AN: I hope everyone's summer is going well. I will be fast-forwarding a bit. I hate being a killjoy but I hope these 2 chapters don't make readers too sad.
Courtney's POV
October
I couldn't believe how fast summer went it literally felt like it was here one moment and now fall is here. But life was getting beautiful.
As Duncan said we managed to go on vacation just the three of us, we went to Tofino for a week and spent it at a hotel by the ocean. It was so much fun and exactly what we needed to get some quality family time in before I and Serenity went back to school.
Serenity and the others were back in preschool and as luck would have it they all ended up in the same class together. They are now in the Jellyfish class.
Their class also had a new teacher and boy were we shocked to see Sadie. She was so happy seeing us and meeting our kids that of course, she squealed just like how she and Katie use to do back on TDI.
I found out that when she went to college she and Katie had a hard time keeping in touch, she missed her a lot. When I told her that Katie was dating DJ she got super stoked and soon after they reunited.
Then as September came around Lynn and Lincoln welcomed their new son Timothy born a week later. It was so exciting for the entire family.
Another set of great news is Duncan and I set our wedding date, we know we said summer but while walking with Serenity one weekend we came across this banquet hall. It had a huge spacious open floor for dining and dancing, a deck with lights hanging and the garden was beautiful with enough space to have the ceremony.
We spoke to the event director of the hall and asked if it's available in summer which unfortunately was fully booked but that there are lots of options in spring. Then without any hesitation, we said "Let's book it " and so our wedding is for the third week of April.
So now we were also planning our wedding.
As for myself I was taking on a full semester and working harder than ever, all my classes already had me busy especially when I have to intern in between during the week. It took a while to figure out but thankfully Duncan takes over when it comes to Serenity and Melinda also helps us if we're busy.
Once she not only picked up Serenity from school but she cleaned our place and cooked dinner, we couldn't have been more grateful to her. I love my mother-in-law.
Maybe this is why I've felt more at ease nowadays, because of the extra help. I couldn't be thankful for having great support.
Tuesday
5:00 PM
I know that it was a weeknight but Geoff and Bridgette invited us all over to have a barbecue, they had set up a nice long table in their yard.
Geoff was tending to the grill, they served both cold and warm drinks since it was fall and we were all just having a good time together. Especially with Bridgette now being 5 months pregnant, they wanted to have a bit of fun before they got busy with their daughter which they announced recently.
" Is it possible to be too happy? " asks Gwen gently rubbing her belly as her, me, Leshawna, Bridgette, Heather, Lindsey, Katie and Sadie sat together around the fire pit on lawn chairs.
" I don't think there's no such thing as being too happy" answers Leshawna smiling "Yeah I mean we all got something great going on and how things turned out better than we hoped " I replied "True," said Sadie nodding along with everyone.
Just then we heard our kids laughing and screaming, we turn to see them playing tag and at the moment Mikey was it which honestly looked like fun.
" Aw I can't believe how big they're getting," says Lindsey brightly smiling " I know I never wanted them to get big," said Gwen watching Louis run "Stop it you guys are gonna make me cry," says Bridgette wiping her eyes.
It was true our kids were getting bigger and it broke my heart knowing Serenity won't need me one day. Oh god, I need to get my mind off this now...
" Hey ladies food just about ready " called Trent walking towards us making us all stand up quickly and sigh in relief. " Here honey let me help you up," he said going to Gwen who had a hard time getting up from the chair.
Just as I was about to go help them my phone rang...
" Who could that be? " I asked looking at the screen to see a number I haven't seen in a while, answering quickly I speak...
Me: Hello Aunt Laura.
Laura: Oh Courtney, my dear how are you?
I take a few steps toward the table
Me: I'm great, thank you. I can't believe you're calling me.
Laura: I know my dear and I am so sorry for not being there for you, if I had known I would have brought you and the baby to come live with me
Me: It's okay, you know your sister all too well when she doesn't want bad news to be shared
Laura: * sighs * I know. Speaking of your mother...that's why I'm calling dear...you need to come home as soon as you can
Closing my eyes I take a breath...
Me: Aunt Laura I can't, if she's updated you on anything then you know I haven't talked to either her or Dad since July...
Laura: I know dear she called me out of the blue to tell me how you and your husband fought them for custody of your daughter, I'm very proud of you both.
Me: Thank you, but as for me coming I can't...
Laura: * Taking a deep breath * Courtney you have to...I don't know how to tell you this but...your father passed away
I stopped walking and stood frozen, my eyes still and my breathing slowed down...
