Breaking Kate: The Acceptance Series (33 page)

“Second prettiest, huh? That’s a confidence booster.” I chuckle at her because I know she’s joking with me.

“Kate, you’ll always be the most beautiful girl in the world to me but tomorrow, on her wedding day, April gets to be the prettiest. It’s just the law or something.” 

She doesn’t say anything for a minute and I hear her sniffing. “Sweetheart, are you crying again?”

“Shut up, I can cry if I want to. That was beautiful. April
is
going to be the most beautiful girl in the world tomorrow because it’s her day. Even if it wasn’t, that dress she bought makes me want to fuck her, and I’m not one bit bi, but she’s one sexy bitch in that dress.”

“Well, if you and April wanted to act on any sexual feelings you two may have I’m sure Jake and I would be happy to observe for the night.”

“I’m sure you would, but unless you want to mess around with Jake so
we
can watch, you’re shit out of luck, buddy.”

“Uh no,
that’s
not going to happen; Jake’s not my type, gumdrop. We’re here. Turn in this driveway; I need to enter the code so we can get in.”

After we park, I grab our bags.
Thank god she’s not an over packer like most girls.
I’m sure Jess is, and it probably makes it easy for Kate to pack light because anything she needs, Jess will probably have.

“Daniel, this estate is gorgeous; they should just have the wedding here, too.”

“I agree, but April really wanted to keep it separate so she doesn’t feel so overwhelmed by the Houstons’ wealth. It’s hard for her to accept she’s marrying into money she’s so independent. She put her whole savings down as a deposit for the wedding. Jake was pissed at her, but he knows how important it is to her. In Jake’s eyes, it’s also sort of a non-issue. Once they’re married she’ll have to get used to being wealthy. He already has a black American Express in her name that he’s giving her on their honeymoon. He would give it to her now, but knows it will start a fight.

“Come this way. We’ll walk out to the guest house now and put our stuff away, and then we can go meet everyone up at the main house.” I love watching Kate’s expressions as she takes in the grounds. She looks genuinely amazed at the view from up here. Their grounds are amazing; they have every amenity imaginable and an ocean view.

“You know, I grew up not too far from here in a
huge
house. This estate makes my house look more like my condo.” I laugh because I know exactly how she feels.

“I know. The houses Connor and I grew up in are probably a little more modest than yours and we feel the exact same way. This house is beautiful, though. I can see why they like living here. The view alone is priceless.”

“This is the guest house? It looks like a regular house;
no
wonder
you guys don’t mind coming and staying up here.” I hear talking and laughing coming from the patio area. Everyone must be outside.

“Come on, I’ll show you around the house later, but this is our room so you know where to go in case you need anything. Let’s go check in with everyone; I bet they’re waiting for us. I can hear them out on the patio.” She gets up on her tip toes and gives me a light kiss.

“Anything you want, this weekend is for you.” Clutching her hands in mine, I give her a more passionate kiss.

“No, this weekend is about
us
. I can’t wait for everyone to meet you.”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

We walk hand in hand across the grounds. Once we reach the covered patio where the outdoor kitchen is I see that Connor, Jess, Jake, April, and Connor’s parents are all here. Linda and Bryan have their backs to us, making drinks. Jess hops up, engulfing Kate in a big hug.

Connor greets us first, “Hey, you guys finally made it. Kate, let me introduce you to my parents.” As we head over to the bar Connor begins the introductions, “Mom, Dad, I would like you to meet…” Before Connor finishes his sentence, Linda turns white as a ghost and drops the glass she’s holding. As the glass shatters into a million tiny pieces the only thing she says is, “My god…Lila”

Chapter 18 – Kate

Lila? Did she just call me Lila?
It’s so silent you can hear a pin drop and everyone’s staring at us. Linda blinks rapidly, grasps the bar, and starts rapidly apologizing, “I’m sorry. I’m so, so very sorry. It’s just stunning; you look exactly like your mother, Katherine.”

Connor and I exchange puzzled glances and I manage to whisper out, “You knew my mother?” I see tears forming in Linda’s eyes as she nods in affirmation.

“Very well, in fact. Why don’t we all sit down? Connor, can you be a doll and grab the broom and get that mess cleaned up? Bryan how about you get us some drinks so we can all get up to speed, I think I need something to calm my nerves. Kate, come sit with me over here on the couch. I need to look at you, darling, just for a moment and then I’ll explain everything.” I do as Linda asks and follow her to the couch, Daniel sits next to me and grabs my hand. I cling tightly to his.

“Who would have thought that my son’s new sister would be my best friend’s daughter? Daniel, from what Connor has told me about Kate, I already know that she’s her mother’s daughter through and through. What a lucky pair you two are to have found each other again. Lila was the other half of my soul and I miss her every single day. It’s not easy to lose your best friend and have to stay in the shadows.”

Wow, I’m so confused. If Linda knew my mom, how come I don’t know her? And what does she mean we ‘found each other again’?

