Legacy by M.A. Foster

_____________________________

Dylan

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”

Today is Willow’s third birthday, and at three, she knows birthdays mean parties, cake, and presents. The outside patio and the area around the pool deck are decorated in pastel colors and Willow’s current obsession: unicorns. Including the giant unicorn raft—a gift from “Uncle Dilly,” as she likes to call me—floating in the middle of the pool.

Willow is currently on Cole’s lap, and while a two-tiered unicorn cake sits on the table in front of her, her attention is fixed on the iPad propped up in the middle of the table where my cousin Jay is singing along on FaceTime. Zach is sitting beside Cole with his niece, Zoe, on his lap.

A small hand settles against the middle of my back, and I look down to see Emerson smiling up at me. She isn’t overly affectionate, but she’s compassionate. She knows today isn’t just Willow’s birthday but also the anniversary of the day I lost my first love. If anyone understands what it feels like to lose the love of your life, it’s Emerson. It’s been eighteen months since Uncle Marcus passed away, and in that time, Emerson packed up her life, including her bodyguard, Bass, and her house manager, Grace, and moved back to Heritage Bay. While settling into her new normal, she and Liam’s childhood best friend, Cam, had grown close, and eventually they fell in love. It was fast, but she’s happy—and very pregnant. She and Cam are expecting a little boy in November.

Curling an arm around her shoulders, I hug her to my side, letting her know I’m okay.

“Happy birthday to Willow, happy birthday to you.”

Pulling out my phone, I snap several photos of Willow as she leans forward and blows out her candle shaped like the number three. We all clap, including her, and that makes me chuckle.

Willow has definitely changed the dynamics in our family of boys. Those days of foulmouthed jabs and crude gestures between brothers are no longer allowed with her in the house. And that’s not my parents’ rule, it’s Cole’s. Go figure.

Despite who she belongs to, Willow’s rough start into the world has taught us that life is precious and can be taken from us when we least expect it. Her sensitivity has taught us to be a little kinder. Her curiosity has taught us to be patient and to appreciate the simple things we sometimes take for granted. And her unconditional love has taught us that even when we make mistakes, we can be forgiven.

My gaze darts to Cole to find him watching me with a smile on his face, but he’s not smiling at me. He’s smiling because he’s happy. Cole is living his best life at the moment with his beautiful daughter, a fiancée, and a football scholarship. His only problem in life is me. He’s pissed at me, has been ever since he found out about my connection to Jade six months ago thanks to her half-sister, Harper, and her secret journal—Jade’s journal.

His eyes lock with mine, a storm of emotion swirling in them. Heartbreak and guilt crackle between us like lightning, the air thick with tension as pain and betrayal hang over us like a dark cloud.

Averting my gaze, I lock eyes with a different set of green ones. Different but familiar. Other than their eyes, Harper and Jade couldn’t have been more different in their appearances. Jade was petite with black hair and olive skin. Harper is on the taller side with red hair and pale skin. The only other thing they had in common was their lies.

I learned from my parents that Jade had been the sole caretaker of her younger sister. A sister I knew nothing about, meaning there was no father in the picture, and I wondered why she never told me. Because of HIPAA laws, my family wasn’t given any information about Jade’s younger sister other than she was being taken care of.

Last year, Alex and I hired Harper Murphy for a server’s position at Mac’s. By then, Alex had moved into the apartment across from mine, graduated from college, and was a manager at Mac’s. We were short-staffed, and all the applications on file belonged to a doe-eyed member of the Cole Mackenzie fan club. I’d tossed out every single one, but somehow Harper’s fell into Alex’s hands. Call it luck, call it fate, but she made it to an interview. There was something oddly familiar about her, but as far as I knew, she was one of the hundreds of redheads who’d frequented Mac’s. My gut told me she was more than just an average teenager looking for a job, but it was the pleading in her eyes that had me caving and offering it to her.

I should’ve recognized those same pleading eyes.

I had to give it to Harper though. She promised she would work hard, and true to her word, in less than a month, she became Mac’s best server and my dad’s favorite employee. She also became Jay’s best friend—and Cole’s obsession.