Laura: He was away on a business trip in Washington, his coworkers noticed that he wasn't in the lobby and so they went to check on him. He didn't answer and when they got in his room, he was lifeless in his bed.
Me: Just like that?
I spoke quietly my voice sounding a bit shaken and my eyes getting wet...
" Mommy," says Serenity coming up to me "Hi honey " I breathed smiling at her "You okay? " she asks me which was getting the other's attention, which I didn't want.
Bridgette rushed over to me followed by Duncan "Babe what's wrong? " he asks me while Bridgette puts a hand on my shoulder...
Me: * swallowing * Ummm...Laura...let me call you back in a bit
Laura: Alright if you are unable to talk have your husband call me and I'll inform him
After I hung up I quickly turn to Duncan hugging him tightly, quietly crying in his shoulder. " What happened? " he asks holding me "My dad passed away " I whispered in his ear.
Duncan's POV
7:30 PM
Needless to say, Courtney's reaction couldn't be avoided by everyone Bridgette, Heather and Leshawna took her inside to the master bedroom to calm down and cry if she needed.
As for myself I currently was talking to her aunt Laura.
Geoff, DJ, Alejandro, Trent, Gwen, Tyler and Lindsey stood by. Meanwhile, Katie and Sadie entertained the kids so that they didn't hear anything.
Me: Thank you for the information, Miss
Laura: * chuckles * you may call me Laura, we're family after all. I appreciate you calling me, how's Courtney?
Me: Not good, her friends are with her now
Laura: she's always been an uptight strong stubborn girl that tries to not show weakness
Me: * smile * Yup that's why I love her
Laura: I'm glad she has you Duncan
Me: Well I'm glad someone from her family likes me
Laura: Apart from that, I've been arranging everything with my sister but today she's not good. I think the reality hit her today. And broke down.
Me: I think I understand why you called
Laura: Yes, she didn't want to call but she needs her daughter here or she will regret it
Me: Yeah and the last thing either of us wants is regret
Laura: Exactly. Then lastly there's a part that's going to require yourself and a couple of strong men if you know any that are available
My eyes open up hearing this then I turn to look at the guys...
Me: Uuuh...why do you ask?
Laura: Well...
Hearing what Laura was telling me now had me feeling lightheaded hearing what she asked, oh geez that was something but let's see and I'll have to call my brothers.
Laura: I convinced my sister, everyone attending so far isn't young and when I asked some of Peter's coworkers, they all chickened out. Shows who cares?
Me: Definitely, the man was a dick...oh shit uuuuuhh I'm very sorry for saying that
The guys just looked at me with shocked expressions, but when I heard Laura laughing I calmed down
Laura: That's the best laugh I've had in days. I called him a dick right to his face at their wedding
Me: Oooh man you gotta tell me that story, it sounds awesome
Laura: you got it. But please let me know if you can help us...the wake is Friday then Saturday is the funeral and burial service, lastly Sunday will be a last farewell
Me: Okay we'll be there Thursday night then
Laura: Thank you very much, Duncan, it's greatly appreciated
Me: Your welcome
After hanging up I sighed heavily. " You okay dude? " asks Trent passing me a drink "Yeah, the funeral service and burial is Saturday but we gotta head out early" I explained standing up.
" Oh boy, did her aunt say anything about Courtney's mom? " asks DJ concerned "My mother-in-law is a wreck today the reality of her husband gone kicked in " I explained heavily " which is why her aunt called " I add.
" Wow talk about hard," says Geoff "Death is a serious matter in my culture, it's days of mourning, families coming together to say their farewells and honour the one who's passed " explains Alejandro expressing a sad look with his eyes closed.
" There's something I need to ask of you guys but if you're not okay then I'll understand " I start feeling nervous "Hey ask we'll be more than welcome to help with anything," says Tyler I raise an eyebrow brow has no idea what he's getting into.
" They need help with the casket...it's custom that it's carried into and out of the church and then carried to the burial grounds at the cemetery," I said plainly only to see everyone's expressions.
" Woah that's something," says Trent nervous " That sounds like fun...what's a casket? " asks Lindsey making us all roll our eyes "Uh it's a type of box that has the deceased inside " explained Gwen looking at the blonde " ooooh I want one," she says now making us all grunt.
Just then Courtney steps out of the house with Bridgette and Heather holding an arm each as they walked, " it's okay girl " said Leshawna rubbing her back.
Courtney didn't look good at all my guess she cried hard, I better get her home and tell her everything about what me and Laura talked about.
" If you guys can help let me know," I said looking at the guys before I went to Courtney and called Serenity to let her know we were leaving.
