Page 75 of Stuck with Me

I clear my throat. “Do you want me to read a few?”

He nods.

Dear Leo,

How is it possible for two people to have such bad luck? When Pete told me about your wife’s passing, I was devastated by your loss. As well as reminded of our combined loss. So much over the years. I hope my card made it to you and your family.

Without sounding too forward, please know, the cabin is yours just as much as mine, and I’ve always found it to be a good place to find solace. You’re welcome to come anytime. I find I miss you more often as of late. When the days are hard.

Love, Gigi

Dear Gigi,

It’s been a few months since I received your letter. I suppose a part of me had to believe it was actually you who wrote those words. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say you miss me. I would love to come back to the cabin someday. Hopefully someday soon. After a visit there, if things should go well, I’d also love to bring my grandkids.

Not a day of my life has gone by that I haven’t thought of you.

Love always, Leo

Dear Leo,

I never thought my life could feel so complete ever again. Not until you came back to me. Not until you returned to Maple Ridge and the cabin. You made the place feel like home again. I miss you. I love you. And I’m counting down the days until you return.

Until we make a plan on how we’ll proceed, I won’t mention our relationship to Rosie. But I’m anxious for you to meet her.

Love you always and forever, Gigi

Dear Gigi,

Each time I have to leave you, it feels like the first time all over again. I’m so afraid I won’t get back to you. For that reason, this will be the last time. I’m planning on telling my family about you and packing only my important belongings and moving there soon. I don’t want us to be apart ever again. It’s you and me, Sugar. From now until eternity. I love you!

Love always, Leo

“That’s the last letter.”I double check the stack and find nothing underneath this envelope. “After a year of traveling back and forth, your granddad was planning on moving to Maple Ridge. But Gigi had the heart attack.” A lump slides into my throat. “It’s so sad he never got the chance.”

“And then he passed away a month after Gigi. They say it was complications from the stroke, but now…I think it was a broken heart.”

It’s devastating. And heartbreaking.

“At least we got answers,” I say, trying to find some positivity in this. Which isn’t typical for me. “And at least we know for sure they weren’t having an affair.”

He runs a hand through his hair. “That’s something, I guess.”

“I’m still so sad for them,” I admit, biting my lip.

Nico glances at me and there’s sorrow reflected in his brown eyes. “Yeah, me too. They lost so many years.”

This is what rolls through my mind too. All those years lost between them. And yet, they were years of a life lived. Of kids and grandkids. Of laughter and tears. And that’s something I don’t have the heart to wish away for either of them.

“But they did have a year,” he reminds me.

My heart swells at this thought. The two of them were able to be lovers once again. They had a second chance romance.

Nico exhales an elongated sigh. “I think I need a drink after that,” he says, standing and going into the kitchen.

I am exhausted after reading all the letters. Like my own heart just went through the ringer. Whiskey sounds like a good idea.

“I think there’s another bottle of whiskey in the cupboard above the fridge. Jones is supposed to bring rum.”

---