Chapter Thirty-One
Kirk: noun, church, specifically Church of Scotland. Pronounced: Kirk.
* * *
Eden
I’m not sure what I expected, but it’s been three days since I was discharged from the hospital, and Hunter has only dropped in a few times to see me. Well, the babies. To see how they are.
He seems a little off since the hospital. Distracted, erratic, and on edge.
Making cups of tea and preparing food for me. He’s certainly kept himself busy when he’s been here.
But he’s kept his distance. Not getting too close and we’ve had some awkward small talk, and that’s about it.
Not what I was expecting at all. In fact, I’m not really sure what I was expecting.
I’m guessing with the full-on Golf Association launch this week, my surprise that ‘you’re going to be an instant daddy to three’ hasn’t helped.
His impending departure is in the cards. Two days and then he’s gone again. I’m not good at goodbyes. I am certainly not good at people leaving period. It triggers all my abandonment issues.
He has mentioned how he wants to be here when the babies are born. Having a scheduled caesarean will work out perfectly for him because Pippa can plan it into his busy calendar. It all feels really clinical. He was very matter-of-fact about it all.
Remembering how close we were as a couple bears no reflection of us now. We’re not the same anymore, and that destroys any hope I had left.
What a truly sad situation.
Hunter has mentioned how he wants to sort out visitation, and how it would be best to do it all kosher through a lawyer. I agreed with him; it’s best we do everything correctly from the start, then we both know where we stand. I want my children to know their daddy, and I would never prevent him from seeing his children.
Just because I destroyed what Hunter and I had, doesn’t mean I need to mess up our children too.
I look around my lovely home. I’m sitting on my gray sofa; it’s become my best friend these past few months. I’d most definitely win the award for ‘best efforts for working on your groove’ category.
I’ve been flicking through Netflix for twenty minutes now, trying to decide what to binge on next. Decisions.
This last week, the only excitement I feel is when Hunter visits. As fast as he arrives, he’s gone, and poof, the light goes out in my heart again.
A knock against my front door indicates I have to get up. This could be difficult. Rolling off the couch, I hoist myself to my feet. I can’t imagine myself at full-term; at only four months, you can roll me like an Easter egg.
Opening the front door, there’s no one there. Hmm.
However, sitting on my doorstep is a black dress bag; resting on top is a shiny gold envelope.
Puffing as I bend, I pick both up, close the door gently, and make my way back to the couch.
I curiously open the gilded letter first.
It’s an invitation.
Your presence is required at seven p.m. this evening. Wear the dress. I’ll pick you up. Please RSVP. Dad x
Opening the dress bag next, I pull out a soft and delicate chiffon rainbow striped, to the floor maxi dress in pastel lilac, pink, and mint green. Each color merges into each other like striped watercolors. I stare in wonder. It’s stunning. The top part of the dress cinches in with a solid band just under the bust before flaring out.
At the bottom of the bag lies a pair of pale-lilac lace low-profile sparkly trainers with a little label Dad has tied around the laces. ‘I don’t trust you walking in heels. Don’t worry, your dress is petite; it’s the perfect length.’ This makes me smile. There is no way Dad picked this out; this is all Mum.
Picking up my phone, I text him.
Me:I’m so confused. What is this? x
Dad isn’t the best with text messages; I should have called. He takes forever to reply.
Dad:I have something to show you. Be ready for seven p.m. x
Me:But it says RSVP. Do I have to come?
Dad:For goodness sake, Eden just wear the dress. I shouldn’t have asked you to RSVP. It’s not optional :)
Me:Well, I guess I’ll see you around seven then
Dad:Be ready, little one, love you x
Me:Love you too, Dad x
This is most unlike my dad. He’s not known for his spontaneity. Dad’s a planner like me.
I text Ella and Eva next on our group studio chat.
Me:Have you had an invitation from Dad?
Eva:Yeah, what’s it for? Do you know?
Me:Nope. No clue.
