“Do you mind if I have a few minutes alone?”
“Of course.” Kate gives me a quick kiss and walks back to the truck.
“I know you probably can’t see this, but I wanted to show you anyway.” I pull out the jewelry box from my jacket pocket and open it. “It’s the engagement ring I’ve had made for Kate. I’m going to ask her to marry me in a couple of weeks when we’re in Nashville. I have it all planned out.” I describe exactly how I’m going to propose, not wanting to leave out a single detail.
The cold wind hits my face, chilling the tears streaming down my face. I’ve given up on wiping them away since they’re constantly being replaced.
“I can’t wait to make her my fiancée and wife. I wish you could be here to see it. To welcome her into the family as your daughter.” I crouch down, putting the jewelry box back in my pocket and placing my hand on her headstone. “We’re planning to have children, Mom. You would’ve been a grandma. The best one ever.”
My body shakes softly as the tears fall harder. “Thank you for bringing us together again. For forcing us to work on your estate after you died. It made me take time off work and reevaluate what I wanted out of my life. More importantly, it gave me the time to fall in love with my best friend. The love of my life. My future wife and the mother of my children. And it’s all thanks to you. None of this would’ve happened without you. It makes me wonder if you knew we were meant to be all along.”
A red cardinal appears out of nowhere and perches on the headstone right next to my hand. Its beady black eyes look directly at me for a few seconds before it flies away.
I close my eyes tightly and grip the headstone harder before taking a deep breath and standing. “Goodbye, Mom. We’ll be back to visit soon. Thank you for always looking out for me.”
I kiss my fingertips and touch the headstone, pushing as much love into it as possible. I take another deep breath and wipe away my tears, then head back toward Kate.
Toward my future.
And my happily ever after.
epilogue
KATE
When Jake gets upfrom the table to go to the bathroom, I whip out my phone to text Chelsi.
Kate
I don’t think it’s happening tonight. They already brought out dessert and nothing. He’s acting completely normal.
Chelsi
Seriously? Does he not understand the implications of sending his girlfriend to the spa for the day? Having her get her nails done?
It can only mean one thing…she’s getting a ring.
Where’s YOUR ring, Kate? What is wrong with him?
Kate
Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe he’s throwing me off?
Chelsi
Or maybe he wants me to kick his ass?
He’s always going on and on about wanting to marry you, and now that you’re finally ready to take that step… Nothing.
Perhaps I should call him. Give him a piece of my mind.
Kate
Umm…how about no.
Chelsi
We’ll see.
