Did you miss Wednesday’s chapter? Catch it here: Chapter 7.28: Dear Diary, the Future is Yours, Dammit
Part 1: More Than a Surprise
Dear Diary, today Bram came over and asked if I’d like to go for a ride. Of course, my answer was a resounding yes! I never used to like surprises, but lately, if they’re from Bram, they’re my favorite thing.
The sky was bright blue, and I reveled in the warm air through the open car window, as Bram’s driver steered us off the main road. A short time later, we were driving through Sunset Valley, but following a narrower, winding road upward.
“What’s this?”
Bram smiled, but the way his fingers picked at a loose thread on his shirt hem, I knew he was nervous about something.
“You’ll see,” was all he said.
A little thrill of excitement bubbled in my stomach. If he was apprehensive, this must be a big deal.
After another ten minutes, the limo pulled up in front of a modern house set upon a cliff. From up here, Sunset Valley looked like a sleepy little town.
As we got out of the car, I asked, “Is that Crystal Cove down below?”
Bram reached for my hand, nodding. “I’m told this is one of the best views in Sunset Valley.”
I’ve never been to Sunset Valley, but I remember my mother telling me stories of a vacation she took here with her parents when she was a child. Her mother (my grandma Ellie) visited all the shops while she and her father (my grandpa Holden) went to the summer festival.
Since I was a little girl, I’d wanted to come here for a visit. Funny that I never had, considering how close Sunset Valley is to Twinbrook. And, where Twinbrook was falling apart, Sunset Valley was thriving, and still had that hometown feeling.
“What do you think?” Bram asked, his voice breathless as he waited for my response.
“Uh, it’s beautiful.” I smiled and squeezed his hand. “Did you rent it for the weekend?”
He shifted his weight to his other foot just like Kai often did, and licked his lips, clearing his throat.
“No, no, I didn’t rent it.”
I laughed. “Then why are we here?”
“Let’s go to the backyard.”
He took my elbow as I walked behind the house, careful to note anything he might trip on. The view took my breath away.
“This must be the best backyard in the entire world.”
“I’m glad you said that,” Bram said.
“Huh?”
He cleared his throat again. “Tell me what you see.”
I glanced to our right. “There’s a sailboat heading out past the cove. The water’s calm, and the bluest I’ve ever seen. You can feel the sun shining on us. It’s glorious.”
I took a few steps forward and looked down. We were definitely on top of a cliff, as I’d first thought. Sharp, craggy, gray rocks jutted out this way and that, hanging over the ocean water below. The crystal blue depths looked miles below us, and I put a hand over my fluttering stomach.
“It’s a long ways down.”
“So, I’m told. I like the breeze up here,” Bram said. “Kara, come back to me.”
When I rejoined him, he took my hands in his, caressing them gently with his thumbs.
“You’re acting really strange,” I informed him.
His smile widened. “I know. I can’t help it.”
“Well, I’d say you need to fill me in then. If you haven’t rented this house for the weekend, what are we doing here?”
“It’s mine. I mean, I own it.”
My eyes grew huge, and I had to remind myself to close my mouth.
When I didn’t say anything, Bram continued, “I wanted to show it to you.”
“Well, I see it,” I said. “Um, just when did you buy it, though?”
That question wiped the smile right off his face. “Kara, I’ve always dabbled in real estate, you know this. And, we were apart for so long, I never mentioned it the times I saw you. It was never the right time with all we’ve dealt with.”
It made sense, but I was still amazed.
He touched my hair, which I was wearing loose, then pulled me closer, his lips touching mine. The kiss deepened, and the world melted away. How was it I almost forgot where we were when we kissed?
When we finally parted, my stomach was a giddy mess.
“The reason I brought you here, well, I don’t like where you’re living. It’s not right that I’m sitting on my portion of my father’s fortune while you squander away in that place.”
The hair on the back of my neck bristled, and I stood up straighter, my chin tilted upward. “Now just a minute there, bucko-“
But he wouldn’t let me finish. “-Wait, wait, let me tell you what’s on my mind, then I’ll listen to whatever it is you need to say.”
“Fine. Continue.”
“Thank you,” he said with a small laugh. “I’ve never lived here, but I want to. I mean, I don’t want to.” He sighed, then said, “What I mean is, I don’t want to live here without you. I want this to be family headquarters. I want to marry you, and, and not live even another day without you.”
On the one hand, his words had made my heart bloom. On the other hand, though, I just couldn’t stay quiet.
“Bram,” I began, “the whole point of me hanging in with school, working, and then in the end, moving to that little rental house was that I needed to feel independent. I had to be able to say I did it on my own.”
He kissed my knuckles before he spoke, his lips tender and loving. “I understand. Do you get now, though, that you’ve done it? You did what you set out to do. Maybe it’s our turn to be together now.”
Finally, it made sense. We’d gone our separate ways, and even if things hadn’t turned out how I thought they would, we did have accomplishments nevertheless. Maybe he was right.
“I’m not quitting my nursing job.”
The smirk he often sported, the one that raised one side of his upper lip, spread across his face. “Why would you have to? It’s not such a bad commute.”
