Page 37 of A Royal Obligation
“Wadsworth, you scared me! I didn’t know anyone else was in here.”
“My apologies, Your Highness.” Wadsworth bowed. “May I ask what you are doing in the kitchen at this hour?”
“I am attempting to bake,” Barrett stated matter-of-factly.
“What exactly are you trying to bake, Your Highness?” Wadsworth inquired.
“Apple crisp. My mom always made it for me whenever I was stressed because she knew it was my favorite.” He tried to hide the emotion in his voice.
Wadsworth gave him a pat on the arm. “A wonderful memory. I hope it turns out like hers.” He began to leave and then paused, turning back around. His eyes flitted to Barrett and then the ground. “Actually, I’ll be back in a moment.”
Barrett only had time to look up a recipe and turn on the oven to preheat before Wadsworth returned.
“I have something for you that I think might be fitting right now.” Wadsworth reached into his suit coat’s inside pocket and pulled out an envelope that was beginning to yellow with age. Wadsworth hesitated a moment and then crossed the room to where Barrett stood. He extended the letter to him.
Barrett took it and ran his fingers along the handwritten letters on the front, instantly recognizing their script. Barrett read the words aloud, “For my dearest Barrett, when you are feeling overwhelmed about finding a wife.” He turned his attention to Wadsworth. “Another letter from my mother?” His eyes shone with a mixture of excitement and sadness.
“Yes. I thought this was the right time for this one.”
The occasional letter from his mom always felt refreshing and lifted his spirits. At the same time, with each letter came another bout of sadness that she was no longer here.
“Thank you.”
Barrett didn’t need to look to see if Wadsworth had left the room. He knew he would give him the space he needed to read his mother’s words alone. He carefully opened the envelope, ensuring he didn’t rip anything other than the seal open. He pulled out the letter and started to read.
My Dearest Firstborn,
You have always been one to give everything your all, whether it was learning to try to ride a bike or following your dad around, trying to learn how to be king. I have always admired your tenacity and fierce determination.
I also know that sometimes behind your determination is someone who is anxious that he will not measure up. But, my son, you are enough.
If you take anything from this letter, know that all you need to do is be present in each and every moment, and everything will fall into place. Because one moment can change everything.
In a single moment, you could make a life-changing decision.
In a single moment, you could fall in love.
In a single moment, you could notice the little things about life you have never noticed before.
Barrett, take a deep breath whenever your search to find a bride gets too overwhelming. Then lean in and press on. You can tackle mountains. You can do anything you put your mind to. You will always be provided with the strength you need to persevere.
With all my love,
Mom
Barrett wiped a rogue tear from his cheek and clutched the letter to his chest. He gently folded it up and placed it back in the envelope, before carefully storing it on a shelf where it wouldn't get dirty.I’m only going on a date with a girl next week. Calm down and just breathe.
He took a deep breath and began to gather the ingredients for the apple crisp once again. Repeating the same words in his mind over and over, trying to believe them.I can do hard things. Live in each moment as they come. Just lean in and press on.
Chapter Nineteen
Jules
Julespressedherpointerfinger to her scrunched lips and turned around again, making her way back down the hallway she had come from.
At least I think it was the hallway I came from.
If she could find her way back to the dining room, she could find her way back to her bedroom. She felt silly for venturing a different way today, and now she couldn’t even seem to find her way back to where she had started. As she came upon another hall, she saw Wadsworth walking ahead.