Page 93 of Fighting for Family

Would she ever have those moments again? The kind that took her breath away. She already missed him in the dead of night. She’d roll over, seeking the heat of his body only to find a cold, empty space in his place.

The idea of spending the rest of her life without the man she loved sent her crying. Kassie handed her a tissue, and Melody leaned against her side.

Addyson graciously took the sleeping Grace from her arms. Melody cried her heart out on her shoulder, making her weep harder for all the missed opportunities.

“Leo’s team has experienced a delay and won’t make it to the services. They have each requested Archer stand in their place and present their brother with their tridents. It may seem highly unorthodox, but they wanted their leader recognized for his duty to his brothers, his honor to his family, and his sacrifice for this country,” Michael continued.

“When did Michael know the team didn’t plan on coming?” Catherine asked, surprised.

“It happened before the ceremony,” Kassie whispered. “They asked Archer before they left to ensure Leo knew his team thought about him.”

Catherine swallowed. Two men, Conrad and Archer, and two women, Stormy and Allie, showed up for the service. Where were his friends? The brothers and sisters who meant everything to him? Disappointment filled her.

“We invite anyone who’d like to come and say a few words about Leo to come up and share with us,” Michael said.

After many people came forward to talk about Leo and how he helped them or did something special for them, Melody slipped from her chair and went up to the podium. “Today, I have to say goodbye to my dad. He died while he protected others. I know my mom, my brother, and my sister are very proud of him. He loved my uncles and called them his brothers. People think he called them that because they served in the military. My Dad said it’s because we’re family. It’s what makes us special. He didn’t know he was the one who made us all feel good even on our hard days. Mom says it’s all right to cry today as long as I remember the sun will come out tomorrow and he’ll always be in my heart.” She stepped off the podium and walked to the casket.

Catherine watched Melody take something out of her pocket. Her daughter’s face crumbled as she laid the picture on his coffin. “I love you, Daddy,” she whispered.

Walking to her daughter, she held her tightly as they sobbed together, grieving the loss of her husband and Melody’s father. The pain felt excruciating, almost bringing her to her knees.

Kassie, Samantha, Bryanna, Lizzy, Annabelle, and Addyson surrounded them, shielding them from public view and letting them grieve.

Archer set the tridents, representing the team. Someone sang a sweet, haunting melody as Catherine and Melody fell apart.

Whispering to Catherine, Kassie asked, “Do you want to leave?”

She shook her head. Cathrine needed to do this for her family and Leo.

Gently, guiding them back to their seats, Kassie held her hand as the honor guard saluted Leo. With every shot, her body jumped as if the bullets hit her heart. Melody clung to her waist, crying uncontrollably, making it hard to breathe.

Taps began to play as she watched the flag get ceremoniously folded. The honor guard faced her, saluted, and presented her with the flag. The last item represented Leo’s act of service. She crushed it to her chest, wishing it were Leo wrapping his arms around her.

She walked to the casket and placed her hand on the empty box, representing her husband. Gripping the wildflowers in her hand, which she and Melody picked before the service. Catherine beckoned Melody to come forward and helped her place the last symbol of their love before they lowered the casket into the ground.

She turned and nodded to Kassie, who laid a bouquet of dahlias, the flowers representing a sibling relationship made of strength, resilience, and lifelong friendship. Each of the team’s partners placed another flower, each having a specific meaning to their relationship with Leo.

Kassie held onto her as they made their way down the aisle, Melody still clinging to her waist. Carol followed and held her daughter off to the side as the wracking sobs refused to stop.

Bryanna announced the reception details and politely informed the onlookers Catherine and her family would not be in attendance due to her health.

Michael led them to their car and drove Catherine and the kids to their cabin. Kassie followed with Maddie and the other grans. When Catherine entered their home, she and Melody went to Melody’s bedroom and cuddled. Kassie gently shut the door, taking care of everything else. Grace still slept, and Addyson cared for Derrick.

Finally, Melody’s misery quieted as she cried herself to sleep. Catherine rose from the bed and went into the bathroom across the hall to fix her hair and makeup before she joined the crowd of family paying their respects.

When she opened the door, Kassie came forward and handed her a mug of flavored water. “Everything has finished. Why don’t you sit on the couch, and I’ll bring you something to eat?”

“I’ll stick with water,” Catherine said as she hugged Claire, who held Ella. Then she hugged little Ryder Leo and Gabby.

“The service turned out beautifully, Catherine,” Gabby said softly.

“Thank you,” she said, feeling numb.

She greeted Wolf’s team and their wives.

Fiona hugged her gently. “You have our condolences. We’re always a phone call away if you need us.”

She put on a brave smile and nodded.