"Melo talks to me in his head," she continued gently. "Especially when he's scared or missing me really bad." Her smile softened. "He told me all about his GG."
A sob escaped me. "He loves you so much," I cried quietly.
"I know." Kendrix squeezed my hands. "And you love him like he's yours."
"I do." I nodded.
"I know you do." Her eyes shimmered warmly. "That's why I trusted you with him. I watched my baby boy grieve me before he even understood what grief really was." Her voicesoftened. "And I watched Remy bury himself alive trying to survive losing me while still being a father. You brought them life. And for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Gianna.
The breeze around us moved softly through the grass and flowers. I couldn't speak. Emotion had me by the throat.
"I've been waiting to send you to them," she added quietly. Waiting until you were ready."
"Ready for what?" I asked thickly.
Her smile turned almost teasing. "To finally stay still and let love find you."
That hit me straight in the chest.
Kendrix wrapped both hands wrapping around mine warmly. "You're safe now, Gianna." Her voice was so soft. "You don't have to just survive anymore."
My lips trembled instantly.
"You are so loved." Tears filled her eyes now. "By Remy. By Melo. Your best friend. Your family. And both of our families are waiting to love you too." She laughed softly. "Mine is a little wild, so I apologize in advance."
I laughed through my tears.
Kendrix brushed my cheek tenderly. "Remy…" She glanced toward him still kneeling in the cemetery. "He is ready to worship the ground you walk on for the rest of his life."
Emotion overwhelmed me completely. "But what if something happens to him because of me?"
Kendrix expression turned serious but peaceful. "Life is always gonna happen." She shrugged softly. "People die. Hearts break. Bad things happen whether we love people or not." Her thumb brushed across my hand. "But avoiding love doesn't save anybody either."
I stared at her quietly.
"He deserves to be loved fully again," she whispered. "And you deserve to receive that love without guilt."
The cemetery around us slowly started fading. Warmth spread through my body.
Light. Soft beautiful light.
Kendrix smiled wider. "Go back to my boys, Gianna."
Tears streamed harder down my face. "I'm scared," I admitted.
"I know." She squeezed my hands one last time. "But you're not carrying everything by yourself anymore." Her voice softened into something almost motherly. "Relax, sweetheart. You're home now."
Chapter 56
My eyes locked on the television screen while the faint beeping of hospital equipment echoed softly in the background.
“Breaking news this morning—Geneva Avery has been arrested while allegedly attempting to flee the state with her two children. Authorities say Avery is suspected in the murder of her husband, Bishop Avery, whose body was discovered inside an apartment after neighbors reported a foul odor coming from the unit.
Police also confirmed that Avery is accused of shooting local woman Gianna Taylor during what investigators believe was an emotionally charged confrontation connected to an alleged affair between Taylor and the victim. Ms. Taylor remains hospitalized in stable condition following emergency surgery.”
I closed my eyes in relief, reaching over to take Gianna's hand in mine. "They got her, baby." I kissed the top gently. "It's all over."
She didn't stir but I knew she was in there focusing on healing so she could come back to me. And I would be right here when she opened those pretty eyes. I wanted to be the first person she saw.