Ella:I have one too. It’s maybe for Mum and Dad’s wedding anniversary this week. Meal maybe? Also it’s our birthday next week too.
Me:Ah, of course. See you all later then?
Ella:I would like that. I miss you, Eden.
Eva:So do I :(
I swallow my pride.
Me:I miss you too.
Ella:We’ll chat later, okay?
Eva:I need a hug from both of you. We’re stronger together, all three of us.
Me:Omne trium perfectum - everything that comes in threes is perfect.
Ella:We are. I need you both in my life.
Eva:I need you both more now than ever.
Me:I’m here, I’m so sorry for being the rotten egg in our trio.
Ella:You are not, Eden. We all have things going on, but we need each other to get through it all.
Eva:We really do. I love you both, no matter what.
Me:I love you both too.
Ella:Tonight’s outlook just got better. I can’t wait to spend time with you all this evening. I’ve no gift for Mum and Dad’s anniversary. Did you get anything, girls?
Eva:No, I actually forgot all about it.
Eden:I think if they know we’re all friends again, that may be the best gift.
Ella:I agree.
Eva:Me too.
Eden:See you all soon then. I need to go get ready.
I took my time getting ready for tonight, enjoying preening, beautifying, and plucking.
Although shaving my legs and lady bits has already become a problem. I’m going to have to book myself in for a monthly wax unless I choose to let myself go wild. Nope, not doing that. There are certain things I am not willing to do, and that is one of them. Note to self, book in waxing for three weeks' time.
The last time I went out was the Winner’s Ball, and that didn’t go so well. I’m so angry at myself for being so foolish.
Since we had our little text conversation with my sisters, I feel a little lighter. It’s amazing how a few lines of words can make all the difference to your mood, I’m actually looking forward to tonight.
Hearing the door now, I pull my shoes on, tie the laces quickly, and grab my little pink clutch as I hear Dad walking into the house. “Eden?” he calls out to me from the bottom of the stairs.
“I’ll be right there, two mins.”
Carefully walking down the stairs, I meet Dad at the bottom. My dad is such a handsome man. My mum calls him her silver fox. Silver hair and beard and tanned all year round, with all the work he does around the estate. He’s dressed in a tartan dark-green, navy, and red, Barbour button-up shirt with navy dress trousers and brogues. He’s more handsome now than ever and still cool.
“You look beautiful, Eden.” He holds out his hand for me.
“I’m a pudding.”
“A beautiful pudding.” He smiles.
“You’re not supposed to agree with me, Dad,” I say, fluffing out my hair. I’ve kept it down tonight and it’s super shiny from not straightening it for months. Now half its length, it takes half the time to style.
“Why do I never learn? There is no winning with you four.”
We laugh as we head out the door.
“Where are we going? I spoke to the girls earlier; they said they’re coming too.”
“It’s a surprise.” Grinning, he makes air fireworks with his hands.
“How romantic. Mum is a lucky woman.”
“She wasn’t saying that when I let Dave the dog out earlier and he rolled himself in fox poo. I disrupted her getting ready time,” he says, making air quotes.
“Oh, dear.” I giggle.
“Nope, not a deer, a fox.”
“Your jokes never get any better, do they?”
“They really don’t. Now let’s get this show on the road,” he says, rubbing his hands together as we walk toward the mansion house, then summons me to loop my arm through his.
“Are we leaving from your place?”
“Yes, we are.”
Arriving at the reception area, Dad then hops into one of the retreat’s pristine white golf carts adorned with yellow bows.
“Where are we going in this?” I point to the cart, confused. “And where are the girls?”
“They’re already there. Hop in.” He pats the seat next to him.
I wrap my arms around myself and tilt my head.
“Get in, Eden.” He holds his hand out for me.
Okay.
“I’m so confused.”
Dad stays silent as we make our way past the cabins, up over the grass, and past Chloe’s tree.
As we reach the top of the grass hill, I spot my dream church nestled down the other side of the hill, glowing in the distance. Outside, a small crowd of people are gathered.
