Chapter 1
Loose Ends
After everything we’ve been through, why this?
“You can’t be serious, Wade. Everything is almost done here at Mistwood Point and you’ll be free to move to Windhaven. We have more than enough room at my dad’s house. Why on earth would you want to get an apartment?” I say, combing my fingers through my hair.
Wade sets down the cardboard box, letting it teeter precariously on top of a small stack of others just like it. “I know you don’t get it, and to be honest, it’s hard to explain. I guess after everything that’s gone on, I just don’t think I’m comfortable with that. It’s not you, not at all. This whole thing with my grandpa, going through all of his belongings and life history—it hit me harder than I expected, and I just need some space alone to think.”
My heart skips a beat, practically plummeting into my stomach.
Alone.
Not a good sign.
Taking a deep breath, I pinch the bridge of my nose. This is also about the conversation with the man at the cemetery last fall. I know it is.
“Wade, is there anything you want to tell me? Anything that’s been on your mind since…I don’t know, your grandpa’s funeral?” I ask, once again trying to open the door that will allow him to be honest with me.
His silver eyes widen, and he blinks back surprise. Holding very still for a moment, his gaze turns downward and his jaw clenches. “I—not really. I mean, I know I’ve been a bit off. It’s just…losing everyone who’s related to you, it kind of cuts a hole, you know? I need to make sure I’m in a good place for us.”
I nod, trying to ignore the sinking feeling. “I get that.”
There’s a ring of truth to his words, but I can sense there’s so much more in the undercurrents of his thoughts. Why won’t he open up to me?
I narrow my gaze, watching his movements.
He fidgets with the lid of the box, refusing to look back up at me. “Besides, after taking care of everything here, the last thing I want to do is bring you down before the new semester starts. Getting some independence again will help me get grounded, literally.”
“I understand wanting space and independence, and I’m trying to be supportive of whatever you need. It’s just—there’s plenty of space at the manor. Take a whole wing, if you want. I don’t mind,” I say, standing up and walking over to him. I place my hand on his upper arm, hoping he’ll hold me close.
He twists around, wrapping his arms around me. “It’s not that simple, Autumn. I wish I could explain it in a way that makes sense for you, but it doesn’t even fully make sense to me. You’ll have to just trust me. This is for the best.”
“It doesn’t feel like it…” I whisper, blinking back tears.
“Hey, don’t be sad. This isn’t goodbye. Not at all. I’m moving closer, remember?” he says, tipping my chin up to look at him.
I nod. “I know.”
His lips curve upward as he traces my eyebrow with his pointer finger. “This will work out really well, you’ll see.”
He places his chin on the top of my head and we stand in the middle of his grandpa’s living room, both of us refusing to make a move. There are so many unanswered questions and feelings of upheaval.
I know I’m going to have to ask him outright about what I saw at the graveyard, but I need to build up the courage first. It’s been weeks, and neither one of us have brought it up. I had hoped by now he would have opened up to me on his own time. Instead, I’ve had to go into research mode, trying to figure out who the man was. Of course, with absolutely no luck whatsoever.
“Wade, I need to ask you something…” I begin.
His gaze lifts to mine, but the moment is broken by a knock on the door. He holds up a finger. “Hold that thought, okay?”
I exhale, letting my shoulders relax.
Wade shoots me an apologetic look and walks to the front door.
“Can I help you?” he asks, standing in the doorway with one hand resting on the frame.
I crane my head, trying to get a better view. A short man with a dark comb-over and navy-blue suit stands in the doorway. It’s not the man from the graveyard, but his appearance screams “official business.”
“Mr. Hoffman, good. I was hoping you’d be here. I’ve been trying to get in touch, but you’re a difficult man to get ahold of,” the man says, pulling his briefcase forward and clutching it to his chest. “We have a date for the official reading of the will.”
Wade nods, sweeping his right arm out to allow the man inside.
The man tips his head and steps into the entry, then walks to the living room. When he sees me, he smiles and says, “Ma’am.”
“Please, it’s Autumn,” I say, holding my hand out.
He takes my hand, giving it a good shake. “David Moore. Mr. Hoffman’s estate attorney.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say, shooting him a genuine smile.
Wade steps around Mr. Moore and cleans off the small coffee table in the middle of the room.
Taking the hint, the lawyer drops his briefcase and clicks it open. Inside is a large manilla envelope, which he pulls out, and then snaps the case shut.
“Here are the details. The closing for the house is set for the first Friday of January, and we will go over the reading of the will two weeks from then. All of the location details are in the envelope, as well as the information we’ve received from your grandfather and you. I’d like for you to review it to make sure there’s nothing we’re missing,” he says, handing Wade the packet.
Wade clears his throat, swallowing hard. He takes the envelope and drops his arm to his side without even looking at it.
“Okay,” he mumbles.
Mr. Moore’s lips press tightly, and he attempts a smile. “I truly am sorry for your loss, Wade. Your grandfather was a good man. I thoroughly enjoyed our talks through the years. He was very fond of you.”
“Yeah,” Wade says, biting on the inside of his cheek.
The awkward silence fills the space between them, and I step forward. “Is there anything else he needs to take care of? Or is that all?”
Mr. Moore takes a step back and shakes his head. “No, that’s all for today. I just needed to make sure in person that Mr. Hoffman was aware of these final details. Thank you both for allowing me to take the time. Have a nice night.” He pats Wade on the shoulder and turns back the way they came in. Wade doesn’t move a muscle. Instead, his forehead is scrunched in thought.
“Here, I’ll show you out,” I say, stepping around them both and leading the way.
I open the door and smile as Mr. Moore steps out onto the front steps. He nods but continues on his way. When he’s gotten into his black Lexus, I close the door and turn back to Wade.
“Everything okay?” I say, entering the living room. Wade hasn’t moved from where I left him.
He flings the packet onto the coffee table and nods.
“You knew this was coming, right? I mean, isn’t this what you wanted?” I ask. “To finally have it all come to a close?”
“Yeah, it is. It’s just…strange, you know?” he says, trying to smooth out the pained expression that’s taken over his features.