Laura hung up the receiver and sat heavily on the nearest chair. She was still shocked by the news Remington had told her. His mother? Alive and well and apparently in England, she couldn't even begin to contemplate how she would have reacted if it had been her and her long lost father would have returned. She knew her husband had just received the shock of his life, probably more so than when he'd found out that Daniel was his biological father. At least Daniel had been around, right under his nose. The shock of Daniel being his father would not have been that catastrophic but his mother! She'd been out of the picture for the last forty-eight years! She knew Remington needed all the support he could get right now and the sooner they got to England the better! Laura stood up and went in search of her daughter.
"Traci do you have all the things we wanted to take for your brother and father?" Laura asked as she came into her daughter's room.
"Yes Mom I've got everything and I'm all packed, I just need to get this stuff for Trev and Dad packed then we're all set,"
Laura had some phone calls to make so she headed back to her bedroom. She called Mildred, her mother, her sister to let them know that they would all be in England visiting Daniel for a visit. She didn't really have time to elaborate so she told them she would fill them in when they returned. She called Traci and Trevor's school to let the administrators know that a sudden family crisis had arisen and that they'd be out of the country for a few weeks. Once that was done she called Fred to drive them to the Airport. By the time Laura had finished will all her phone calls she felt on top of things. She went down the hall to help her daughter carry their luggage downstairs.
Remington sat back with his head against the head rest. He closed his eyes and took a deep, ragged breath. He knew Laura was on her way and he was glad she was. He hadn't needed to verbalize that he needed her, she knew. He suddenly slammed his fist against the dashboard and leaned his head against the steering wheel as he felt his eyes mist over with tears. Wasted, so much time wasted he thought as memories of his childhood came flooding back to him. Why me? Why did this have to happen to me? Why couldn't I have had a normal childhood he asked out loud. He didn't receive an answer which only caused the tears to flow that much faster as he gave himself over to the pain he felt in the depths of his soul.
Daniel and Trevor had just reached the steps when his butler opened the door for them. He informed Daniel that Remington had left and that there was a visitor waiting for him in the Drawing Room. Daniel cocked an eyebrow at his butler. It wasn't like Mr. Ashby not to mention the name of the visitor. Daniel told Trevor to go and get washed up for dinner while he attended to his guest. Daniel walked to the drawing room and went in.
"Brianna? What are you doing here? I didn't expect you till later on this evening," Daniel was instantly on the alert as he walked toward his wife. "Oh dear, Remington was here when you arrived wasn't he Brianna?"
"Yes Daniel he was, I didn't expect him to answer the door, I thought it would be Ashby and when I saw him...I just had to tell him Daniel. I knew there would be no perfect time to do it and I didn't want to lose my nerve,"
Daniel walked over to the bar and poured himself a small brandy. He sat heavily on the sofa and slowly sipped his drink. He knew she was right, there was no right time to tell their son the truth. He just wished that he had been here to buffer the news. His heart ached as he imagined how Remington would be feeling now that he knew everything. Daniel knew that he would be hurt and bitter about it all, not that he could blame him. Daniel also knew that Remington might feel betrayed by him for not telling him about Brianna sooner. Daniel felt it would be better for Remington to find out from his mother so he hadn't told him. Daniel thought back to how his son had reacted when he had told him the truth. It hadn't been as bad as Daniel had expected but none the less, he had seen the hurt and confusion in his son's eyes. Those expressive eyes, so like his mother's had told Daniel all he needed to know - that his son had been dealt a tremendous blow. Suddenly Daniel felt much older and quite tired. He leaned back against the sofa and rubbed his hands over his face. Brianna came to him, knelt beside him and placed her hand on his leg. He enclosed his hand around hers and squeezed it tightly. When he opened his eyes to meet her glaze he saw sadness in them, sadness that he knew was mirrored in his own. So much time lost, never to be recovered he thought to himself. They would all get through this, he and Brianna would find a way to help heal their only child and themselves, they had to.
Remington hadn't returned for dinner and Daniel hadn't been surprised. He knew his son needed time alone to sort out his feelings. He knew that was how his son had handled complex situations when he was growing up. Daniel told Trevor that his father had stepped out earlier and probably would be in later on that evening. Trevor was engrossed in another of Mrs. Waverly's desserts so he only nodded his head as he took another bite and moaned in delight. Daniel grinned at his grandson, who it appeared, had inherited his love of sweets. Brianna couldn't help but stare at the grandson she didn't know. He looked so much like his father, except for his eyes. She felt a surge of regret at the child she hadn't seen grow up, hadn't experienced life with, hadn't been able to hold and shower him with love. Her eyes suddenly misted over as she abruptly rose from her chair and excused herself from dinner. She was out of the house and heading for the gardens before Daniel had a chance to react to her sudden departure.