“My goodness. Did you do up the kirk?” I gasp.
“Yup.”
“When did you do this? Mum is going to love this.”
“Mmmmm-hmmmm.”
As we get closer, everyone stops chatting and turns around to us, waving.
The entire area outside the old stone church is dusted with fairy lights.
Dad has chopped many of the trees down, allowing the church to breathe again. But the trunks of the two larger trees on either side of the church are wrapped in delicate lights around their branches. It’s magical.
The tiny building stands there in all its historical glory. It’s breathtaking.
“Am I the last to arrive?”
“No. Mum is.”
Noticing now that we’re closer, there’s a table with lots of food and nibbles on and a gentle wave of music flows through the air.
“This is lush, Dad.”
Leaving my bag in the golf cart, I step out and I’m greeted by Eva who pulls me into a deep embrace. My nephews are running about, pretending to be airplanes. “They are driving me daft tonight. So hyperactive. You have all this to look forward to,” Eva says, exasperated.
I groan. “Don’t remind me. No Ewan tonight?”
“No. I’ll call you tomorrow. We’ll chat then. Okay? Not tonight though,” she says with her head still on my shoulder.
“I understand.” I rub her back. “This all looks so fabulous. Dad’s done an outstanding job.”
“He has,” I hear Ella behind me. “I’ve gotta get in on this.” She joins us. “We miss you, Eden.”
“I know. I miss you both too. I really am so sorry, girls. I really need you now.”
We hold each other tight, confirming to me I have them. Eventually we all pull away.
“I love your dress.” Ella smiles.
“There is no way Dad picked this.” I spin around. “Look how pretty it is. I feel like a mermaid.”
“Better than your usual black these days,” Eva says.
“Let’s not spoil the evening,” I say and look around.
Dad has created seating made from the felled trees. They’re scattered around for people to sit on. I feel like I’ve been transported into a magical fairyland.
As I make my way through the little gathering, I realize hardly any of Mum and Dad’s friends are here. Lots of staff, though.
“Could some of your friends not make it tonight, Dad?” I ask, approaching him with a frown.
“Nope, they were all too busy, and this is just for us, really. Just family.”
My parents are very well thought of in the community; it’s a shame their friends couldn’t be here.
Over at the back, I spot Toni and Beth.
Beth’s with Billy. I knew it.
“What are you two doing here?” I walk over to my girls, holding my dress up.
“We’re family.” Beth tilts her head.
“Is that so?”
“Yes, we are. We’ve spent as much time with your parents as we did our own growing up with you,” Toni confirms.
I suppose they did.
“Hey, Billy. So you two, huh?” I motion to the unlikely pair.
“I listened to you, Eden.” Beth smiles and wraps an arm around Billy’s waist.
Go me, Agony Aunt Eden.
“I’m so happy for you guys.”
I lean in for a hug with my girls. “I’m sorry about everything, and all the things I said. Please forgive me.”
Toni and Beth squeeze me tighter. “We love you, Eden.” Toni says.
“And never doubt that. We will always be here for you.” Beth reassures me.
I love them.
I fight back the emotion rising in my throat.
“I’m just going to grab a drink.” I turn.
Dad appears. “Ah, first, I want to show you inside the church. Come with me.” He takes my hand and leads me through the bright Santorini blue arched wooden and wrought iron doors.
“Em, are they not coming too?” I thumb over my shoulder.
“Nope, they’ve already had the tour.”
How long has everyone been here for?
As the groaning doors opened, I’m greeted by three sensational things that lighten my heart. The warmth for one is welcoming; it’s a little chilly outside, and I forgot to bring a cardigan. Two, I can hear a soft thrum of guitar music inside the main church and it sounds so melancholy in here, and three, my mum is standing in the church foyer, looking divine in a flowing deep-coral dress.
A smile curves my mouth.
“Mum, you’re already here?” I’m so surprised.
