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“You have harbored years of pain and loss. While I cannot take it away, I can help bring you closure.”
Opening the door, I step out of the car and pop the trunk before going to Evie, showing her what I brought with us. Her eyes widen when she sees two urns protected in a styrofoam case.
“When no one claimed their bodies, they were cremated and set on the shelves at the police station,” I inform her, lifting them out carefully.
“The green one is your father. Lev told me how he was the first one to call you lucky charm, so green fit.”
She reaches for the vase, her delicate hands touching it so carefully. Then, I remove her mother’s ashes from the case next.
“I picked blue for her because it symbolizes protection. From everything you have told me about her, it seemed that protecting you was always her first priority.”
She takes this one from me too, staring at them both with an unreadable expression.
“You did all of this?” Her words are so gentle, nothing like the Evie I know most days.
“You deserve to say goodbye. You deserve to have their ashes and do with them what you wish. Put them on the mantel, release them where you need. I know the one thing that kept me going after losing my mother was being able to visit her grave.”
Placing my arm around her shoulder, I walk her to where I imagine the front door used to be. Bright green grass flourishes all around as if signifying new beginnings here.
“I would talk to her whenever I needed to. It helped me when I felt like I was spiraling.”
We stand in silence, the sun slowly sinking down into the horizon. Neither of us moves as the sky begins to darken. I will stay here until she is ready, however long that may take. When the last rays of light disappear, she looks up at me.
“I guess we should get going?”
I shrug, not moving. “I bought the property and everything surrounding it, so there is no rush. When you are ready, I have a suite booked for us at the finest hotel in town.”
“You bought all of this?”
“Of course I did.” Looking down at her, I take in the surprise on her face. It is so rare that I can surprise her nowadays. She knows me too well.
“You deserved a place where you could come and talk to your parents. A place where you could vent and still feel them close. This was once your home, and it was taken away from you. The least I can do for you is give it back.”
Her bottom lip trembles as she takes in the surrounding woods that I plan to one day hunt her in, and the rolling hills that Damien will insist on sledding down in the winter. There is a large patio, where I envision Lev bringing Evie her morning coffee while they watch the sunrise together.
This land holds so much potential for our family, and it is the perfect place for my woman to spread her wings while remaining true to herself.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
I nod and pull her to me tighter, her parents’ ashes still in her hands. As she takes a step back, I watch her carefully place them on the driveway. The amount of trauma she has endured can always lead to a panic attack, and I want to see the signs before it gets bad.
Yet, as she gazes up at the night sky, stars peeking through and the moon lighting up the area around us, the faintest smile touches her lips.
“My mother once said darkness could be my friend. I think this is what she meant. Even in the dark, you have the stars. And even in my grief, I have you.”
“You will always have me.” It is not just words, it is a promise I intend to keep.
A heavy sigh leaves her lips as if the tension from the surprise is finally falling away.
“Do you mind if I bury them here? I know it’s normal to spread ashes, but the urns are beautiful, and the thought youput behind them means a lot. I don’t want them sitting on our mantel or something. They loved our home. It was where we had so many good memories. They would want to be here.”
“Whatever you want. I had some supplies placed in the trunk. I can dig if you show me the place you would like them to be.”
Heading back to the car, I remove my suit jacket and white shirt underneath. Dirt will inevitably get on my pants, but I have an extra pair stocked in the car along with new shoes. I had us both pack small overnight bags so we could change if needed.
Opening the trunk, I lay down my jacket and shirt carefully, smoothing out any wrinkles before grabbing the shovel. I approach Evie and watch as her eyes rake over my toned abdomen, which is on full display in the moonlight.
“Stop drooling, Princess, or I might have to fuck you against a tree like I did last month at the cabin.”