"Grandfather, what was wrong with Ms. Donohue?" Trevor asked as Daniel rose from his chair and wiped his mouth on his napkin.
Daniel looked at his grandson and patted his shoulder. "I'm afraid its a complex situation my dear boy but one that you will know about shortly I assure you. Finish up your dessert and I'll be back in a moment," Daniel said as he headed out of the dining room and in search of Brianna.
Remington was walking up the front steps as Mr. Ashby swung the front door open and stepped aside. Remington marveled at how the man always knew when someone was approaching the house. He came in and enquired to the whereabouts of his father. Mr. Ashby told him that he was out on the grounds somewhere and he gathered would be returning shortly. Remington asked where his son was and Ashby told him he was in the dining room finishing up his dinner. Remington thanked the butler and went to find his son.
"That sweet tooth will be your undoing you know," Remington said as he came in and saw a fruit tart poised in front of his son's mouth.
Trevor grinned at his father as he took another bite of his second tart. "Hi Dad," Trevor said between bites. "Where have you been?"
Remington walked further into the room and sat down across from his son. "I was out driving Trevor, well actually I did more parking than driving. Look mate, I have something of import to discuss with you, what say you finish your tart and come up to my room ok?" Remington said as his son chewed a mouthful of food.
Trevor swallowed and looked at his father. By the look on his face Trevor knew it was something serious. In fact everyone around him had been acting weird lately so he knew whatever his father had to tell him was a biggie! he told his father that he could finish his tart later and that they could have their talk now. Remington smiled at his son and put his arm around his as they headed up the stairs.
Remington and Trevor sat side by side on the bed with their backs against the headboard. This was a favorite position for them when they were having heart to heart talks about something. Remington turned slightly so that he was facing his son and plunged in with both feet.
"Trevor, there is something I need to tell you, something of great importance," Remington said in all seriousness.
"Dad, you mean you've got something more important to tell me than you were a professional con man and a jewel thief before you became a world famous detective? What could possibly be more interesting than that?" Trevor replied.
Remington smiled at his son, he truly had a flair for the dramatic. "The woman you met today Trevor, Ms. Donohue? Well, she came here today to tell me something I wished to God I'd heard long ago. She told me she was my real mother,"
Trevor's eyes widened but he knew it was important that he not interrupt his father right now.
"Wow Dad, I guess you must have been spun for a loop huh? I mean first you find out Daniel is really your father and now you've just met your mother. This must be pretty tough to take, have you told Mom yet?"
"Yes, I called her earlier but I haven't told her the whole story. She and Traci are on there way here, they are going to catch a plane late tonight and should be arriving very early tomorrow morning, we'll pick them up at Heathrow. Listen Trevor, I want to tell you all everything, from the beginning as it was relayed to me. I'd prefer to do it when we can all sit down as a family and discuss it. Would you mind if I waited until your Mom and Traci are here before I fill you in?"
"Of course not Dad, I understand," I'm just glad you told me who Ms. Donohue was to us. She seems to be a nice person from the little I've seen and I think she's pretty cool, not to mention she's as good looking as we are," Trevor laughed and punched his Dad in the arm.
Remington returned the punch and he and Trevor spent the next few minutes trying to determine who the better wrestler was. In the end it was Remington who called a cease fire on the match and told his son it was time for him to go to bed so that they could get an early start in the morning. Trevor agreed but mumbled something about his father quitting before he really got creamed on his way out the door.
Brianna heard the footsteps behind her but she didn't turn around as Daniel reached the Gazebo and sat down next to her. He took her hand in his and held it tightly. She turned to face him and he noticed that she had been crying. Daniel asked her what was wrong and what had caused her to leave the dinner table so suddenly.
"It became unbearable to look at Trevor Daniel, I can see what our son must have been like then and it tears my heart from my body when I think of how alone he was, how he must have suffered because of the choices I made. I feel so guilty and so responsible for all that's happened to him, to us. If only I would have kept him with me, maybe there would have been some way to find you, to make our lives right again. So many years have passed, so much time for anger, hatred and loneliness. I feel it, I'm sure you and our son must as well. How can we ever build a relationship given the circumstances Daniel? How can we ever be a family again? At this moment, I'm not even sure he wants to have me in his life. I don't know what he's thinking or feeling, he left suddenly and I haven't seen him since. I don't blame him for wanting to get away from me, I just wonder if he will ever forgive me for leaving him,"
Brianna was crying in earnest now as Daniel stroked her shoulder and leaned her against him. He knew exactly how she felt, he'd felt that way himself years ago after he had told his son the truth and he had left him standing there, heart in hand. He knew time was what Remington needed to sort out everything he'd been told. He wanted to go to him but he knew it would be better to let Remington come to him.