“I’ll leave you two to it.” Dad leans over and plants a soft kiss on Mum’s mouth. “Love you.” Mum smiles. “And you baby girl.” He pecks me on the cheek.
I turn and watch Dad walk back through the heavy door, slamming it behind him.
“Where's he going? He said you weren't here.”
“I’m here.” She holds her hands out for me to take.
“What’s going on?” I nervously laugh as I softly lay my hands in hers.
Mum looks me dead in the eyes. “Do you remember our conversation at the kitchen table a few months back?”
“We have lots of conversations, Mum.”
“I’m referring to the journey conversation.”
I do, but what the hell has this got to do with tonight?
“Tonight, this is another one of those little turns in your journey. A beautiful curve, we will call it. You’ve had a detour, but it’s time for you to get back on track.” She smiles.
“Me?”
“Yes, Eden, you.”
“But I though—”
“Sh.” She lets go of my hands. “That door there…” She points to the little door that takes you through to the main church. “Is the start of your new journey. I want you to hold on tight and never let go, no matter how bumpy things get.”
She walks away through the main door.
“What are you talking about, Mum?”
But then she’s gone, leaving me alone in the foyer. All I can hear is the soft thrum of guitar playing inside the church and a slight scream or two from my nephews outside.
Curiosity gets the better of me. I reach for the tarnished brass doorknob to take me inside the main church.
Here goes nothing.
I do not know what is on the other side of this door. Mum made it sound monumental.
The door creaks open. I’m bathed in a dazzling yellow glow illuminating the tiny church.
Dozens upon dozens of elegant tall glass vases bursting with sunflowers are scattered down the aisles and between the straightened-up wooden seating pews. The soft thrum of “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran wafts around the glorious space.
Delicate fairy lights spiral around the sandstone columns and the light splinters off the sparkling stained glass windows. This must have taken ages to do.
Walking down the center aisle, I let out an audible gasp as I gaze all around.
“This is beautiful.”
“Just like you.” I jump, startled by a familiar husky voice that echoes throughout the space.
The voice that makes my heart somersault with joy.
Stepping out of the shadows of the altar, Hunter comes into focus.
I think I’m hallucinating. But the vision keeps walking closer toward me. I’m glued to the higgledy piggledy cobbled floor as my heart races.
I palm my hand to my forehead. “Are you real? Tell me I’m not having a moment. If I’m not hallucinating, then what the hell are you doing in here? I’m having a strange evening so far.”
“You’re not hallucinating, Eden. I’m here.” I watch Hunter slowly move closer to me. He looks so handsome in his mint-green polo shirt—not his usual color choice—his hands in the pockets of his black dress pants.
“Huh, we match.” I look down at my pretty dress. What a stupid thing to say. Gosh, I’m so nervous. He always has the ability to make me lose my senses.
“We do. We are the perfect match, Eden.”
I think he means we were the perfect match. Until I ruined everything.
“What are you doing here? This is supposed to be Mum and Dad’s anniversary night.”
“Who told you that?”
I scratch my head. “Eva, I think, and Ella.” Now I’m not so sure. I double-check my memory and come up short. His scent, which I love so much, encroaches the space, messing with my brain. I can’t think straight.
“You’re not here for your mum and dad tonight, Eden.”
I make a face.
“You’re here for us,” Hunter says softly.
What?
“Okay, you’re going to have to explain. For us?”
My heartbeat kicks up a notch, mingling excitement and confusion.
“Yes, us.”
Okay.
He’s so close now. Hunter pulls his hands out of his pockets and wraps his warm hands around mine.
I look upward and meet his emotion-filled eyes.
“Eden Wallace, since the day I found you in that field all those months ago, there hasn’t been a second of any day that I haven’t thought about you. You’ve taken up permanent residency in my head and heart; there’s no space for anyone else.”
Blood pumps faster around my veins. Oh boy.
