BK 5 - Chapter 44 - Three Letters
After breakfast, a few people went to different rooms in the house to read their letters. Penelope was adamant that Buddy had to read her letter with him. Sammy the Turtle was her favorite character on her favorite cartoon. She knew Buddy was just pretending on the show, but she still felt comforted by him. Even though she was only four, Penelope had a keen sense about people. She, Maxie, and Buddy sat together on a loveseat in the living room.
"Will you read it to me?" She asked, opening her envelope with her little hands. Penelope took the letter out and handed it to Buddy. Inside the envelope, there was also a beautiful gold necklace with a small sapphire hanging on it. Maxie put it around Penelope's neck.
"Yes, I'll read it to you," Buddy replied, unfolding the letter. Penelope turned on his lap to sit sideways and held Maxie's hand.
*My Dearest Sweet Penelope,*
*I'm so sorry I'm not going to be there to watch you grow up. I know you're going to do amazing things. You're so smart, with just enough sass to make people listen to you. Please don't lose that. Keep everyone on their toes and guessing what you're going to accomplish next. I know that one day, when you meet your mate, he will be perfect for you. Just remember to give him a chance even when you doubt his intentions. I know this doesn't make sense right now, but it will later. The necklace was given to me by your Grandpa Roger many years ago. I'm giving it to you so that I'll always be with you as you grow up and become the incredible werewolf I know you're going to be. I love you so much, sweetheart. No matter where you go or what you do, I'll always be watching over you.*
*Love,*
*Grandma Valerie*
Penelope cried against Buddy as he finished reading her letter. She held onto the sapphire on her necklace, making her feel closer to Grandma Valerie. She didn't understand a lot of what was said in the letter, but she knew how much her grandma loved her.
After Penelope had cried herself to sleep, Buddy carried her to one of the bedrooms and laid her down. He and Maxie gave her letter to Bailey and then decided to leave so they could read their letters alone.
Buddy took Maxie's hand when they got home and led her to the bedroom. He still had the flu-like symptoms from being marked, but it was nothing compared to how his heart ached. He hadn't seen Grandma Valerie in almost a year, and it was unbelievable that she had left him a letter.
"Let's read them in here, okay?" He asked her. Maxie hugged him, and it helped her heavy heart. They both threw on some shorts and T-shirts before crawling into bed with their letters.
"You go first," Maxie said. She was anxious to find out what her grandma had written in his letter. Buddy put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead.
"Okay." His hands shook as he opened the letter. Maxie kissed his cheek and laid her head on his shoulder as he read.
*Buddy,*
*I know we haven't spoken in a while, but you have always had a place in my heart. When you lost your parents, Cat and I felt like you had officially become part of our family. I have a feeling that you are going to end up with one of my granddaughters. If I had to guess, I would say Maxie. If you haven't met her by the time you read this, please go to the house and ask for her. I have a hunch that it will change your life.*
*I remember when your mom would help out at the group homes and rave about what an amazing young man you were. You have proven she was right time and time again. I know you're an actor and known all over the world, but your home will always be here in Granite Bay. You have a big heart, and I'm so proud of the man you have become. No matter how popular you have become, you have never forgotten what's important. I love you as though you're my flesh and blood grandson. You are going to have an incredible future, and I will be smiling down on you from above.*
*Love,*
*Grandma Valerie *
Buddy and Maxie had tears streaming down their faces as they looked at the letter. Grandma Valerie had already predicted they were mates, and she wasn't even a shifter. Buddy kissed Maxie and held her tight.
"Even if I hadn't seen your accident yesterday, she would have made sure we found each other. I love you." He said against her head while he cried. Grandma Valerie was truly incredible.
"I love you too. I guess it's time for mine." Maxie took a deep breath and wiped her eyes. She opened the envelope slowly and pulled out the folded piece of paper.
*Dear Maxie,*
*This is one of the hardest letters I've had to write. I'm so sorry we didn't get more time together before I had to join your Grandpa Roger. I wanted to see you realize everything the rest of us already know about you. You're a beautiful young woman who can bring a smile to everyone's face even when you're not smiling yourself. Your light from within glows around you and draws others to you. I know you're shaking your head right now, and I want you to stop it. It's true. You have such a beautiful spirit. I know when you meet your mate, he will make you happy and keep that gorgeous smile on your face. I have an idea who he may be, but I'll let that be a surprise.*
*My sweet Maxie, as I write this letter, I think about all the time we spent talking over the years. You brought so much joy to this old woman's life. I wish I could hug and kiss you one last time before I had to say goodbye. You, my dear granddaughter, I will be able to see no matter where I am. You are my light in the darkness, and I'll be watching over you with love no matter where your path leads you. I love you so much.*
*Love,*
*Grandma Valerie*
Maxie sobbed in Buddy's arms, and she clutched the letter. Her grandma was gone, but she sent an angel to be with her.
_______________
Xavier watched everyone leave or go to a room in the house to read their letters, but he was alone. Almost everyone else had their mates with them. He decided to leave, too. He wanted to read his letter somewhere he could feel closer to Grandma Valerie. She loved the outdoors and her gardens, so he was going to go outside and sit in one of her gardens to read.
He opened the front door, and his heart stopped when he came face to face with the most beautiful woman in the world. At least Xavier had always thought that about her. He had been in love with her since they were children. Her eyes widened as she looked at him in shock.
"Hi, Xavier. I'm so sorry about Grandma Valerie. Grandma Cat called and said she wrote a letter for me." Xavier stopped breathing as she hugged him. When the sparks flooded his body, he felt like crying. The woman he had always hoped would be his mate was in his arms. He just hoped she would accept him. She was human and knew nothing about his family.
