Thank you to jkane180 for editing. And thank you guys for reading.

Chapter Twenty-Five — Rosalie — Mr. Masen's Visit

A few weeks went by, bringing with them upcoming semester finals. I still had Adam on my mind, but there wasn't much I could do. I had to respect what he wanted—for me to live my life. Unfortunately, I always knew he'd never be a part of it again, but that didn't stop me from still hoping.

I guess it was easy, and normal, to dream no matter how much I knew those dreams were never going to be real.

As it was getting much warmer, Jake and Aiden were at the beach surfing a lot—at least when Jake wasn't working, in class, or studying.

We were all really looking forward to summer break. We'd have plenty of time to hang out together and had even planned a few trips, including Disneyland, which Aiden was beyond thrilled about.

When Aiden and Jake finally made it back from their morning surf, they both cutely passed out on one of the sofa chairs together, probably beat from the sun and activity.

Alice had called me up when I was in the middle of studying, asking if I wanted to come over for a swim because she was alone and not doing anything. The offer was too good to refuse, so I carried Aiden to his bed so he'd get a more comfortable nap and woke Jake long enough to get him to at least stretch out on the couch.

When I arrived at Alice's, she was already making drinks for us. I reclined in the lounge chair, ready to tan for at least an hour before hopping in the pool. Alice joined me. We had a couple of drinks and talked about random things, mainly Aiden's birthday, which was coming up in a week.

There was something that made me really excited about planning his big day for him every year and celebrating another year of him making my life wonderful. He was definitely the best thing I'd ever done.

Alice had very generously offered their huge backyard for it. I could always count on her.

Not much time had passed before my cellphone began vibrating on the small table between Alice and I. Seeing it was Jake, I answered, "Hey sleepy, you two awake?"

"Ah, yeah... You should come home." I'd never heard him so serious; my heart instantly felt like it was being ripped in two.

I sat up quickly and pushed my sunglasses atop my head. "What is it? Aid?"

"Aiden's fine; we're fine... Just come home, okay?"

Alice sat up too, looking at me with a worried expression. "What's going on?" she asked.

"I'll be right there." I hung up, looking at her. "Jake needs me."

"Everything okay?"

"He didn't say... Doesn't sound like it though," I told her while grabbing my clothes and putting them back on in a hurry.

"Want me to come?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm okay. It might be nothing." I had no idea what it might be, but as long as the two of them were okay, I wasn't going to lose it just yet.

"Call me when you can."

She made me promise, following me over to my car. I gave her a hug before getting into my car and driving off.

Getting home had never felt like such a slow process, even though I did speed, probably more than I should have. By some miracle, I didn't get pulled over.

I rushed up to the apartment and pushed the door open, seeing Aiden sitting on the couch with a bowl of fruit salad watching cartoons.

"You okay, darling?"

He nodded, looking to the dining table.

Jake was sitting there with a man I'd never seen before. He was probably around my age, dressed in a suit and looking very professional. They both stood to greet me. I wondered if he worked with Jake.

"What's going on?" I tried not to sound worried, but it didn't work.

"My name's Edward Masen. I'm so sorry to drop in like this, Miss Cullen, but it was the only contact information I had to work with." He extended his hand.

I shook it. "Okay... May I ask what you're doing here?"

"Of course. Can we sit?"

I looked to Jake, who seemed worried also. He pulled out the chair he'd been sitting in for me and excused himself, saying he was going to check on Aiden.

I sat down, eyeing the stranger in my apartment. It made me extremely uneasy.

"I'm one of Mr. King's estate lawyers, Miss Cullen—"

"Royce or Adam?" My voice shook, either one would probably be bad news at this point.

"Adam. I'm sorry... He passed away last month."

I felt tears sting my eyes, threatening to escape even though I wouldn't let them. Outwardly, around strangers, I tried to appear as numb as possible when things hurt me the way his words just had.

"Are you okay?"

I blinked and nodded, taking a deep breath to compose myself and get a better hold on my emotions.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to make it over earlier, but I had to wait for everything to get finalized. I had very specific instructions from Mr. King about coming here... He'd like you to come into New York for the will reading with the rest of the family but stated that he understands if you refuse to come... I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon, and you'll have until noon tomorrow to decide and give me a call."

I barely noticed him sliding his card over to me for the contact information. How did he expect me to process this so quickly?

"I have a letter for you. I can leave it, and all the other information, here for you now, then you can call me when you've decided... I could also stay if you'd like, answer any questions you have."

"How did he die?" I asked before he was even done speaking.