Thursday
These past 24 hours were something.
When we got home from Geoff's Courtney sat in the living room not making a sound, she just stared at her hands not moving. Then once I put Serenity to bed I went and told her what her aunt told me.
After hearing everything she finally spoke asking "Is dad really gone? " sighing heavily I hold her hands while nodding. All night I just held and comforted her.
It surprised me when Courtney went to school the next day, my guess was to help keep herself busy, she let her professors know she won't be in class Friday. And when she came home she packed up for all of us, while telling me that we'll leave once Serenity finished school the next day.
I called Mom and Dad letting them know what happened then told them about the funeral.
They said they'll arrive Saturday morning, then I called Lincoln and John to ask them to help with the casket which they agreed to. Geoff and the others all agreed to help and said they will all be coming out Friday morning to attend the wake and the service.
Then lastly I let the guys at the shop know I'll be away for the funeral of my father-in-law. They all gave condolences to Courtney's family and that they'll pray for the soul, I appreciated their support.
Once all settled and packed we took the long drive back.
7:00 PM
I was currently driving to Courtney's parent's house, every so often glancing at my wife and Serenity playing with her dolls in her car seat.
During the drive Courtney was reading her law books so that she could get ahead, working on case studies and a term paper.
" Babe we're almost there," I said seeing the familiar street "Okay" she sighs closing her book " Never thought I'd be seeing this place again " she adds looking around as we drove. " Where are we Daddy? " asks Serenity staring out the window " We are going to Mommy's old house " I reply making a turn, geez I can't believe I remember this place.
" Mommy's house? " Serenity asked now looking at Courtney "Yes it's where I grew up honey " answers Courtney looking back at Serenity who smiles.
" And here we are, " I said pulling up in the driveway " Brings back memories being here " I add turning the car off "Same but there aren't many good ones I'd rather not remember," said Courtney unbuckling her seat belt then opening the door to her side.
I opened the trunk to get our bags, thankfully it was only a weekend. We were going to be wearing a lot of black which was kinda a bummer but it's a not-so-happy occasion. Thankfully I was able to borrow 2 more black one from John and the other from Tony, cause I only had one and it was going to be 3 days of funeral get-togethers.
Once Serenity was out of the car and I got the bags we made our way to the house, " Serenity you need to be on your best behaviour okay " said Courtney holding her hand "Yes Mommy" she answers holding her doll in hand " it's gonna be quite the weekend " I breathed looking at the house which has not changed since I last came.
Ringing the doorbell we wait for someone to answer " I'm kinda nervous " says Courtney turning to look at me " I know babe but let's just breathe for now and brace ourselves for whatever is coming " I answered smiling lightly which made her do the same.
Just then the door opens and standing there is a woman in her mid 40's who oddly looks like Courtney but with dark brown hair mixed with grey strands.
" Oh my dear...look at you so beautiful and grown up," she says stepping forward and hugging Courtney " Aunt Laura I've missed you " whimpers Courtney hugging her back.
I smile seeing them, my guess is they must have a good relationship.
Maybe better than the one she has with her mom.
Courtney's POV
The second Aunt Laura hugged me I couldn't help but cry I haven't seen her since I was 15. She's my moms' little sister and my only favourite aunt, I swear whenever I was feeling uncertain about something I could always talk to her more than my mom.
Laura was a doctor and heart surgeon, living in Manitoba with her husband who was a contractor and her daughter ( my cousin ) who I last heard got married and then moved to New Brunswick.
She was the only one who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and her pep talks always helped me. When I wanted to audition for TDI, she convinced me to go for it reminding me that I'm still young and should have fun. Along with saying to loosen up and just enjoy being a teenager because she didn't realize that her niece was so uptight.
Of course, I didn't believe her but when all I heard everyone call me at camp was uptight, I guess she was right.
Now seeing her in front of me brought me lots of comfort and peace.
" I've really missed you " I breathe as we parted "Not as much as I've missed you...oh who is this handsome man with the bags, " she says looking at Duncan "Oh Laura this is Duncan, my husband, " I said letting him walk forward.
" I'd shake your hand but there a bit full at the moment " he laughs as we realize he must be getting sore from holding them.
" I'm losing myself come in and put those bags down, " says Laura as we go inside the house which to Duncan was a relief because the bags were a bit heavy "Forgive me I kinda got caught up in the moment " she adds closing the door. " No worries it's just so nice seeing you again " I replied helping Duncan take one of the bags.