“I love all your kooky ways. Your kind and gentle heart. You're funny, smart-ass mouth, and most of all, I love your awful cooking.”
“That’s a low blow, Hunter.” I laugh, wide-eyed.
But he’s not wrong, my cooking is awful.
“It is, but true.” He grins back. “These last few months have been awful without you. I’ve missed you so much. I can’t live without you.” He rubs his thumb across the back of my hand. “I refuse to live another moment without you. I can’t do it. I won’t do it. I want everything you want, the house, the family. I want it all, with you.”
He takes a deep breath in and closes his eyes before continuing.
“I love you, Eden.”
I was not expecting this tonight. Butterflies flutter in my throat.
“Still?” I ask, confused.
“I never stopped. I won’t ever stop loving you.”
“Sweet baby Jesus,” is all I can say as my chest rises and falls fast. I may hyperventilate.
“You are loved more than you can ever imagine. By me, your family, and your friends. All those people out there, they are here for you. I’m here for you. For our babies. For us. Forever. I love you more than anything to give up everything to be with you.”
I feel him slip a heavy weight of metal into my hand.
I turn it over. It’s my gold Yolo.
“Forever?”
Hunter lets go of my hands and takes a step back, dropping to the floor. On bended knee, he looks up.
“What are you doing?” I cup my mouth.
“What I should have done the moment I met you.”
Hunter pulls out a Tiffany blue leather box from his pocket, revealing an extraordinary yellow diamond engagement ring.
“Oh my goodness.” I fan myself.
“Little Eden Wallace from Castleview Cove. Will you marry me?”
My face breaks out in the most enormous smile as I’m overcome with a feeling of warmth and happiness all over my body.
Inaudibly I breathe out, “Yes.”
“Was that a yes?”
I say vigorously, “Yes, yes, yes.”
“Really? Christ, I’m gonna love you so hard.” He slides the ring on my finger, then he quickly stands as his face explodes into a megawatt smile.
“I hope so,” I say through glazed eyes.
Looking down, I inspect the dazzling jewel Hunter slipped on my finger.
“That’s what the sunshine yellow diamond is for Eden. To signify your sunflowers. For your hope. Our hope. We have hope.”
“We have everything, Hunter. I love you so much.” I reach up and cup his face. “Kiss me.”
“I’ve wanted to kiss you so bad since the hospital. It’s been torture these last few days.” He bows his head. “Oh, two seconds.”
Hunter bends down and pulls out a wooden box between the pews.
“Stand on that,” he says, holding my hand.
“You brought me a step.” I giggle.
“Yes, I did, so you don’t have to stretch too much.”
“You are so ridiculous,” I say, stepping on top of the box. We meet eye to eye.
“See, perfect height now.”
“This works,” I say, leaning in again. “Now kiss me like I’m yours.”
“You are mine. You always have been.”
Hunter gazes into my eyes and smooths his thumb across my cheekbone. “I’ve missed this face,” he says before planting a gentle kiss on me. His lips envelop my lips as we tentatively kiss each other, and like always our kiss turns desperate. Hunter pulls me in close. “This bump is going to be a problem,” he mumbles against my mouth.
I smile. “Tell me about it.”
Hunter runs his fingers up through my locks and pulls my face hard to his. We breathe deep and heavy as our tongues dance with glee together once again. We both groan loudly. We can’t stop. I don’t want to. As Hunter shifts his hands down my back, he cups my bum and gives it a little squeeze.
“I’ve missed you, baby,” he breathes.
“I’ve missed you more.”
Nothing has ever made more sense than this. We fit perfectly together. Goosebumps scatter across my body as a familiar warmth builds between my legs.
No one makes me feel the way Hunter does. Like home, like I belong, like I’m safe, like I’m loved, like I’m sexy, like I’m beautiful.
A loud pounding on the door makes us jump and we both laugh.
“I think that’s our sign to meet our guests.” Hunter rests his forehead to mine.
“Gosh, did you do all of this?” I ask.