“Jake, will you do me a favor? Go inside to my desk and bring me the photo album in the bottom drawer, please.” Jake hops up and rushes inside. I think he’s just as curious as the rest of us to find out what’s going on. Bryan brings both Linda and me a vodka tonic. She drinks hers pretty quickly and I follow suit. I guess Bryan was prepared because he hands us both another one immediately. Everyone continues to sit in silence just watching the two of us. I know whatever Linda is about to say is pretty significant based on her reactions.

Jake comes back with the photo album and hands it to Linda and she clutches it with both hands. Bryan sits next to her and pats her hand, encouraging her to speak.

“Kate, I’m not sure where to start. The last time we saw you, other than the funeral, must have been when you were about five years old. You were running around the pool in a bathing suit and pigtails. It’s truly funny how fate works; you and Connor were best friends back then, too. On this day in particular, though, the older boys had decided to tease you both. Daniel, Jake, I can see why Connor and Kate don’t remember—they were so young, not even in kindergarten yet—but do you two remember the day I’m talking about?”

Daniel shakes his head no but Jake swallows over a lump in his throat. “Yeah, Mom, I remember. We made her cry, but then we gave her ice cream to make up for it. Daniel, you
have
to remember; we were running around the pool saying ‘Katie Grace, Katie Grace, Katie Grace and Connor sitting in a tree, loving on each other ‘cause they were meant to be’ We did it over and over until Katie started crying. Connor was so mad he managed to push me into the pool.”

We all look at each other as the memory strikes us. I vaguely remember that was the last time I ever saw them. My mom said they had moved far
away, or something along those lines. Daniel’s the first one to speak up, “I
do
remember that now, I can’t believe that little girl was you, Kate.” Connor looks pissed.

“Mom, what happened? You said she moved away and that’s why we weren’t friends anymore. God, Kate, do you remember? We used to hang out all the freaking time! No
wonder
we clicked immediately; you really
are
like my little sister!”

Nodding my head, I look up at Linda with tears in my eyes. “I
do
remember Connor, not a lot of specifics, but I remember the little brown-haired boy that I used to play with all the time. Sometimes that little boy’s brother came to play, but he mostly called us babies and ignored us.” I give Jake a pointed look and he laughs.

“You
were
just babies; both of you were barely even five years old. I was much older and smarter than you both.” That’s all we needed to break the ice a little. Everyone laughs as I reflect on this alternate reality I have suddenly stepped into.

Linda smiles and opens the photo album. “Kate, this album chronicles my friendship with your mother. We were best friends from the age of ten. Lila was Maid of Honor at my wedding and I at hers. After I had Jake, your mom got baby fever. About a year later I was pregnant with Connor. Shortly after that your mom was pregnant with you. Once you two were born, we spent at least two days a week together. You and Connor shared the same playpen, toys, and attitude. Lila used to joke about the two of you getting married. I hope I don’t overstep and say something I shouldn’t, but you deserve to know the truth, all of it. When you were four, Joseph’s business really took off. Lila couldn’t get out as often anymore; we were lucky to see you once a month. The visits got less frequent as time went on and eventually, they stopped all together. The day you guys were all together was the last day we saw you. Lila confided in me that day, said that her marriage was failing and she just didn’t have the energy to put into it anymore. Joseph was becoming demanding, always wanting Lila at his beck and call, springing lunches and dinners with clients on her with little notice. Even though we no longer saw each other, she mailed me letters at least once a week, keeping me abreast of the situation. Kate, your mother loved you so much. I know you got the letter from the attorney so you already knew she was going to leave your dad.”

Letting out a long sigh she continues, “About two weeks before she was going to leave, she confided in me that she saw something in him that she hadn’t seen in a long time. She thought he was trying to make things right. Lila said they were even going to try and go on a few dates. The night of the first date is the night your mom passed away. After the funeral, your dad gave me all the photos of us; he said he didn’t want any reminders of Lila in the house, that it would hinder your grieving process.” The disdain in her voice is evident; she is
not
a fan of Joseph Moore.

“I took all of those photos and made this album for you. I have a matching album for myself. I knew if you didn’t come looking for me first that I would see you again on your twenty-fifth birthday.”
What? I’m so confused.

“Linda I don’t understand. What significance does my twenty-fifth birthday have, and how did you know about the letter I got on my eighteenth birthday?” 

Linda’s beautiful blue eyes are filled with unshed tears. “I know because I’m the one who helped your mom set up your trust. Lila got the letters to me and I got them to the trust attorney. She didn’t trust your father to not have her followed, and she really wanted this to be there for you when you were old enough to handle the wealth. I included a letter to be given to you on your birthday. Bryan and I are the executors of your trust, Kate. I know that wasn’t disclosed to you previously. We have loved you since you were a little girl. Your father thought it was best for us to stay out of your life. I vehemently disagreed. You’ve always been a part of our family. Kate, your trust fund is very large; are you aware of how much money you’re inheriting? Did you opt in for monthly statements?”