I’d warned my brother to stay away from her, but in typical Cole fashion, my warning only spurred him on.

Then everything went to shit when he found a journal in Harper’s nightstand. It had originally belonged to Harper and Jade’s mother, but Jade had written in it, too.

Cole read enough to learn that Harper was Jade’s sister, and that I was acquainted with Jade. He flipped the fuck out, and honestly, I can’t say I blame him. I never asked what was said about me in that journal, but whatever it was provoked him to take a swing at me, which turned into a brawl in my parents' front yard.

Needless to say, Cole and Harper worked it out. They’re now engaged and living in my parents’ pool house.

Things have cooled between Cole and me, but it doesn’t diminish the hurt and betrayal he still feels.

Nor does it ease my guilt.

* * *

The cake has been cut, presents opened, and after an hour of playing in the pool, Willow is worn the hell out. She’s curled up in my lap with her head on my chest, eyes half open because she doesn’t want to miss anything.

“Look at you,” Mimi says, taking me in. “You’re a natural. You’re gonna make a good father someday.”

I bristle at the thought. I’m in no hurry to settle down and start a family, much less fall in love again.

My gaze darts to my mother to see the anguish in her eyes, and I know I’m the reason for it.

Harper squats down beside my chair. “Come on, Willow. It’s time for a bath.”

“No, Ahpee,” she whines. “I comtaball.”

A laugh rumbles in my chest. “She’s comfortable,” I reiterate, and Harper shakes her head with an amused smile.

“I know you are, baby, but you have chlorine in your hair. If we don’t wash it, you’ll get tangles.”

“No, I don’t want tangles.”

“I know.” Harper stands and holds out her arms. “Give Uncle Dylan a kiss and thank him for the present.”

Willow shifts in my lap and kisses my cheek. “Fank you, Dilly, for my pwesent.”

“You’re welcome, birthday girl.” I kiss the top of her head and help her as she reaches for Harper.

Pushing up from the chair, I round the table and say my goodbyes.

“I’m taking off,” I tell my mother as I bend and kiss her cheek. “Where’s Cole?” I scan the backyard but don’t see him anywhere.

“I think he went with Harper,” Emerson says as I lean over and hug her goodbye.

“Are you leaving?” Mimi asks.

“Yeah,” I reply as I move over to her and kiss her on the temple. “I have some paperwork to do.”

She grabs my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “Let’s get together for lunch next week. Just the two of us?”

“You know where to find me.”

“I sure do.”

Cutting through the house, I say goodbye to my dad and Mac before slipping out the front door and heading to my truck.

“Dylan.” I spin around to see Cole hurrying toward me. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah. I’ve got some paperwork to do.”

Stopping a foot away from me, he clasps his hands behind his neck as he studies my face.

“What’s up?” I ask.

“We didn’t get to talk much today. I wanted to know if you’re okay.”

“I’m fine.”

“It’s okay if you’re not. Today’s been hard on Harper, too.”

I drop my gaze to the ground. “Thanks for asking, but we’re not doing this today, Cole.”

“You owe me a conversation, Dylan.”

I lift my head and scowl. “I don’t owe you shit.”

He drops his hands to his sides, balling them into fists. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?” he yells, his face turning red, nostrils flared.

Cole is a hothead, especially when he’s pissed or provoked, and he has no problem with confrontation. He’s as fierce as he is fearless, which has always worked in his favor when he’s on the field facing guys sometimes twice his size. Unfortunately, he doesn’t keep it on the field.

“Have you ever considered that maybe I kept my mouth shut to protect you? That maybe I didn’t want to hurt you, or make you feel guilty for knocking up the girl I was in love with?” I snark.

He’s on me in a flash, pinning me against the side of my truck with my T-shirt curled in his grip. “You don’t fucking get it, Dylan. You did hurt me. I looked up to you. I needed you. Do you have any idea how it made me feel seeing the look of disgust and disappointment on your face every time you looked at me?” His voice cracks, and his eyes well with tears. “Harper didn’t just lose her sister that day. I lost my brother.”

