AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I had the headstones placed recently and wanted to make sure they did a good job.
Walking to Harlan’s grave, Skylar’s fingers tighten around mine.
It’s the first time we've been back since the funerals, and I know it’s going to be hard for her.
When we stop in front of the graves, I read the words engraved on the granite.
Harlan Davies
The most selfless and loving father.
Devoted husband.
A guardian angel who walked among us for too short a while.
“God,” Skylar whispers, tears shining in her eyes before the spiral over her cheeks. “The headstone is perfect. Thank you, Renzo.”
“You’re welcome,amo.”
I let go of her hand and wrap my arm around her shoulders. Pressing a kiss to her temple, I take a deep breath of her soft scent.
She’s doing well, Harlan. No problems with the kidney, and she’s opening her own restaurant. You can rest in peace.
Skylar moves from under my arm, and I watch as she places fresh flowers at her parents’ graves.
“There’s so much to tell you,” she says to her parents. “I chose my signature dish. Obviously, I cried my eyes out. It’s the Korean spicy brisket soup you loved, Daddy. I think it’s going to be a winner.” She sucks in a trembling breath before she continues, “I’m opening my own restaurant, and I’m calling itYukhaejang.Renzo’s done most of the work, though.”
She’s quiet for a while before she says, “Renzo’s good to me, Daddy. If you’re looking down on me, I don’t want you to worry. I’m safe and happy.”
She presses a kiss to her fingers, then presses them to each of the headstones. “I’ll visit again soon.”
She comes to take my hand before we walk to Louisa’s grave, where she also places flowers.
She sucks in a deep breath before letting it slowly. “I actually miss your meatloaf.” A chuckle escapes her. “I hope you’re happy and getting a lot of rest wherever you are.”
I give Skylar all the time she needs, and when she’s ready, I wrap my arm around her shoulders and lead her to the final grave.
“I saw you here when we came to visit Mom right after I got out of the hospital,” Skylar murmurs.
“I know.” I hug her to me. “Sorry for being creepy as fuck.”
She lets out a chuckle. “Hey, at least my stalker was hot.”
When we reach Giulio’s grave, my heart clenches with sorrow. It’s manageable now and more like an empty wind blowing through me.
There will always be emptiness because nothing can fill the spot Giulio had in my life.
Thinking of his infectious smile, my mouth curves up.
Christ, I miss his smile.
Skylar moves away from me to place the last bouquet of flowers by his headstone.
“Hi, Giulio,” she whispers. “My name is Skylar.” Her shoulders shudder as she tries to keep the tears back, and her voice is strained when she says, “Thank you for saving my life. Having a piece of you inside me makes me feel close to you.”
Christ.
I glance away as my eyes begin to burn.