“Well, okay, then.”
“Okay, then,” he said with a grin.
Part 2: Five Months Later
Dear Diary, I love this house, and I love the man I’m sharing it with. When he said it would be a good family headquarters, I wasn’t sure. Now that I’ve lived here a while, I can’t think of any better place to call home.
It’s taken a lifetime, but I’m finally on the cusp of what I’ve always desired, and I can barely contain myself.
In other news, Bram has been working like crazy on his next cookbook. I’m fascinated when I watch him cheffing around in the kitchen. He may be blind, but he has all the speaking gadgets anyone could ever want. And he’s an expert; completely comfortable in his domain.
The chair with the pillow is mine. It’s where I sit when I taste test all his dishes. While I’m no expert, it’s nice to come home in the evenings to exciting new foods. We clean the kitchen together, then enjoy the rest of the evenings relaxing. Sometimes, I can even get him to rub my sore feet for longer than five minutes!
I feel ten years younger, and more vibrant than ever. It’s as if I’ve paid my dues, and now the time has arrived where I can lean into what life has for me.
Why does it take some longer than others to get to this point in their life? I may never know. It’s obvious that what happened in my childhood made me the person I am. And it’s been rough at times, but I hope it has been for the better.
“Earth to Kara.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I asked if you want to go to the beach this weekend?”
“That will be great. I’m making a fruit salad, do you want some?”
“Sounds good.”
I turned back to the orange I was cutting, but not before I licked some of the juice off my thumb.
“I just got off the phone from my director at The Inheritance.”
“What’d he say about you quitting?” My pulse sped up as soon as he said the name, and I held my breath.
He must have sensed it upset me because he put his hand over mine, taking the knife, and laying it on the counter. “Everything will be fine. I promise. They have no choice but to let me go. And, in a few months, our son will be home again. We’ll all be together at last.”
I snaked my arms around his neck. “Yes, at last.”
Kai would graduate and be home in time to see his parents get married. What kid didn’t want that?
Part 3: Four Months Later
But that isn’t what was going to happen. After Kai graduated, he wouldn’t come home, which also meant he wouldn’t be at the wedding. I was so shocked when he called to say he wished us the best, but he couldn’t manage an appearance. What on earth was so important that he’d miss this? I just couldn’t understand it, and it broke my heart.
I was met by a beautiful fire and a handsome husband when I came into the living room. We were dressed for dinner, but now, I hadn’t any appetite.
“That’s my favorite perfume,” Bram said, walking toward me. “I know you’re upset, I am, too, but it will be all right. He just doesn’t get how important this is.”
Tears welled up in my eyes, and I held them back the best I could. “I’m sorry, I wanted to have a nice evening out with you. I don’t think I can manage it, though.”
Then it was over, I was full on ugly crying.
Bram shook his head and mumbled, “I’d like to kick him right in the ass.”
That only made me cry harder. He pulled me into his embrace and let me get runny mascara and foundation on his nice suit.
When I was finally finished, I wiped my face with tissues, and we sat on the sofa.
“Let’s sit here for a while, and then I’ll whip us up something light,” Bram said.
I only nodded, afraid if I spoke, I’d be a bucket of melting makeup again.
We sat there the rest of the evening and into the late into the night, neither of us moving or speaking. It would be a strange wedding without our only child there. I hoped he wouldn’t one day regret his decision.
Notes from Kymber:
Can you believe there is only one chapter left of Generation 7? It will post this Wednesday. Then, Generation 8 will begin on Saturday! Woot! I hope you’re enjoying the story. 🙂
You may have noticed the characters’ eyes looking a little different and that is because I’ve been going through a save purge since we’re starting Generation 8 next Saturday. So, you are now seeing the new default eyes. I’m thinking about taking down my CC/Mods page because I don’t use half the stuff on there anymore, and what I do use never got added. If I do take it down, my WCIF page will always be up, and you can either contact me, or leave a comment to ask where something is from.
My pics today weren’t anything special, but I’ve been working hard on this. I’d like to thank Louise of NotJustaBookSims for patiently helping me sort out some DOF issues with ReShade. Thank you, Louise! The pics I took after fixing the problem are in next week’s chapter not this one.
Thank you so much for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting,
To those who celebrate:
What a beautiful house with a view. It’s a shame Bram can’t really see it. I’m so happy for the couple! <3
I wish Bram could see it, too. 😀 I’m so happy for them, too. ❤
My my, Kara looks so beautiful, and indeed much younger than what she used to <3
But why is Kai acting like this? That's quite heavy, not going to his parents' wedding… I can't help but wonder if there's something else going on with him..?
Wow! Pretty house! I knew when Bram took her there he owned it. I’m glad she’s happy now and enjoying the life she always wanted. That comment about where she lived though…Bram is a bit snobby, isn’t he?
I guess I’m not surprised Kai isn’t coming home for the wedding, but it makes me wonder what he has going that’s so important that he can’t grace his parents with his presence. That doesn’t sit well with me, and I really hope he regrets it one day.
When they went to a house instead of a park or public place I just knew Bram must already own the place. 🙄 lol They had that whole ride over and he didn’t tell her.