I shove him away, and he stumbles back a few steps before coming at me again.

A forearm hooks around him from behind and yanks him back. “What the hell is going on?” Zach grunts as Cole struggles in his hold.

“What the fuck are you two fighting about now?”

Our heads snap to the side to find Aiden and his best friend, Chloe, standing in the driveway watching our heated exchange. Aiden’s face is twisted in annoyance, and Chloe looks horrified.

“Watch your mouth, Aiden!” I chastise.

“Aiden,” my dad bellows from the front porch. “Leave him alone, Cole.”

I straighten my T-shirt and move to the driver side door, yanking it open. “I’m out,” I call as I hop inside and settle behind the wheel.

A light knock on my window startles me. I look over to see my dad standing there.

Rolling down the window, I brace myself for the verbal blow.

“You need to talk to him.”

“About what, Dad? He knocked up my girl, she died, and now he’s raising their kid. What else is there to talk about?”

“Jesus, Dylan. It’s not his fault.”

I drag my hands down my face. “I know it’s not.”

“Then stop treating him like it is.” He pauses. “I know you’re hurting and angry with the world, and you have every right to be, but you’re taking it out on the wrong person. Do you have any idea how guilty he feels?”

“Have you ever considered that maybe I feel guilty, too? All of this is my fault.”

He shakes his head. “None of this is your fault.”

“None of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t taken Cole to that party. Maybe then Jade would still be alive. Maybe she would’ve been pregnant with my baby. Instead, I’m stuck in the what-ifs while my brother has happily moved on with his daughter and fiancée.”

Dad yanks open my truck door and steps into my space, his face etched with concern. “Son, you don’t know that. There are so many what-ifs in this situation, but the outcome is exactly as it was meant to be. Cole didn’t ask for this, but he accepted it. He was given choices, but he chose Willow. He put her needs and wants above his own. He gave up the girlfriend, the parties, and his social life altogether. That didn’t stop him from trying to do better, to be better. For Willow. For Harper. For our family. Do you think Jade would be proud of Cole for the way he stepped up, not only to raise their daughter but also because of the way he loves her sister?”

I drag in a deep breath as tears burn the backs of my eyes. “Yes.”

“Do you think Jade would want you to continue living in the what-ifs?”

“No.” I swipe at the tear rolling down the side of my face.

“Cole didn’t steal your future. Just like Willow didn’t steal Cole’s. You two were close once, and now you can barely be in the same space. You’re not the only one who’s hurting. Do you think this is easy on your mother and me? On Aiden? It doesn’t have to be like this.” He rests a hand on my shoulder. “You deserve better, Dylan. You deserve happiness, but until you let go of the guilt and anger, you’re never going to move on from the what-ifs.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze and offers me a tight smile. “Talk to your brother, and put an end to this.”

* * *

“Hey, Dylan.” Adeline greets me with a friendly smile. “I was wondering if you were gonna make it in today.”

“I was at Willow’s birthday party,” I tell her as I make my way up to the counter.

“Harper was in here earlier without Miss Willow. She said she was getting ready for her party.”

Sliding my phone from my back pocket, I pull up the photo I snapped of Willow blowing out her candle and hand it to her. Adeline presses a hand to her chest as she stares down at the screen. “She’s so beautiful. I can’t believe she’s three already.”

“And sassy,” I add. “Harper calls her a threenager.”

“They have such big personalities at that age.” Adeline giggles as she passes my phone back to me. “Thank you for sharing. I’ll go grab your order.”

I shove my phone back into my pocket as she walks to the back and steps inside the cooler. I always leave the arrangement choices up to Adeline. A moment later, she returns with a large colorful bouquet. “These are very popular today.” She sets them on the counter. “They’re magnolias. Since Harper was here, too, I split the arrangement between you so it’ll fit.”

“I appreciate that.” I shove my hand into my front pocket and pull out some cash.

“Put your money away, Dylan.” She waves me off, and her gaze darts over my shoulder to the large window. “Did you know four people died that day?”

