Chapter 3 - THE LETTER BENEATH THE JEWELRY BOX
The letter began with hope.
That was what destroyed Matteo.
Not the ultrasound.
Not the date.
Not even the words announcing the pregnancy.
It was the hope.
My darling Matteo,
I know we've had difficult years. I know there have been times when we barely recognized the people we were when we married.
But tonight I wanted to remember something beautiful.
Do you remember our wedding?
You told me that no matter how difficult life became, there would always be a place for me beside you.
I believed you.
Matteo stopped reading.
He remembered.
Seven years earlier, Natalie had worn a simple ivory dress.
Her hair had been pinned with tiny pearls.
She had laughed when the wind nearly carried away her veil.
He'd promised her everything.
Protection.
Loyalty.
A family.
He'd meant those promises.
At least, he'd believed he had.
He continued.
I know we stopped talking about children because it hurt too much.
But something wonderful happened.
I'm twelve weeks pregnant.
The doctor says we need to be careful, but today I heard our baby's heartbeat.
I wish you could have been there.
Matteo covered his mouth.
He had missed the appointment.
He hadn't even known there was one.
I wanted to tell you tonight because I thought perhaps this could be our new beginning.
I love you, Matteo.
And I hope that when you see this photograph, you'll remember that once upon a time, we were happy simply being together.
Natalie.
Matteo lowered the letter.
Then looked toward the empty side of the bed.
May you like
For seven years, Natalie had waited.
Tonight, she'd finally stopped.
