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“Take another deep breath, Angel. I will be rightthere with you today. Everything will be fine. You will meet my mother and we will go over and have dinner with her tonight. Miles and Lizzie will be there as a buffer so hopefully she leaves us alone for the most part.”
“I’m not worried about meeting your mother. I’m nervous about this funeral. I’ve been to two terrible ones in my life, and I thought I was through with those for a while.” She clasps her pendant around her neck and closes her eyes.
“I got you a little something.” I hold out the velvet box and hand it over, keeping my eyes on hers. She takes the box in trembling hands and looks at me quizzically.
“When did you have time to get me something? We have been here all weekend,” she states. She opens the box, and a soft gasp escapes her lips. I knew this would mean a lot to her.
“They’re phoenix earrings. I know how much that symbol resonates with you. I saw them and knew you had to have them. They’re platinum with tiny diamonds along the tails.” I comment.
“Sebastian, they’re gorgeous. Thank you so much!” She leaps into my arms, and I pull her tight against me. “They’re so perfect for me.” I kiss her forehead and let her down.
“You’re welcome. I don’t know if they go with the dress, I just thought they would help you get through this day knowing how much you have risen from the ashes,” I say.
“I didn’t know the old Sebastian Knight could be so sentimental,” She teases. “But of course, I will wear them today. I won’t want to take them off!” She exclaims. She takes one of the earrings out and puts it inusing the mirror on the dresser. She does the same with the other. She does a little dance and turns to me with the largest smile on her face.
“I love them so much. Thank you. You don’t know what this means to me.” I bring her close so I can examine the earrings and they look perfect in her ears. I’m thrilled that I could make her this happy today.
“I’m glad that you like them. Now, what was that you said about me being old? I think a spanking is needed.” She takes off around the room, but I am right there behind her to catch her. I pull her back against me and feel her take a deep breath. “Why don’t we finish this little cat and mouse chase later, huh?” I nip at her ear and chills run up her neck at the touch. Now be a good girl and let me finish getting dressed. Make sure you have everything you need because we won’t be coming right back here after the funeral.” I mention as I tie my necktie and slide on my suit jacket. I see her staring at me from across the room and I turn to look.
“You look so handsome all dressed up like that. Here let me fix your tie.” She comes over and moves it around a bit and tightens it up. Looking in the mirror, she did fix the problem I was having. I look at us standing side by side and we look like a good-looking couple. I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her closer to me. I pull out my phone to take a picture. “How about one for the books.” I tell her. I angle the phone to capture us both, when I am satisfied I press the camera button.
“You’ll have to send me that. It looks good of us.” She says as she fluffs her hair for the tenth time.
“Relax, everyone is going to love you. Are you ready?” I ask. She nods her head and I take her hand inmine as we walk down the stairs to the main floor of the apartment. I retrieve her coat from the closet and mine as well. Placing hers around her shoulders, I lead her to the elevator.
On the garage floor, I decide to take my red Porche 911. It’s been a while since she was out on the road, and I fancy a drive in her today. I open the door for Stormy and clasp her seatbelt into place, against her protests that she can do it herself. Jogging around to the driver’s side, I slide in and crank the ignition. Since the garage is temperature controlled, it isn’t freezing in the car. I turn on the heat anyways because it will get cool on our drive over to the cemetery.
It’s an overcast day and calling for more snow. Stormy was excited to be in it but then she realized it wasn’t the best conditions for a funeral.
“How long will it take us to get there?” She questions.
“About twenty minutes. Not too long. Would you like to put something on the radio?” I ask.
“No, I like the quiet, if that’s okay?”
“Sure.” I place my hand on her thigh as we drive down the highway.
Once we arrive, we walk over to find Thomas to pay our respects. With everything going on this past week, I haven’t been there for him like I needed to, and the thought weighs heavy on me. I know Miles has been picking up my slack, but I have known the man for most of my life. I owe him some of my time, regardless of what has been going on with me.
“Thomas, how are you?” I pull him into a tight embrace. I can see his eyes moist with tears and I wish I could do anything to bring Marie back to him. I knowhow much he was truly still in love with her. Much like my father, their love lasted a lifetime.
“I’m taking it one day at a time, my boy.” He says as he blows his nose in his handkerchief.
“Is there anything else I can do for you? Have the meals been arriving?” I question.
“Yes, yes. We have plenty. You have done enough my dear boy. Thank you.” He says with a sniffle.
“I want you to meet a very special person in my life. This is Stormy Brooks, my girlfriend.” I get a flutter in my chest at the word I’ve never used before.
“It’s nice to meet you, Thomas. Sebastian has told me so much about you. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances.” She holds out her hand for Thomas to take, but instead he pulls her into a hug.
“Anyone who can tame a Knight gets a hug from me. You are part of the family now, my dear,” he says with a smile.
“Thank you.” She replies. A line begins to form behind us, waiting for a chance to speak with Thomas.
“We’ll catch up after the service. I believe there are some people that wish to speak with you.” I say as I take Stormy’s hand and lead her under the awning to where Miles and Lizzie are.
“Hey brother, Lizzie. How are you all?” I ask.