I swallow hard. “I didn’t.”

Adeline nods slowly, staring off in the distance, seemingly lost in thought. “One of them was my husband.”

A chill rolls down my spine and through my limbs, and a pang of sorrow spreads through my chest. “I’m sorry, Adeline, I had no idea.”

“It’s not something I’ve ever shared with my customers.” She gives me a sad smile. “I just wanted to let you know you’re not alone.”

“Are you…?” Okay?Alone? “I mean….”

“I’m okay. I have good and bad days like everyone else. I’ll never stop grieving William, but if I’m being honest, staying busy helped me get through some of my darkest days.”

“I can relate.” I pause. “Do you think you’ll ever move on?”

If I had to guess, Adeline can’t be more than thirty-five. She’s naturally pretty, and kind. She reminds me of my mom, only ten years younger.

“I’m working on it.” She shrugs. “I’ve been on a few dates recently.” Her expression morphs into disbelief. “Dating is not what it used to be. I don’t know how you kids do it.”

A soft laugh pushes past my lips, and I shake my head. “I don’t date.”

She tilts her head. “Really? How old are you?”

“Twenty-five.”

She slaps a hand to her chest and sighs. “Oh, to be twenty-five again.” She smiles. “There’s a very special woman out there for you. I just know it.”

“I’ll let you know if I find her.” I wink as I drop a twenty into the tip jar, then head for the door. “See you later, Adeline.”

* * *

“Jaden Price ~ Beloved daughter, sister, and mother” is carved into the gray granite. A small bouquet of magnolias is inside the vase beside the headstone. Squatting in the grass, I peel the tissue paper back and slide the rubber band from the bottom, then drop them into the remaining empty space, filling the vase. I’ve only been here a few times, and usually I just drop off some flowers and go, but I decided on the drive over that my dad is right. It’s time to let go of the what-ifs.

Balling up the tissue paper in my hand, I draw my knees to my chest and drape my arms over the top.

“Hey, beautiful. I brought you some flowers. They’re magnolias. It occurred to me today when I was leaving the flower shop that I never knew your favorite flower, or if you even liked flowers. There was so much I didn’t know about you. Simple things.” I blow out a breath. “Your daughter turned three today. Cole and Harper threw her a birthday party, and I wish you could’ve seen the look on her face as she tried to take it all in. She’s so funny. She’s got the biggest personality, and she’s sassy as shit.” I hang my head. “My dad asked me today if I thought you’d be proud of Cole for how well he’s done with Willow. I told him yes, because I know without a doubt you would be. He’s a good dad, and he loves Harper, too.” My hand tightens around the tissue paper. “I’ve been stuck in a dark place these past few years, and I haven’t been the best brother to Cole. I’ve replayed our last conversation over and over in my mind because it’s the last memory I have of us. You said you had some things to tell me. You sounded so scared, but the truth is I’d already decided it didn’t matter. I loved you, and whatever it was, we’d get through it. I mean… you were pregnant with another guy’s baby, and if I could get past that, what else was there?”

Thunder rumbles in the sky overhead, and a fat raindrop lands on my shoulder, another on my head.

“Never in a million years was I prepared for this epic twist of fate. A part of me died that day. And what’s worse, I shoved all that pain, guilt, and grief into that hollow space in my chest next to my shattered heart, because even though I was hurting, at least I was still feeling something. I don’t know how to stop feeling guilty for the part I played in all of this. Maybe I’m giving myself too much credit. Maybe it’s all part of being stuck in the what-ifs.” I get to my feet as the rain falls and run my fingers over the headstone. “I want you to know your family is loved—that you’re loved—and I hope you’re at peace.”

As I head back down the path toward my truck, my attention is snagged by a small bundle of balloons and the vase filled with fresh magnolias.

“These are popular today.” Adeline’s words roll through my thoughts. “Did you know four people died that day?”

A pang of sadness spreads through my chest, and though I’m curious, I won’t invade someone's privacy. So I forge on down the path to my truck.