"Brianna listen, we've all had to live with this tragedy, all three of us were dealt a cruel blow and have suffered immensely through the years. We have to make this work out, it's the only way we can be at peace with ourselves and our lives. You have to know Brianna that my feelings for you have never changed, I've always loved you and have held you in my heart in a place nobody could ever encroach upon. I know I've told you the whole story of my life since I left long ago, the lifestyle, the women, I had the type of life few people were fortunate enough to have and I enjoyed every minute of it. Looking back I know I would have changed a few things here and there but I could never change my feelings for you. I loved you then and to this day I still feel exactly the same, I couldn't bring myself to marry again Brianna because in truth, I could never find another woman to take your place in my heart. I didn't know where you were or how to find you but I knew that you were still alive, that's what saw me through the painful, lonely times. I want us to be together for how ever long we both have left on this world. I know we can never make up for the time we lost but I want us to live as man and wife from here on, to not look back but to look forward. Brianna...would you marry me...Again?"
Brianna looked at the man she'd loved
all her life and felt a ray of happiness wash over her. She threw her arms around
his neck and held on tightly as she cried and laughed and kissed him all over his
face. Daniel laughed and returned her kisses, sharing in the joy she exuded.
"Oh Daniel, yes! Of course I'll marry you, I would marry you
a hundred times over if you asked me. I love you Daniel, I always have and I always
will! I too want us to enjoy what time we have left, just being together.
Daniel, what do you think Remington will say? How do you think he'll react to our
news?"
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Remington said as he stood in front of the gazebo looking at the happy couple.
Both Daniel and Brianna stood up immediately and looked at their son. They weren't able to gauge his mood so they just stood there, waiting for him to say something. Brianna looked nervously at Daniel who smiled at her and squeezed her hand.
"I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy, I just wanted to talk with the both of you. I left rather abruptly earlier, there was so much going round in my head that I needed some space and time to digest it. To be honest, I'm still at a loss as to how I should feel about this. I mean, I've wanted to know the truth for so bloody long, wanted to know who my real mother and father were. To hear them tell me why we weren't a family, why I wasn't given a normal childhood. And now you both are here, giving me the answers to all the questions I've ever had and to be honest I don't know what to say,"
Remington moved past them and sat heavily on the bench closest to him. Brianna and Daniel sat on the bench directly across from him. They all felt the awkwardness of the moment but weren't sure exactly how to get around it. Finally Brianna spoke up.
"In truth, I think it is difficult for all of us to know what to do, what to say. I can't tell you how much I regret not being there for you, not being the mother you desperately wanted and needed. This evening I looked across at your son Trevor, I suspect he looks like you did at his age and I was overwhelmed by grief and sadness because I missed seeing you grow, caring for you as only a mother could and just being there in your life. I have lived my whole adult life with a void where you and Daniel should have been. I know you are angry with me for giving you up and you have every right to be. It was hard enough when I met Daniel again after all this time but when he told me about you, that he had finally found you, I knew I had to see you for myself if for no other reason than to tell you the truth,"
"I'm not angry Brianna, to be honest I got over my anger at the whole situation a long time ago. I just feel like so much time has been wasted. I don't blame you for giving me up, you thought you were doing what was best for me. I don't think anyone could have foreseen what would happen so it's no use trying to place blame. How ironic, I've wanted to know my real name, my birthday and who my parents were for so long and now I know it all. Laura will finally get the answers to all the questions she's hounded me about for all those years,"
Remington stood up and went to sit beside his parents. I want us all to be a family if we can, I know it will take some time to get to know you as my mother Brianna but I am more than willing to make a go of it, if you are. Laura and Traci are on their way here and I can't wait for you to meet them. I know you'll get on well with Laura even though she and Daniel took their time warming up to each other," Remington finished with a grin directed at his father.
"Well my boy, that's because we were both uncertain of your loyalties and were both trying to win you over to our side. I will say now that Linda has become quite an accomplished daughter-in-law, couldn't have picked a better one if I tried," Daniel laughed.
Brianna looked confused as she looked from her husband to her son. "Linda? I thought you said her name was Laura?"
Remington laughed as he stood up. "It's a long story, I assure you," He pulled his mother up and embraced her.
She was surprised at the sudden display but recovered quickly as she returned the hug with equal measure. By the time they had broken contact both of them were laughing and crying. Daniel was overcome by emotion too as he hugged his son and long lost wife to him. He closed his eyes and for once felt utterly at peace. It was all he'd ever wanted in his life and as they made their way back to the house, he sent up a prayer of thanks and gratitude for he had no doubts that everything would eventually work out for the best. All was as it should be, they were together and they would finally be a family.