The Royal Contract

It was not that she had never slept on this bed on her own. Ethan did have to work overtime countless times during their married life, so she sometimes lay alone on this bed. The only difference from that time to this.

Before, when she woke up the following morning, her eyes would land on his sleeping form next to her. Now, she would open her eyes to silence and his absence.

“I am happy to see that you are looking much better.” Ben, her brother, held her hand in his as he sat next to her at the table.

She smiled at him, glad he and his family could join them on such short notice. She had missed him dearly since he resided now at a different location, farther than she wanted.

“Ethan would not like to see me mourning his passing.” Laura forced a smile on her lips as she looked at her brother. “I only want all of us to celebrate his life. His family and friends who truly cared about him.”

She was not in denial that Ethan was now gone from their lives for good. The pain inside her heart still squeezed the life out of her every chance it could get.

.....

Her mind still kept reminding her that she would not see him again. It was a continuous struggle that she had to push through to overcome every minute of every day.

Still, she would do good with her promise. To stand stronger for this family. She would be the beacon of light that would bring this family closer and closer together again. It was what Ethan would want her to do.

“I still could not believe he is gone, but remember that we are always here for you,” Ben said, squeezing her hand tighter.

Yes, she knew she could always count on her brother. His family, not so much, but still, they were family, and Ethan loved them just the same.

She turned her head to the other people who joined them this morning, taking some time off from their busy lives to indulge her spur-of-the-moment whim.

She appreciated it since it started as a small idea of cooking breakfast for her kids that had turned into a mini-celebration for her husband.

It was the only way all of them could get over the loss of their beloved Ethan. By showing support and love for each other. By knowing that they were not alone in missing him.

Because if she had to do this alone, she might not make it. The same would happen to Dani, Alex, and the rest of the family. They needed each other to go through this.

“Thanks, Ben,” Laura responded as she stood up from her seat and raised her glass of water, tapping it with a silver teaspoon.

Well, it was too early for any alcoholic drink. “Attention, everyone.” Making all present stopped their chatters and directed their eyes at her. “I would like to thank everyone for coming. And I have a few words to say.”

“We are glad to be here, Mom,” Dani answered for everyone.

Her daughter’s smile was all she needed to continue. Seeing her daughter’s strength encouraged her to stand up firmly for this family. Something she had never done when Ethan was alive.

It was her time to carry this family and take some of the responsibility. She could not continue to stand on the side, idly by, without helping shape its future.

“I know we all love my husband. Sometimes, I am jealous that he had spent more time with you guys than he was with me.” She jokingly said with a thin smile.

She did call them his mistresses at times. But she always understood his reasons. Besides, her husband never failed to go home to her at the end of the day.

Some of them laughed, while others had a few tears in their eyes, but all she wanted was for them to feel that Ethan might be gone, but she was still here, ready to help in any way she could.

“I am a bit guilty about that,” Alex answered, making everybody smile, agreeing with him. But most agreed that Ethan had been everyone’s favorite.

“Well, now we will miss him together. But it is not goodbye. I know he would still be watching us.” She continued. “But, know this, our home will always be open to all of you like when Ethan was alive. We are family through thick and thin.”

Blood was never an issue to Ethan. Everybody who managed to catch his heart automatically became a family to him. But never, ever break his trust. It would be the only way he would turn his back on a family.

Her eyes landed on her stepson, sitting a chair away far from her. He was looking at her while also talking to Ben on occasion. He might be smiling, but somehow she could sense his pain.

She concluded that Gerald was a different case from everyone else. He still had to admit that his feelings for his father had already changed. Still, she would not give up on him.

It was something Ethan had regretted not being able to do while he was still alive. Show his son that he still had a family who loved him. Now, it was her turn.

“Before I conclude my speech, I have one question.” She turned her head to the other side of the table. “Make it two.”

She could see the expectant eyes of everyone. She knew they were all waiting for her to break down and cry. And for her charade and false courage to end. But she was not done yet.

That would have to come later when she was back in the safety of her room. She would cry her eyes out. And accepting the pain of losing the other part of her heart. But now, it was about them.

Everyone remained silent, just waiting in anticipation. “Ok.” But Alex dared to interrupt. “What is it?”

“When is the wedding?” Laura stared at her two guests, who sat next to Alex. “Please tell us it will be soon because we all need some joy around us.”

She knew the two were postponing their plans because of Ethan, which was unfair to them. She would not allow it. They should not waste any more time.

“Soon.” Marcus and Jacky answered simultaneously, making her happy with their answer.

“Great then. For my last question.” She stared at her daughter. “When is my grandchild coming?” Which made the other people around the table cheer with her. “We need some new members in this family.”

“That also applies to the two of you.” She pointed to the engaged couple, who had loved clouding their eyes, just like Dani and Alex.

“Therefore, I need you all to hurry up and give me some kids that would brighten up this place.” Laura once again riled up the crowd, making them shout, cheer and clap their hands for the two couples.

“Soon, I promise.” Alex finally answered her, winking at his wife.

She finally felt satisfied. That was all she needed to hear from the new man of the house.