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After a warm dinner, the temperature began to drop, prompting the five of them to retreat into the mansion. Leopold had already arranged for coffee to be served in the sitting room. With her pregnancy now revealed, Mary no felt need to hide her cravings. She declined the coffee and requested a glass of milk and a slice of cake–any flavor would do, as long it was sweet and satisfying
Mary settled into the spacious sofa in the sitting room with Albert on one side and Peter on the other. She couldn’t have felt happier. Surrounded by her family, she thought to herself, ‘Baby, we’re so lucky. We have everything we need. Your grandpa is with us, and your daddy loves us deeply.”
Catherine and Leonard sat on the couch opposite them. Catherine was positively beaming. Both of her grandsons would soon make her a great–grandmother and the family was growing Leonard, meanwhile, couldn’t take his eyes off Peter. It was hard to believe that the man sitting before him was his youngest son–the one he once doubted would ever settle down or amount to much. Seeing Peter’s affectionate gestures toward Mary reminded Leonard of himself in his younger days with his late wife,
Martina
Peter held Mary close, idly playing with her long hair, which soon lulled her into a deep sleep.
I told you,
she’s a sleepyhead! Pregnancy has made her even lazier,” Peter teased, standing to carry her to her room.
“Peter…” came a deep, raspy voice.
“Yes?”
Peter turned, his tone a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
“Son, I’d like to talk to you, man to man. Take Mary to rest and come back,” said Albert, his expression
serious.
Peter’s stomach flipped. This was his first real encounter with Albert, and now the man was requesting a private conversation. There was no way out of it. Peter would have to face whatever came his way like the mature man he prided himself on being, even if he was a bundle of nerves inside.
“Yes, Grandpa. I’ll take Mary and meet you in Grandma’s study,” Peter replied confidently. “Grandma, may we use your study?”
“Of course, my boy! Go right ahead,” Catherine said, giving him an encouraging smile.
Peter carried Mary to their room, gently removed her small shoes, and tucked her in with a light blanket. For a moment, he gazed at her sleeping form, his heart swelling.
“My love, no matter what happens, I’ll always love you. For you, I’m willing to do whatever your grandfather asks,” he whispered.
He kissed her cheek softly and slipped out of the room, carefully closing the door to avoid waking her. Walking to the study, his nerves heightened with each step. Finally, he arrived, knocked, and heard
Albert’s voice.
“Come in, my child. Come in.”
Peter stepped inside. “Grandpa, I…” he began hesitantly.
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“No need to be nervous, Peter. I’m not going to bite. I just want to talk to
you,” Albert said, his tone warm but firm. “I know you’re not yet married to my granddaughter. I’ve loved her as my own daughter since she was a little girl.” Albert sighed deeply, his gaze softening
“Grandpa, I love her more than anything. Please don’t doubt that,” Peter said, his voice steady despite
his nerves.
“I know you do, Peter. Your grandmother told me about my granddaughter’s marriage to your brother and how things didn’t turn out as Catherine had hoped. She feels deeply guilty for separating you and Mary in the first place,” Albert said, turning to look out the window.
He paused before turning back to Peter. The young man, though an adult, was clearly nervous, and Albert found a strange tenderness in that.
“My child, I need you to understand something. I’m tired. My health hasn’t been great, as you probably know. Your grandmother told me you’ve always kept an eye on me. I assume it’s because of Mary,” Albert said with a small smile.
“I’m glad to see she’s found what she deserves with you. I see it in the way you look at her and are for her Even I wasn’t as involved in parenting when my wife was pregnant, and yet here you are, practically an expert. I know things didn’t start well for you, but now you have a chance-a real chance–and I want you to make the most of it.”
Albert took a deep breath. “Mary suffered greatly under her father’s hand. In some ways, I’m thankful for everything that happened. Leaving the country gave her a chance at a better life. Did you know she and I once planned to steal a million dollars and disappear together? We were going to change our identities, travel the country, and she was going to buy a little car–a Beetle, she called it. She wanted to learn to drive, see the world, and live simply. But I didn’t have the courage to take her away, and I regret it deeply.
I
“Now, when I look at her, I see strength and resilience in her eyes. She’s happy with you, Peter. She survived everything your brother put her through, and that’s thanks to you. You never left her side. You’re a good man, Peter Palmer. All I ask is that you care for my girl. Sooner or later, I’ll be gone.”
“Grandpa, no! You’ll live to see your great–grandchildren,” Peter protested, distressed by Albert’s words.
“I’m being realistic. But I’ll leave this world knowing she’s in good hands. All I ask is that you marry her. Let me have the joy of walking her down the aisle. I’ll do everything in my power to be there for you both.”
“Grandpa, you don’t even have to ask. After Grandma’s birthday, I’ll talk to Mary about setting a wedding date. You’ll be there to walk her down the aisle, and you’ll see our children running through the house,” Peter promised fervently.
“Thank you, my boy. If I can’t make it, I’ll rest easy knowing my girl is safe with you. Here, I want you to give her this on your wedding day,” Albert said, handing Peter a small box.
Peter opened it to find a silver locket with a photo of Mary’s mother pregnant, her father holding her lovingly.
“Will you do this, Peter?” Albert asked with a wistful smile.
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“Of course, Grandpa. You have my word.”
Albert hugged him tightly. “You remind me of your father. Whatever’s between you two, Peter, now’s the time to forgive. You’ll be a father soon, and no matter what he’s done, you’ll find that fatherly advice can be invaluable.
“Grandpa, it feels like you’re saying goodbye. If anyone deserves farewells, it’s Mary, not me,” Peter said, his voice wavering.
“She’s pregnant. I won’t burden her with this. Her health comes first. I’m leaving her in your hands. Now, let’s enjoy this weekend,” Albert said, patting Peer’s back.
As they left the study, Albert had his arm around Peters shoulders, his expression serene. He was at peace, knowing his granddaughter was in good hands, even as he accepted that his time might soon come to an end.