I shake my head no. “I didn’t care about how much money was in there. I have plenty for now and mostly plan on using it for my foundation anyway. I had another purpose for some of it, but as it turns out, I don’t need to contribute to that idea after all; my dad has it taken care of. He also knows about the trust. I don’t know if he’s aware of what it’s worth, but he’s happy my mom left it for me. It’s obvious to me that you dislike him, and trust me, I know the feeling. Just this past week, we finally had a long heart to heart talk and I truly believe he’s turned over a new leaf. Dad and I have decided to give our relationship a chance at healing, but I do intend to talk to him about keeping me from you guys.”

Linda and Bryan exchange glances and Bryan nods his head to her. “Kate, this is your call. It’s understandable if you don’t want everyone here knowing your financial bottom line, but I think you need to know what your trust consists of. We can talk in private later or now, but it’s important.”

Looking around at my friends’ concerned faces, I nod my head. They love me and I know I can trust them all. “It’s
okay, you can talk about it here.”

Bryan speaks up, clearing his throat first, “Kate, when I took control of your trust, I built your fortune alongside of mine. I treated your money as if it were my own child’s future, so everything I did for myself, I did for you. I’ll be happy to continue to oversee your funds if you choose since your trust is managed by my investment firm. Right now, your trust sits at approximately one hundred and fifty million dollars.”

I feel like the oxygen is being sucked out of my lungs.
That’s a lot of money.
I could
never
use that much in my whole lifetime, but I can do so much good with it. I just want a modest life—a house similar to the guest house here. I know I grew up rich, but I don’t really want to be rolling in that kind of wealth. I close my eyes but I feel all of their eyes on me, watching me to see how I’m dealing with all of this as I let this news sink in. Daniel squeezes my hand tighter and kisses it; I smile at him and try to shake this news off.

“Well, at least I know now that even
without
backers I can fund my foundation, and if I do get backers I’ll be able to expand. Thank you both for taking care of me, I really appreciate it. I would be happy for you to continue to manage the trust. Honestly, I have no desire to be that wealthy, so just know I’ll be seeking worthy causes for donations once I set aside enough for my future and my children’s futures.”

Bryan and Linda both exchange a content look and Linda offers me the photo album. Jess finally speaks up; this might be the longest I have ever seen
her this quiet.

“Hot damn, Kate. Now you’re uber rich, super sexy, have the second best boyfriend ever,
and
you had sleepovers with my boyfriend way before I ever did! I don’t know if I should be jealous or happy for you.”

Oh my god, I love her so much. She completely lightened the atmosphere by throwing her sex life out in front of Connor’s parents. Connor grabs her and swings her around, kissing her; his parents don’t seem to mind at all. They only make one comment about it.

“We’re not stupid enough to think that in your mid- twenties you all are not having sex. But with the exception of the ones getting married—promise rings don’t count—we hope you’re all using protection. We’re not ready to be grandparents quite yet, and we consider
all
of you our kids, so don’t screw up.”

I start to flip through the photo album, looking at pictures of my mom and Linda in school, in college, and at their weddings. I then move into the pictures of Connor and me as kids. My favorite picture is of me, Connor, and Jake; Connor and I are babies and Jake is holding us, one in each arm. It’s crazy to think of the life I could have had with this family, growing up with all of them. Would I have dated Daniel earlier or would I have dated Connor? Would Michael have been such a part of my life if Connor was already in it? Life works out in such a crazy way and all roads brought me back here where I should have been all along. I start crying and Linda wraps me in a big hug.

“It’s okay, dear, you don’t need to cry.” Daniel looks over and smiles.

“Linda, she’s not crying because she’s sad; those are her happy tears.” Linda pushes me back and looks at me, really taking me in.

“I guess they are. You’re just like Lila—crying at everything happy
or
sad. It was probably my favorite trait of hers. She wore her heart on her sleeve and wasn’t afraid to show it. I’m so happy you’re back in our family, Kate; we’re not letting you go this time.” Daniel, Connor, and Jess are looking through the photo album.

“Wow, Kate, you really
do
look identical to your mom at the same age; it’s uncanny. I mean, I remember your mom, but seeing these pictures against your beautiful face is extraordinary.” For once, Jess is actually speechless, so am I. On the other hand, Connor isn’t.

“Mom, what I don’t understand is why I don’t know about Kate? Why did you hide all of our pictures instead of having
them up on the wall? ”

“Oh, that is such a loaded question, sweetheart; I guess it just comes down to how sad you were over the situation. Jake wasn’t really fazed by it because he had Daniel. Since he was older than you he wasn’t especially close to Kate. You were the saddest little boy once Kate was out of our lives. It was so hard for me because I not only lost Lila, but I lost Katie Grace, too. To top it all off, I had to help you through the loss of your best friend; she was the one constant in your life besides us. Little by little, Jake and Daniel got you playing with them and I started switching out pictures of you and Kate for you and the boys. After the first year, you stopped asking about her all together. We never intentionally kept it from you boys; it just wasn’t worth talking about until we could get her to come back to us. The reason we didn’t make contact at eighteen was because she had milestones to reach, college to attend, and she needed time away from Joseph to find herself. I’m over the moon that you’re back in our lives now, Kate. You always have a place in this family; it’s been too long since my god daughter has been around.”