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I shoulder my overnight bag. “Yeah, what about you?”
He shrugs. “I’ve always got an overnight bag on my jet if I take a sudden, unexpected trip.”
That makes sense.
I nod. “Let’s go then.”
He takes the bag from me, and we walk outside to the limousine waiting for us. The driver opens the door, and we slide in.
All I can think about is how returning to Dad’s grave will feel. I used to go every Saturday when we lived in Washington to change the flowers.
Without any money, I couldn’t even arrange for a florist to change them regularly until I got my bank account back and arranged for a florist to go every other week and put flowers on his grave.
Since Dad’s death, Mom had been to his grave a grand total of three times. My first three birthdays after he died when I insisted I wanted to visit. However, she said I was old enough to make my way there once I was fifteen.
Remy’s hand slides onto my thigh. “What are you thinking?” he asks.
I shrug. “Just how it’s going to feel returning to his grave.”
Remy squeezes. “It’s going to be alright.”
I know he’s right. I take a deep breath and look out the window as we speed down the highway toward the airstrip. Remy’s presence makes all of this seem bearable. He’s strong and comforting, and I can’t help but snuggle against him, placing my head on his chest. “Thank you.”
He runs a hand through my hair. “You don’t need to thank me, angel.”
The car stops at the airstrip within minutes, and we board the plane. Remy ushers me inside, and I sit opposite him in a plush leather seat. He smiles at me. “What are you doing over there?”
I shake my head. “There’s no room for me on your chair.”
He pats his lap. “There’s room here.”
I roll my eyes but go to sit on his lap, and he hugs me against him. “It’s going to be alright,” he whispers.
I take a deep breath, nuzzling closer into his embrace, and close my eyes. Despite the gravity of our destination, Remy’s presence is enough to keep me afloat. He’s like the anchor keeping me from drowning.
The plane takes off, and soon, we’re soaring above the clouds toward Washington. Remy strokes my hair gently, and I shut my eyes, knowing this surpasses any birthday since Dad’s death. Because Remy is here, supporting me in whatever I want to do with no questions. It makes a refreshing change.
* * *
We arriveat the cemetery before nightfall, and Remy takes my hand as we approach Dad’s grave. I’m surprised at how much the sight of his name engraved in stone stirs up my emotions. It’s not like I haven’t been here before, but it feels like it’s been so long.
“Hey, Dad,” I say as I approach.
Remy hangs back, giving me privacy as I crouch down and place the flowers on his grave.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been for so long. I moved to Chicago three months ago. It’s been crazy.” Tears flood my cheeks as I feel thankful I could get here today. “But luckily, I managed to get to you today. I miss you so much.”
I stay there for a while, talking to Dad like he is still alive. I tell him everything that’s been going on in my life and all the crazy things that have happened, including my relationship with Remy. I don’t know what he’d think about our relationship if he were alive. Most people would think it’s fucked up, but I guess if he were alive, Mom never would have married Remy.
I realize I can’t stay much longer as the darkness presses in.
“Ella,” Remy’s voice pulls my attention to him.
I nod. “I know, it’s getting late.”
He nods. “We can return in the morning if you’d like. Before we head back.”
I swallow hard. “Yes, I’d like that.” I turn back to the grave. “See you tomorrow, Dad.”
