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The cool andmusty air greets me as I step out of the car. My gaze sets on the black gate of the cemetery, and my heart immediately sinks.
It’s been years since I’ve visited where they’re buried. All my bottled-up emotions are finally spilled out as tears spring to my eyes.
“Are you all right?” Jaxon asks.
“I’m okay.”
With a nod, he disappears from my view. I walk forward, releasing a shaky, shallow breath. Resting my hands against the cold, metal gate, I am filled with uncertainty.
I don’t know if I can do this.
The sound of the trunk closing catches me off guard. Several seconds later, Jaxon appears with a bouquet of flowers.
Red roses.
Tears escape from the corners of my eyes, and I can’t help but weakly smile at his thoughtfulness.
“Jax,” I whisper, and he wipes away the wetness with the tip of his thumb. “My favorite.”
“I know,” he replies, crookedly grinning. “Are you sure you’re ready to do this?”
Swallowing hard, I nod. “Yes.”
“I’m here for you. You don’t ever have the face this alone again.”
He leans down, planting a soft kiss against my forehead. Linking my arm through his, we quietly make our way through the gates.
Once we arrive before their headstones, everything else becomes a blur. All I can focus on are their names printed in capital letters across the stones.
RICHARD PAUL PIERCE.
MICHELLE DIANE PIERCE.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I can see their faces. I can hear their voices. It’s such a calming, reassuring moment for me.
It’s finally time to allow myself to grieve.
Spinning around, I lock my arms around Jaxon’s waist, burying my face into his shirt. His embrace feels so warm and I have never felt so safe.
This is right where I belong.
Right here, in Jaxon Edward’s arms.
“My birthday,” I stammer, staring up into his eyes. “The anniversary of their death. It’s only a little over a month away.”
He holds me closer, stroking my hair. “It will be okay.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, accepting the flowers, breathing in their beautiful scent. “For bringing me here. For caring. For the flowers.” I smile down at them. “They’re beautiful.”
“Anything. I’d give you anything. Anything, and everything.”
Gazing into his endless, blue orbs, I melt inside.
Turning back to their gravestones, he patiently waits, staying true to his word. He does not leave my side. I step closer, tears pouring from my eyes, soaking my cheeks.
Leaning down, I place the flowers onto the ground between their tombstones in a heavy daze.