Really didn’t like that comment about where she lives. 😒
They talked about making it the family headquarters, but neither of them think about asking for Kai’s opinion before they make the decision. Hmm.
Not too surprised that Kai isn’t coming for the wedding. He might regret it, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Thank you, Heather. You guessed it the whole time. 😀 That comment he made about where she lives was pretty bad, it’s true. You’re right that neither of them even mentioned Kai. I think Kai will definitely regret not going to the wedding.
OH Kai .. so not good to break your mom’s heart
Right? He better have a good reason, if there even is a good enough reason for that.
I knew even then that he would not do that to his momma!
LOL 😀
I’m just now realizing Bram is blind! Duhhh lol that’s why he always has on sunglasses. I love seeing how happy Kara is and she looks so good. I love looking at all the details and clutter in sims homes. (in houses period actually) I hope Kai has a change of heart and understands the importance of this. Young people are so often caught up in their own little worlds though. One of the few good things about the lock down has been I get to enjoy my young adult children being home and spending quality time together.
Thank you so much. Yep, he is blind. lol Without his glasses, his corneas are cloudy white. I love looking at house details, too, and clutter! It would be good if Kai realized this, and changed his mind. Fingers crossed. 😀 You’re right about that; I’m glad you’ve been enjoying your young adult children. I’m down to one living at home still, and I agree, it’s been nice seeing more of him. I sure miss the one that isn’t here, though. Can’t wait to see her again. 🙂
Beautiful house!!!!! I would love to live there lol. It breaks my heart that Kai won’t be at the wedding. I really hope he has a good reason
Thank you, Raymond. I want to live there, too. haha Kai thinks he has a good reason, and it will be revealed in tomorrow’s chapter. 🙂
Maaaaan let me find out he’s just over there slumming it with Jade! Little jerk.
LOLOLOL Right? Little jerk! 😀 You’ll find out in Wednesday’s chapter tomorrow. 😀
Those two belong together. Finally, they are together!
I wish Kai would change his mind, but I figure he’s busy working on how to bring down Frank.
Finally, right? lol That’s a good thought about why Kai can’t go to the wedding. You’ll find out in Wednesday’s chapter (tomorrow). 😀 😀
Huh! Is The Inheritance getting Kai? What could he be up to?
I actually feel bad that Kai never got the “happy home” he’d always wanted. What did they expect? I think I’d be a bit miffed myself.
And, they live happily ever after, leading the idyllic life and ride off into the sunset… ugh! Sorry.
Kara, does however, look amazing.
That’s a great question about Kai. He is definitely up to something. 😀
I think it’s sad, too, that Kai never got the happy home. I’d be miffed, too.
LOL Happily ever after…. no need to say sorry. 😀 You are not alone in feeling this way, believe me. We’ll see if it lasts.
Congratulations on completing gen 7! It’s hard to believe! I’m really looking forward to gen 8. Great work on this gen!
Thank you, CT! 🙂 I’m really excited to begin Kai’s story.
I’m so happy for Kara. Dang, she really does look about a decade younger than she has for several years. That picture of her with her hair down really sells it. What a lovely sight. 😊💕
Yikes, I wonder what’s happened with the kiddo, though. Is he going to take off on his own now or something? Not coming home for his parents’ wedding is rough. I’m very excited to know how he turns out.
The pictures in this are soooo lovely and I love that house of Bram’s. The default eyes are wonderful as well – the only reason I don’t use them anymore is that I started using contacts instead. Would definitely go for those as defaults again another time. 💕 I’m so glad that I could help you sort out ReShade. Anytime you need the help, you know you can say the word – can’t wait to see your pics post fixing because they already look so good here. 😊💕
Thank you, Louise. I’m happy for Kara, too. It’s only taken her an entire generation to get to this point. haha I think being with Bram, and Kai acting better has relieved a lot of her anxiety. I thought she looked pretty in that pic, too. 😀
Those questions about Kai are good ones! What could be more important?
I took these pics before I had the sclera mod, so hopefully, the default eyes look better in the next chapter. 😀 Thanks for the link, btw. I get really sad when I’m excited to download something and the link goes nowhere. I’m glad you never get rid of stuff. haha
ReShade is doing its job right now, but for a while, I was ready to drop kick it right out my front door. haha You rescued the situation!
Wonderful as usual! Love their story but I’m excited that we’re getting close to Kai’s story!🥰
Thank you, Hilly. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’m excited that we’re starting Kai’s story, too. Saturday, here we come! 😀
What a story. So much in this one, Kymber.
Thank you, Jacqui. 🙂
Kara looked gorgeous! It’s like being with Bram has lessened her anxiety and worries and she’s happy and relaxed now. So hmmmm. Why wouldn’t Kai come back for the wedding. I would expect he isn’t upset by it. I think it might have to do with Frank or maybe he met someone???
Thank you, Audrey. I think that’s exactly it; now that she’s more settled, and Bram is helping her with Kai, she’s felt less anxiety. That’s a good question about Kai. Maybe he’s a brat. LOL You’ll find out soon, though. 😀