won't last long, and it certainly won't impact the hotel. My son is a very good businessman. He knows how to handle everything. And he loves you very much, Bonnie."

"And I love him too," I murmured, looking down at my hands.

"Good. That's everything I wanted to hear. When you love each other, you'll find ways to get over the days that seem impossible. Remember to hold on to each other and to support each other. And I'm not saying things will work out for themselves, but you’ll find solutions. There's an incredible amount of strength when you do things together. You’ll find energy even when you think you don't have any left." Her smile widened. "That will be true when the baby comes as well."

I nodded, drawing in a deep breath. “Let’s go downstairs.”

Lena beamed at me. “That’s my girl.”

I gathered my courage, looking forward to joining my man and his family and being by their side. Yes, I’d had a rough upbringing, but I was strong and wouldn’t let that article get me down.

After I quickly refreshed my makeup, Lena and I walked out of the room arm in arm, taking the elevator downstairs.

When the doors opened on the ground floor, it sounded like the party was in full swing. Music and laughter filtered through the air. The entrance area was completely empty.

Lena nudged me, pointing to my right. Travis was in front of the main room where the celebration was taking place. I glanced around. There seemed to be no more press outside, making me wonder if they were inside or—hopefully—gone.

“I’m going to leave you two alone,” she said, waltzing inside the room.

Travis straightened up, training his eyes on me. "Babe, I really worry when you get stressed out. Did it help having Mom there?"

I nodded, rubbing my thumbs against each other. "Yes. I'm sorry I left like that. I just saw that article, and I couldn't believe Mom would do that. I couldn't handle it. I didn't know how."

He took my hand in his, trapping my gaze. "Bonnie, you’re mine."

"But what the press wrote—”

"I don't care what anyone writes. They write all kinds of shit about us, which you’ll find out quick enough. Ask Reese about it sometime."

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