" Oh my goodness who is this adorable little version of you? " Laura asks looking at Serenity who was standing by Duncan " This is our daughter Aunt Laura...Serenity " I said smiling.
Laura crouches down to Serenity "Hello there darling " she says smiling brightly "Hello " greets Serenity "You are so beautiful you look just like your mommy when she was little " explains Laura only to make Serenity hide her face in Duncan's pant leg.
I couldn't help but smile at Aunt Laura, but not wanting to ruin the moment I look around to see if my mother was around but I didn't see her.
" Umm...Laura, where's mom? " I asked turning to look at her then she immediately stands up "She's upstairs but I need to warn you dear...she's been crying most of the day and having moments " explains Laura looking sad " I understand...how did dad die? " I asked feeling my eyes get wet.
" He just passed in his sleep there was no sign of any serious illness or drug abuse thankfully he just went " explains Laura holding my hand " damn gone just like that " breaths Duncan holding me "Exactly it's just hard to believe he's - "
" Peter "
We all turn to look at the top of the stairs carrying suits, ties, shirts and even a picture was Mom.
I gasped seeing her, she was a complete mess. Her hair was out of place, swollen eyes, and tears stains and the clothes she wore were mismatched.
" Sophia " gasps Laura rushed to her " Mom " I breathed following when we got to her she started crying...
" He's not gone...no...no...no...please tell me Peters not gone " cried Mom into dads shirt "My husband is not dead " she whimpers falling on her knees.
I got her first and when I did I hugged her "Oh Mom" I breathed "Come Sophia let's go lay down " said Laura grabbing her arm while I grabbed the other before we took her to her room.
As soon as we got her back to the bedroom I looked around to see boxes of dad's clothes packed.
My guess is this is what must have triggered the reality, knowing dad won't come back to this house or room, hearing his voice or even seeing him was hard to imagine.
" Mom do you want me to do this for you, " I asked as she sat on the bed " Sophia we know it's hard but you need to put Peters's belongings away," said Laura trying to comfort her sister.
Shaking her head " No I'm just not ready...to let go of my husband...he was a strong determined man who only wanted the best for us " says Mom looking at his things.
" Mom, Dad was a hard worker and he did great things for us that we will never forget...and it's up to us to keep going," I said standing by her " Courtney is right Sophia you need to get yourself together," says Laura only to get shoved away " are you serious? " she exclaimed upset.
" You always hated him ever since I dated Peter you always got into arguments with him," says Mom frowning at Laura " You never gave him a chance and at our wedding you still never accepted him but now that he's dead you must be thrilled " Mom adds standing up.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing "Mom come on don't be like this, " I said approaching her but then she turns to me " And you Courtney you were a huge disappointment to us...after everything we did for you giving you a good life with many opportunities and preparing you for a successful future all of it was thrown away " she says frowning at me.
Hearing her say those words hurt but also they were triggering something in me...
" Sophia that is enough!!!! How dare you speak like that to your daughter " says Laura protecting me...
" Are you kidding me..." I started balling my hands into fists getting angry...
Both Mom and Laura stare at me...
" Now you listen here, Mom...You're calling me a disappointment...that's a huge fuckin joke...for as long as I could remember all I ever did was do what you both wanted me to do " I state giving an intense look " You wanted me to get good grade...I did...you wanted me to be on top of everything...I did...you wanted me to be a leader in Academic Clubs and the Debate Team...I did...but were you both ever there or congratulated me whenever I did any of it...no " I breathed.
" No matter what I did in school, what my test scores were, or winning an award you and Dad were never there to see it or would say...you need to be great this isn't enough " wiping my eyes from tears.
Mom stared at me with a shocked expression, while Laura listened she knew this all too well because I told her but to Mom, this was the first time hearing it.
" And then when I got pregnant you both shamed me making it the worst accomplishment I could achieve " I breathed "You both made me feel so alone in this world that at times I wish I could have just disappeared from you both " finishing what I said I burst out crying.
I never could say this out loud to my parents but I finally said it.
Feeling a pair of arms around me I open my eyes to see mom hugging me...
" I'm so sorry Courtney...I didn't mean for you to feel like this " she says holding my face " Your father and I truly only wanted you to be the best but I never knew you how bad were hurting inside " said Mom wiping my tears.
" I wanted you both to be proud of me for everything not avoid me " I breathed "Your father and I never meant for you to feel like this at all...it's selfish to say that we always put our careers first instead of you " explained Mom feeling guilty " yes it is...do you know how lonely I was and all the promises you guys broke " I replied looking to the side.
