Heart of the Matter (Coming Home Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

hardest part was trying to talk about a daughter I didn’t know anything about. I couldn’t tell her one single thing. Not even her name.
    My intent for this email was not to brag or boast about my life, but I wanted you to know I’ve changed. I’ve grown up finally and made something of myself but it still doesn’t excuse my behavior from all those years ago.
    A few weeks ago my father was diagnosed with cancer and hasn’t been given long to live. My mom stayed after him to find out why he kept feeling so bad, but by the time he decided to get checked out, the doctors informed him there wasn’t much they could do. My mom was heartbroken because my dad had been so stubborn. She stays by his side but he’s declining rapidly. We’ll be lucky if he makes it another couple weeks.
    This leads me to the purpose for this email. Jennifer, you have to believe me when I tell you I’m not the same person you used to know. I worked out all of my problems with my dad and I’m proud to say our relationship now is better than it has ever been. But it’s hard knowing he’s not going to be around much longer.
    My parents enjoy spending time with Brady, but I can’t help but feel so guilty because they have a granddaughter they don’t even know exists. Hell, I don’t know anything about her and it’s eating me up inside.
    I hired a private investigator, and it didn’t take long to find you. After all these years, I had no idea you were only a couple hours away. Please, don’t misinterpret my purpose for this message. I’ve thought long and hard before making the decision to finally send it to you. I know you’re going to tell me no without giving it any thought, but I’m going to ask you to search deep within your heart. Is there some way we can arrange for my father to meet his granddaughter? I know her name is Chloe and based on the information from the private investigator, your husband adopted her many years ago. This tells me he is a good man.
    Jennifer, I’m begging you to please give this some thought. If there is any way possible, I really want my father to see our daughter before it’s too late.
     
    Sincerely,
    Brian
     
     
    Once I’m finished with the email, I sit back and wonder if I can really hit the send button. My eyes begin to burn and I look down at the time. Five o’clock in the morning—I’ve been working on this email for over four hours.
    More than anything, I’m thankful Grace didn’t wake up and discover me missing from our bedroom. Just as the thought enters my mind, I hear a faint noise from out in the hallway. I’m not sure I want Grace to know just yet about the email so rather than save it and worry about it later, I go ahead and hit send.
    I power down the computer, turn off the lamp, and quietly open the door. Much to my surprise, though, the hallway is empty. I figure it must be my imagination playing with my mind. I glance back at the computer as the screen turns from a faint glow to nothing but black. The blinking light turns off and there’s nothing I can do now; the email is out of my hands. Suddenly, I feel a tightness in my throat. Did I do the right thing? Should I have waited to let Grace read it first?
    I walk down the hallway and stand in the doorway to our bedroom for a moment before making my way back over to my side of the bed. I slowly pull back the covers and slide in. Grace stirs slightly, and I move over closer. She rolls on her side and I bring my body up behind her.
    “I love you, baby.” I whisper softly in her ear not even sure if she hears me or not.
    She leans back into my body and I wrap my arm around her. Taking my hand in hers, she brings it up to her lips. “I love you, too.” 
    Eventually, I drift off to sleep and try to forget all about the email.
     
    ****
    The hospice nurse stopped by at eight o’clock this morning to check on my dad and to do her duties. I promised mom last night I’d be back first thing this morning to take care of the yard