Page 52 of Chalk It Up

“I would love that! Ms. Jake is the best!” She leaps up from her chair to go hug her and I melt completely. “Why are you hanging out with us? Do you not like being at your house?” She directed that at Evie so I throw my hands up in surrender.

“I do like my house.” Evie’s arm is settled around Addie’s back while she answers her. “I just think I like your house a little more than mine. Your dad makes the best food and Maple has a lot of friends to play with her.”

“That makes sense. Dad is the best cook and Maple is so cute.”

“But also, Addie.” She turns her attention back to me. “Ms. Jake and I like each other a lot and if you’re okay with it, we want to spend more time together.”

“You like each other? You like each other like Nadine from my class likes Jeremiah?” Her eyes are bugging out of her head.

“Umm…” I glance at Evie not sure what her questions mean or how to answer. She just nods at me. Teachers always know. “Yeah, like how Nadine likes Jeremiah.”

“This is the best!” She’s practically bouncing and shouting at Evie. But then she stops as quickly as she started like she just had an epiphany. “Wait, is Ms. Jake your best friend?” Now it’s Evie’s turn to look at me, but I immediately remember our conversation months ago when Addie asked me if her mom was my best friend. And yes, Evie is absolutely, undeniably my best friend.

“How would you feel about Ms. Jake being my best friend?” Hopefully as excited as she has been for this entire conversation.

“I want her to be your best friend! She is the nicest and so smart and pretty. She would be the best best friend!”

“You’re not wrong at all, kid. She is all those things and more.” I turn to look at Evie. “Yeah, Ms. Jake is definitely my best friend.” Addie has Evie in a chokehold-like hug and I know everything has fallen perfectly into place.

epilogue

Four months later.

I’m so proud of you, son. I found your mom and we’ve been watching the whole time. I promise, we never stopped watching even for a moment. We’ve watched you grieve and we’ve watched you celebrate. And even when you can’t feel us, we’ve held you through it all.

You didn’t know, but we celebrated every milestone, every birthday, and every accomplishment. We held you through the long nights of taking care of a baby girl by yourself, midnight runs to the store for medicine, her first steps, and all her first days of school when it was hard to watch your little girl do something new without you there.

We know the accident wasn’t our fault. We couldn’t have stopped the speeding, drunk driver. But your mom and I want to apologize every day for leaving you and your siblings–that includes Emmett. It’s never what we pictured for our family. We bought your house with the prayer that we’d grow old playing with all of our grandchildren. Things don’t always work out the way we plan, but it’s somehow always for the better. We’re so glad you kept it, and can fill it with the memories we only dreamed of.

Addie is the most precious little girl we’ve ever laid eyes on. We knew the second we got here that we had to send her to you. I know there are things you would like to do differently. But those hard moments help us to grow, and we’re amazed by the man you’ve become. Addie is so brilliant and she gets that entirely from you. I wish I could have had a chance to be half the dad you are. I hope you get so much more time with her than I got with you. I could never tell you enough how proud I am of you, son.

You show that sweet girl the love and dedication I strived to show you and your siblings every day. I always felt like I fell short. I know you’ll have days where you feel like you’re failing as a dad, but from where I’m sitting, you’re only succeeding. And it’s a little easier to see the bigger picture from up here.

I have to say, I think our granddaughter could give your mom a run for her money in the baking department. Just don’t tell your mom I said that.

I wish I could have just five more minutes with you. We always think we have more time, but it is never guaranteed. It’s all borrowed, and never enough. If I had five more minutes, I wouldn’t waste a single second. You’d know how much I love you unconditionally and you’d know that you are doing an incredible job. I always had your mom’s support, so I can’t imagine doing everything you did alone.

But I suppose you’re not alone anymore are you? I hope you don’t mind if I call your bride, Evie. I feel like your mom and I know her so well already from the things you told us in the trees to the beautiful memories we’ve watched you two make. You have found a gem to love your daughter. I know you will love and care for Evie in all the ways she deserves. Your dream family might have had a different timeline than you expected, but there’s no way you could have imagined it as beautiful as this.

Evie has more devotion to you and Addie than I could’ve ever dreamed for you. She has already shown she will be an incredible mother to Addie, and I can rest confidently up here knowing she will be a loving and supportive partner to you until death do you part. And even after.

Your wedding is beautiful. I love the location you guys picked. The copse of trees that you told yourself you would let go of your feelings for Evie, being exactly where you promise to nurture those same feelings for a lifetime. I’m glad you didn’t really leave those feelings here.

And I appreciate the front row seats you saved for your mom and me. The picture you set on your mom’s white wooden chair is one of my favorites. A carefree day on a camping trip with the most radiant smile I’ve ever seen. I think you and I are suckers for a beautiful smile. Thank you for putting me next to your mom, even now.

The decorations are just lovely. A triangular wooden arch dotted with peony bouquets. Such a unique and elegant touch. I love how you strung up wisteria across the top of the seating area. You have brought a garden into these woods, and it feels like magic.

Look at my handsome son. Standing at the front of the crowd in your pine green tie against your crisp white shirt and tucked into a brown wool suit is so perfect for the both of you. Don’t be too mad, but I’ve already seen the blushing bride and she looks beautiful. Honestly, beautiful doesn’t even touch on how lovely she looks. You’re going to be floored. Your flower girl looks just as precious, and I wish I could wrap her in the biggest hug.

This isn’t how I imagined witnessing your big day, but I’m glad we can all make the best of the hand we were dealt.

Oh, the music is changing. I’d turn to watch your bride, but I need to see your face. In true August and Evie fashion, your guys’ five dogs together are your ring bearers with tiny Maple leading the charge. Thea is doing a great job wrangling all of them.

Your tears are already starting as you watch your precious little girl throw petals down the aisle. She looks so sweet in her lace and tulle dress. It would have been so beautiful for your mom to get a picture with her.

The music is playing a little longer, and it’s obvious the moment your bride comes into view. You actually fall to your knees. The tears streaming down your face might be the most joyful I’ve ever seen. Your bride is so close to you and she’s crying too. But your mom says Evie’s make up still looks beautiful and that you need to tell Evie that. I wish I could pick you back up. I want to support you so badly it aches in my chest, but I hope you can feel us there. I hope you know we love Evie more than you’d ever hope we could. You’re back on your feet with your hand covering your mouth just in the knick of time.

I’m sorry Evie has no one to give her away. I know a bride usually imagines being able to walk out of her parents arms and into yours, but it just goes to show how strong of a woman you have. She doesn’t need you, she wants you. And you’re choosing her when no one else did. I couldn’t imagine two people more perfect for each other.