“Yes. For three solid days. That’s why I’ve hardly been around. Plus, I think if I’d been around you too much, I would have let the cat out of the bag. It was so difficult not to tell you. I was so excited. I had to throw you off the scent. That’s why I mentioned all that child visitation crap and lawyers.”
He had me fooled.
“Was the church your idea?”
“This is your dream, Eden. I want to make all your dreams come true. Your dad and most of the staff have helped me clear the trees and clean up inside here. They wired electricity too. But your mum, Ella, and Eva organized the flowers, your dress, and the food.”
“They knew?” I gasp.
“Everyone knows. They were sworn to secrecy.”
“Well, they are excellent actors. I’ll give them that.”
“In between that, I also had an online consultation with Tiffany in London, and they couriered up your ring. It only arrived late this afternoon. I was panicking. You almost had a gummy sweetie ring. I’ve been sweating a lot these past few days.”
“Sounds super intense.”
“It was. Thankfully, this time, to my surprise, all went well. Phew.”
“I won’t ever doubt you again, Hunter. I promise.”
“Hey, we’ve moved on from that. You won’t ever have to have any doubts again because we are spending our time together forever.”
“Is that so?” I beam.
“Yes, that is so.”
“What about your visa and touring and everything?”
“That’s easy. I never canceled my visa application. I couldn’t because my contract with the Golf Association was locked in tight. So everything I had organized previously is still in place. It was meant to be. This fate thing has a funny way of working where you and I are concerned.”
Hunter places a soft kiss to my lips and the air sizzles between us.
“And…” he says.
Gosh, there’s more. I don’t think my heart can take it.
“We are flying back to Florida together. I have a doctor lined up to travel with us. You are coming with me so I can sort out my house, lawyers, paperwork, and belongings, and then we are finally moving back here together.”
“But what about the studio?”
“Ah, well, from what I’ve heard, you don't teach anymore, so it doesn’t matter, plus the girls have been advertising for a new teacher this week to cover you while on maternity leave.”
“Gosh, you really have thought of everything.”
“I’m going to look after you, baby.”
Bay-bee. I love how he says that.
“We can only marry, if you agree to a couple of things though.”
My heart flips.
“You have to get rid of that horrible bloody car you’ve bought. That is not a fun-sized pocket-rocket Eden car.”
Phew. Thank you, Universe.
“I can do that.” I laugh.
“And you have to grow your hair back and recolor it to the way you had it before. Come out of the dark. You are light and luminous, baby.”
He has a point. I don’t feel like me at all with it this short and darker. “Okay.”
“There is one small thing I have arranged, but I’m not sure you’ll be happy with me.” He leans back slightly.
“Yeah? What’s that?” I ask with wonder.
“I’ve set a date for the wedding.” He scrunches his nose up. “It’s in eight weeks’ time. I want to get married before the babies come along because we’re going to be so busy with three kids. Christ, that sounds weird when I say it.” He shakes his head. “Is that okay? It’s in here.” He looks around. “I’m hoping that softens the blow.”
“It’s perfect.” I smile. “I’m going to be bigger again in eight weeks.”
“I know, but still beautiful.”
I lower my eyes. “This is the best night of my life, ever. You’re an incredible man. With a kind heart and incredible soul, Hunter.”
“Well, with you being my twin flame and all, Cupcake, we are the perfect match.”
“Oh yeah, I’m sure you’re just saying that so you can get your visa quicker. Marrying me is your ticket out of the States.”
“Aw, man, you figured out my plan. Dammit.”
A louder thump on the door echoes throughout the church. “C’mon, you two, we’re dying out here. And it’s bloody freezing; we want to come in,” Ella bangs on the door again.
“I think we had better open the door.”
“I think we should. Also, I flew in Luke, Evan, Pippa, and my parents for tonight. They’ve been hiding in the cabins.”
“You really thought of everything.”
“You’re my everything, Eden.”
“I love you, Hunter.”
“I love you too, Cupcake.”