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Prologue
Alexa
The last few days had been a blur. One moment, my father was alive, and the next, Drake called to tell me he’d died. I’d spoken to him only three hours before he passed. And now he would never pick up the phone again when I called.
Something had seemed off the last few times we’d spoken. Like there was something he’d wanted to tell me but hadn’t. What’s wrong? When I’d asked, he’d deflected, which only made the anxiety of what it might have been worse.
Will I ever find out?
My dad was my rock—the person I could go to with anything. And now I would never be able to ask for his advice or make furniture with him when something was on my mind.
At least I still had Drake. Together, we would find our way.
Through it all, the love of my life had been by my side. Drake had been there for me in every way imaginable. He was my soul mate.
But inside, I was numb, and my mind was a mess as I tried to process the loss of my father. It felt like I was a stranger in my own skin. And I hated that feeling. Normally, I was self-assured and ready to tackle the world. But since my dad died, I was simply lost and not sure what my next step would be.
If only my dad could guide me.
My hands trembled as I opened the letter—the last piece of communication I would receive from my dad. After the reading of his will, his lawyer had given me the letter and said Dad had brought it by a couple of weeks ago.
Alexa.
As I traced the familiar handwriting, my throat tightened. That afternoon, I had slipped away to the pond behind my parents’ house to read the letter by myself. The ground was thick with snow and it was bitter cold, but I didn’t care.
A slow tremor started in my hands as I prepared myself. Maybe this was the guidance I needed to keep moving forward. Maybe fate had impressed upon Dad to bring this letter to the lawyer, knowing his time here on Earth was limited. I was a firm believer that everything happened for a reason.
I slipped my finger under the flap of the envelope and opened it.
The first line drew a sob I wasn’t aware I’d been holding back.
My darling Alexa…
Dad would never say those words to me again. We’d never make any new memories ever again. I closed my eyes and tried to calm down. I can do this. I can read this letter.
Taking a deep breath, I focused on my dad’s words.
My darling Alexa,
You have always meant the world to me. I’ve been struggling with something that I need to tell you. I couldn’t find the words while we talked on the phone. I hope to take you to the cabin and tell you during your next visit. But if that time doesn’t come, I’ve written this letter. I have to protect my little girl.
I know you love Drake, but you need to listen to me.
Drake is not the right man for you. I know this comes as a shock, but I need you to trust me on this. As your dad, I implore you. End things with him. It will be for the best. I know this doesn’t make much sense, but I need you to do as I ask. Do this one thing for me. In time you’ll understand why. This may be the last piece of fatherly advice I can give you.
I love you, Alexa, with my whole heart.
Dad
