Her eyes snap to mine."No, son.I don't deserve it."Her lips tremble."I can't even forgive myself."
"Stop.I'm done wasting time on grudges and negative emotions.I want to live in the now, not dwell in what could have been."I hesitate, then ask, "Is it true Dad threatened to take me away if you didn't support him?"
She stares at me, shocked."Alisha told you?"
"No.Dad did."
I tell her about my dream, about finding him at the piano.Her lip quivers as I describe our conversation, how he explained her attempts to stop him from pushing me so hard.
"It's true," she whispers."You two were my whole world.Watching him damage your relationship was heartbreaking.The fights, the tension – I took it out on you, and I'll always regret that."
We stand in silence until I voice the question that's been haunting me."How did you survive Dad's death?When I thought I'd lost Alisha, I wanted to die too.I can't imagine life without her."
Mom squeezes my hand."Life after your father was hell, but you – you were my reason to get up every day.Even when things were rough between us, I never loved you less.After losing him, the thought of losing you terrified me.I reacted badly, especially with Jessica.I just hope someday you'll let me back into your life."
"Why wait?Let's start today."I pull her into a hug."Sam told me how you supported her while we were missing.That says everything."
She tightens her embrace."I love you, Cole.I promise to be a better mother and grandmother."She pulls back, wiping her eyes."Should we see if they want coffee?"
When we return to the living room, we find Jeremy and Alisha talking quietly on the couch.Watching them, I realize something profound.The demons I thought I deserved weren't punishments – they were pushing me to set them free, to see my past through new eyes.I glance at Alex, who's been telling me this all along, and thank whatever force brought this remarkable woman into my life.
An hour later, we head home.Brian catches my slight nod in the rearview mirror and smiles."Good.Let's get you two home."
The moment we enter our building's grand hall, Daniel rushes to greet us.Thanks to the Boston papers, everyone knows our story.
"Welcome back!"His genuine warmth makes us both smile."If you need anything..."
"Just rest and no unexpected visitors," I say, but return his smile.
"Of course, Mr.Walker.And this is for you three."He presents a small box.Alisha's laugh is pure joy as she discovers three Boston cream donuts inside.
"Thank you, Daniel."
"You're welcome, Miss McQueen."
"It's Alisha," she corrects gently.
He nods, suddenly shy."Okay...Alisha."
Brian peers into the box, licking his lips."Damn.Though brownies would be better."
She pats his shoulder."Be a good boy and maybe you'll get one upstairs."
"Oh, I'm always good."
I slide the key into our door, but before I can turn it, it swings open.Alisha gasps beside me as we take in the scene – our living room filled with smiling faces and colorful balloons.
"WELCOME HOME!"
Amanda, Bella, and Samantha stand to the left, Nick and Emma to the right with little Liam in his arms.Charlotte bounces in front of them all, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Auntie Alisha!"she squeals.
"God, Smartypants, I missed you."Alisha hands me the donuts and carefully bends down.Charlotte plants a kiss on her cheek.
"I'm glad you're okay," she whispers.
"Me too, Char."
