AllFreeNovel
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I open my eyes and smile out at the ocean. Taking in the oranges and pinks and blues of the sky and ocean around me.
“I love you, Dad. Always have and always will. I promise to keep chasing sunrises, and I promise to always let the light back in, even after the darkest storms. And I know you’d hate me a little for saying that, and how cliché it sounds. But I can’t think of a good Star Wars quote for this situation, so you’ll just have to deal with it.”
The wind picks up and blows my hair around my face, making me laugh a little.
“I’m going to be okay, you know. Mom and I both will. And don’t think this heartfelt moment means I won’t still come visit your grave, by the way. This isn’t some grand goodbye or whatever, it’s just my version of the funeral you didn’t get but deserved.”
I turn and walk back toward the house. I stop when my feet hit the wood and turn, looking over my shoulder. I offer the sky a little salute, a smile cracking my lips.
“See ya later, Daddy,” I whisper.
Wyatt’s waiting for me on the back deck, sitting in one of the old white rocking chairs, his brown hair a tousled mess from the wind and air. He grins up at me as I approach, and my heart jumps in my chest. My dad’s words are ringing in my head, “I hope you find someone who makes you feel like a sunrise, Lucy. Someone who fills you with light and hope.”
“Everything okay?” Wyatt asks.
I nod and let him pull me into his lap, brushing his hair off his forehead.
“I think I decided on a title for my next book,” I tell him.
“Yeah? Are you going to tell me or make me wait?” He pinches my side and wiggles his eyebrows, making me laugh.
“Mm, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to share. But don’t think this means I’m going to let you read it early,”
He sighs loudly and dramatically. I started writing my first book to escape my grief, but in the end, it became a place for me to process it. To talk about the pain I was feeling without actually speaking the words. There were nights I spent with tears rolling down my cheeks as I typed out the words I couldn’t say out loud. And there were times I would smile and choke out a laugh without even thinking about it. In so many ways, that book helped heal my cracked heart.
But this second book? It’s going to be a romance. A happy, swoony, adorable romance.
“Lucy?” Wyatt prods.
“Sorry, lost in thought.” I smile sheepishly up at him.
“You still going to tell me the title of your book? Or have you changed your mind?”
“I haven’t changed my mind. What do you think of Until the Sun Comes Up?”
Wyatt’s arms tighten around me as I lean my head back against his shoulder.
“Well, as someone who has only read bits and pieces, I can’t say with one hundred percent certainty, but I like it.”
I smile, my hands resting on top of his as we watch the waves.
“Does your story have a happy ending?” he asks quietly.
“Of course, it does. Life is full of too much pain and loss, we deserve a good, happy ending. Or, at the very least, a hopeful one,” I tell him.
Epilogue
Wyatt
One Year Later
Mypalmsaresweatyfor absolutely no reason and I feel nauseous as I stare down at the headstone.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Carter. I’m not sure if you would’ve been the kind of guy who wanted me to call you by your first name or not, so Mr. Carter just feels like the safest bet. Anyway, I’m sure you know why I’m here. Lucy and I have been seeing each other for a while now. And . . . I love her, sir. I love her so much. Enough to completely turn my life around. Although, don’t worry, I didn’t do it just for her. I did it for me, too. I’m sure she told you, but I used to be kind of a mess. Still am, if I’m being honest. But Lucy likes to say I’m a manageable mess. Her mess.”
I smile and run a hand through my hair, taking another deep breath.
“Anyway, I’m rambling. I came here with a purpose, and I really didn’t think I would be this nervous talking to a headstone. I want to marry your daughter, Mr. Carter. I love her, and I promise to keep on loving her until my last breath. And I really hope I can get your blessing, or whatever.”