I stared at him, feeling hollow as he explained that Adam had been living with cancer for awhile now.

"I searched his name not long ago, couldn't have been a month. Why didn't anything show up?"

"Because of some legal trouble between his son and brother, we had to keep it private for as long as possible. His family had a very small, intimate funeral for him. If you'd searched his name a week later, you would have found something probably."

After sitting there silently for a few moments, I opened the folder Mr. Masen had placed before me. Inside was a white envelope with my name on it. I ran my fingers over the letters, instantly remembering Adam's handwriting—I'd kept the small amount of birthday cards Aiden had from his grandfather, all in the same handwriting.

I had so much to tell him, and now I would never get the chance. All I had from him now was this letter that couldn't possibly be enough. I so badly wished for one of his warm hugs.

"If... I came to New York with you, how long would I have to stay?"

"As little or as long as you'd like. The plane will be available to you whenever you'd like to come home. You wouldn't have to stay any longer than the will reading. And if you decide not to come, I'd make another trip over for your own reading. I don't mind either way; it's my job. I'm just sorry it's such sad news I'm delivering."

I heard and felt Jake behind me as he placed his hands on my shoulders. "Everything okay?"

I stared at the envelope for another minute before looking back at him. "Would you show Mr. Masen out?"

He nodded.

I looked back at Mr. Masen. "I'll be sure to call you when I decide. Noon tomorrow?"

He nodded and stood up, gathering his things. "Thank you for your time."

No time passed before Jake was next to me at the table again. "Baby, what's going on?"

"Adam... died... Can you... I'm sorry. Can you take Aiden out for a bit? I just need some time."

He took my hand and held it tightly. "You sure you want to be alone?"

"Just for a bit. I need to think straight. I can't right now..." I looked into his trusting eyes and raised my hand to his face. "I don't want to be alone for too long though."

He nodded and leaned in to kiss me. "We'll go get something to eat. You want anything?"

"No, thanks. I'm okay."

"I'll have my cell on me. We won't go far."

I nodded and smiled as best I could, watching as the two of them left. I was glad Jake knew me well enough to know I wouldn't ask for time alone unless I actually wanted it. I was sure I'd need him soon, when the tears and emotions actually decide to erupt.

It took me awhile to bring myself to open the envelope. I wasn't ready for a goodbye. But it didn't really matter; no one was ever truly ready for goodbyes.

To my dearest Rosie,

There's so much to say and so much I wish I was there for in these years we've spent apart.

First, I have to ask for your forgiveness. Please understand why I wanted to keep my sickness hidden. I wanted to live normally for as long as I could and not have anyone treat me differently because I was going to die. I know this will hurt you because you made me feel special, like a father who's done a good job should. You've always been brave, and you will be for this too. I hope you grieve quickly and only remember the good things about me. I hope those things make you smile instead of cry… I hope that when you think of me your day brightens just a little like mine does when I think of you and Aiden.

Secondly, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I'm sorry I cut off all contact between us. When I look back, I wish I'd at least sent birthday cards and gifts. Please tell my grandson that he made me so happy, just knowing he was out there with his mom, living his life and no doubt brightening everyone's days like he did mine.

More than anything though, I hope that the two of you have settled and found yourselves a happy life there with lots of friends to share good times with.

You both make me incredibly proud.

There's no easy transition to this, but I know it's something that must be on your mind: Royce.

After he realized I'd helped the two of you leave, we didn't talk for a long while. His addiction became worse. I'm honestly not sure if it was because he was saddened or relieved that he'd lost you two.

He came back around when he met a young woman named Victoria. She's no you, but she was good for him. She got him sober, especially when she told him she was pregnant.

The two of them married and blessed me with getting to meet my granddaughter Lexi. I'm not sure when you'll be reading this, Rosie, but with the rate I'm going, I'm guessing not long, so she's still probably under a year old.

I know it's hard to believe, but he truly has changed. He's grown and, it seems, finally become an adult. I wouldn't ask you to come to the will reading if I wasn't absolutely sure it was safe. I am now. I truly believe he knows the mistakes he made with you and feels badly for them.

I'm not asking you to give him a second chance in yours or Aiden's life. I'm telling you this so that you know you're free—free not to worry and hide. You're stunning, and you shouldn't have to hide that, or any part of yourself from anyone.

Be all you've ever wanted, and do all you've ever wanted, and make sure my grandson does too.

Don't be sad for me. I'm happy I'll finally get to see my Rachel again. I know she'll be there waiting, wherever 'there' may be.

Thank you for brightening my life. I love you more than words can express.

Adam