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I love you, Everett.
Until we meet again,
Shaye
Iclosed the leather journal and tipped my head back so the sun could warm my skin. The breeze ruffled my hair, and I centered myself for a moment before standing up.
The guys were all going to be here any minute, this was the final destination on the journey that he set up for us.
“Shaye!” Drew’s voice had me smiling as he ran toward me at full speed. Mia was running alongside him and the rest of our pack was trailing behind.
I’d always called Micah the golden retriever, but it seemed Drew was giving him a run for his money, today.
“Did you have time to finish?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, holding up the journal. I told them that I wanted to write my last note to Everett before I buried it up on this hill.
This was a place that meant a lot to me and Everett. I wanted my goodbye letter to stay there forever.
Lake’s face was the only somber one as they walked up. His hand immediately found mine and I gave it a squeeze.
“Are you ready to do this?” I asked.
“No,” he admitted with a grimace. We both knew what this moment meant.
“Why don’t you two go alone? We’ll be here waiting for you,” Drew said. Micah and Riven didn’t protest, and neither did I.
This was one part that we did need to do alone. We had to say our final goodbyes before officially moving on.
We had both done such a good job of healing. I was really proud of myself and of him.
But there was that one final piece that was holding us back. Mine was this journal, and writing out the last words that I needed to put on those pages.
His was letting go of the grief that threatened to drown him.
Lake didn’t say another word as we walked up the hill. The app beeped on my phone the moment we hit the top.
With one last glance at Lake, I clicked the video to start it playing. If we hesitated, we might have turned around and walked away, refusing to take the final step.
Everett’s smile was bright this time, unlike the sad one he’d given us during the last video.
“This is it. You’ve both made it. You’re so close to being able to play the final product and I’m so excited for you to experience it. I put my blood, sweat, and tears into this thing, and I know you’re going to love it.”
There was no doubt in his mind that we were going to fall in love with this game that he created. He knew us better than anyone, so I didn’t doubt that either.
“Shaye, you obviously know why we’re here. This was the hill where I asked you to be mine. This was the hill where we made plans for our future. Now, this is the hill where you say goodbye to me.”
Lake let out a choked sob at his words and I let the tears flow freely down my cheeks.
“We’ve been through so much, sweetheart. You’ve been through so much. But now, I don’t want to hold you back. I want you to go play this game, keep only the good memories, and say goodbye to the rest.”
“I will,” I promised him. The wind stole my words but I didn’t mind.
“Lake, I want you to do the same. I know you probably grumbled at Dad for helping me buy the property and sign it over to you. And the money. You always hated when I tried to take care of you. It was probably the alpha inside of you, but this is just who I am.”
“He’s right,” I told him gently.
“I hate that he is,” Lake said as he closed his eyes and took a breath.