" Courtney, please forgive me for how I've been and how your father was " she pleads holding my hands " I take back what I said you've never been a disappointment to us we were only upset when you got pregnant...and your right we shouldn't have shamed or looked down on you during those times " mom adds looking sincere.
It was the first time seeing her like this and she meant it " Mom It's not just me you need to apologize to but also Duncan and your granddaughter Serenity " I proclaimed looking into her eyes.
" Sophia it's never too late, " said Laura standing beside us "How could I've been so cruel to a sweet little girl, " says Mom shaking her head " I lost so much time being a grandmother " she adds looking down.
" You still have time to be her grandmother, " I said smiling at her "Start now, " says Laura grinning...
Duncan's POV
7:15 PM
I hope things were going well amongst them, once they went upstairs, we noticed the living room had been moved around and chairs were set up. As well as a couple of tables.
My guess it was for tomorrow's wake then we came across a table with photos of my father-in-law, there were all kinds of photos of him from when he was a kid, teenager til his adulthood, wedding and there was even one of him and Courtney when she was 2 or 3.
" Why are there pictures Daddy? " Serenity asks gazing at them "It's kind of sharing a life story " I answered staring "Why? " she asks looking at me before answering I pick her up and hold her close to me, this is gonna be a tough conversation.
"Sadly honey your grandpa passed away meaning his time with us sadly ended...but even though he's not here with us he'll always watch over us and if we ever miss him we'll have memories of him " I explained checking her to see if she's okay " is that why mommy and gamma were sad? " she asks me "Yeah grandpa was important to them " I reply rubbing her back.
" So sad, " she says hugging me "Yeah it is that's why everyday I cherish my time with Mommy and you " I replied smiling at her " I'm happy you're with me Daddy, " said Serenity looking at me this time I smile back at her.
After a while, we both got hungry and wandered off to the kitchen. Thankfully I found some things to make us at least a grilled cheese each.
" Here you two are? " says Courtney walking in with both Laura and my mother-in-law Sophia.
When I saw her she looked a bit better, she cleaned herself up and changed into more presentable attire.
" Ooh is that grilled cheese? " asks Courtney's mom walking over to me " Uh...yeah it is " I answered before plating it "Well at least you know your way around the kitchen...that's one thing Peter couldn't do " she laughs watching me slice it in half " here you go honey," I said putting the plate in front of Serenity " yay thank you daddy " replied Serenity before biting it.
" Oh, you all must be starving again where are my manners " exclaimed Laura rushing to look around for some food "How about we order some food " she adds taking her phone out.
" Can I offer you, ladies, a sandwich? " I asked but then I noticed Sophia looking at me with crossed arms and an observant expression "Uh yes Mrs.Preston? " I asked waiting to hear what she says.
Turning to look at Courtney she sighs heavily "Do you love him Courtney? " she asks only to make her chuckle which I didn't get why "Mom I love him awful " answers Courtney then Sophia looks back at me "Oh god that's too bad " she replies before looking back at me " well if you make her happy then I can accept that but promise me you'll treasure her " she says smiling lightly at me.
Holy shit was I getting her blessings? If so then alright.
" I promise and I love her deeply " I answer looking between her and Courtney " Peter would have been harder on you but now it's me so you have my blessings Duncan but also I hope you can forgive us," she says wiping her eyes.
Putting a hand on her shoulder "Yes I forgive you and thank you for your blessing " I said gently hugging her which she returned.
" My oh my your quite built and masculine no wonder Courtney loves you," she says running her hands along my back and arms " Okay Mom that's enough," said Courtney coming to save me.
" This is yummy," says Serenity as she ate the sandwich " I'm glad you like it " I replied.
Then Sophia went to Serenity " Hello little one " she greets smiling "Hi gamma " said Serenity looking at her "You're so beautiful just like your mommy, especially with those eyes that you got from your daddy " sighs Sophia caressed Serenity's cheek "Thank you " she says back " the last time I saw you...you were a tiny baby but there were times I wished I had gotten the chance to hold you " whimpers Sophia as tears fall.
We watched and listened to her but just then Serenity wiped her tears away "Don't be sad gamma " she said before hugging Sophia "We love you and Gampa " she added followed by Sophia hugging and carrying Serenity in her arms "Oh my lovely granddaughter " said Sophia kissing her head.
Courtney covered her mouth so that she didn't cry loud and I just inhaled deeply, boy tonight seemed that lots of things got resolved and finally settled.
Even though the next few days will be emotional, at least finally there's peace among us.
AN: Let me know what you think. And I know a bit longer than expected.