Page 71 of Home Is Where You Are

“I’m sorry, Gentry,” I told him, and he gave me a questioning look.

“I should’ve been there for you,” I started as I took a deep breath.

“We can’t change the past, butterfly. We can only move forward.”

I nodded into his shoulder. While he was right, I’d always regret not being there for him when he needed me the most.

“I want to show you something. I know I told you about it, but I feel like today is the perfect day for you to see it up close and personal,” I whispered.

He gave me a questioning look as I pulled back and kicked off my flip flop.

I held my foot in the air with my knee bent and showed him the beautiful tattoo of Bella’s footprint.

He sucked in a breath as he took in the tattoo.

Gentry removed his arm from around my waist as he reached over and ran his thumb across the black ink.

“It’s breathtaking,” he whispered as he continued to trace the outline of the tiny footprint.

“Yes, it is,” I agreed.

For a few more moments he studied the image before he gave one final caress and wrapped his arm back around my waist.

“Can I see her handprint?” he asked.

I couldn’t deny him.

I turned in his lap, and pulled the arm of my shirt down to reveal my shoulder.

Gentry’s fingers shook against my skin as he traced each line of her handprint.

He leaned forward and rested his head against my shoulder. I felt his breath against my back. I wanted to turn around and console him, but I remained still and let him have this moment as he remembered our daughter.

When he lifted his head, I was about to turn in his lap, but the feel of his lips against my shoulder caused me to refrain. His lips lingered for a beat as he kissed the spot where each of her fingertips were.

My lips trembled at the sweet moment, and I bit my lip to hold back a sob.

When he was finished, he wrapped his arms around my middle and pulled my back flush to his chest. With my eyes closed, I rested my head against his shoulder and turned it slightly. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes to find Gentry staring down at me, his breath fanned across my face, our lips so close they were almost touching.

I couldn’t move as we stared into each other’s eyes. So much love stared back at me. And I knew I’d do anything for this man, including opening my heart up to him.

“I know earlier when we talked, that I didn’t fully express myself, but I need you to know that you were never forgotten Gentry. I talked about how much I missed my family. About how much I loved getting to know them again, but I refrained from mentioning you because I wanted to guard both of our hearts. I never want to hurt you again, Gentry. I never want you to feel like you don’t matter ever again. I know I made you feel that way by leaving, especially by how I left. And I’ll never be able to put into words how sorry I am for hurting you that way. I don’t know how you forgave me, but I’m grateful you did. I’m scared of the future. Of what it holds. But I should’ve mentioned you earlier. I stayed earlier, but I’m so glad I found you and that we had this moment together.”

“Thank you for finding me. I didn’t want to be alone today.”

My heart hurt at the thought of him spending today alone, and I’m glad I followed my gut to find him.

“She’ll always be a part of us,” I told him as I tightened my hold on his arms.

“Yes she will,” he replied, as he kissed my temple.

Gentry was truly the sweetest man, and I needed to find a way to show him just how much he meant to me.

I’d tell him today, but today was for Bella.

We sat in silence a while longer just enjoying beauty around us. The sky a beautiful shade of light blue. Hills as far as the eye could see. Just two of the reasons my entire family loved this spot.

“Are Dylan and Aspen still leaving today?” Gentry asked, breaking the silence.