Page 193 of Champagne Nights

He kissed my lips and walked away. As soon as he left, I sat down at my computer and typed out forty-seven letters at the end of my manuscript. When I got to typing letter number forty-eight, I read it out loud as I typed it.

My dearest husband,

This will be the last letter I will write you. It’s been a long, painful year and one that I wouldn’t wish on anybody, but it’s time to let you go. I don’t know if what I experienced was a dream, but to me, it was as real as if you were standing next to me. My friend Ben and I have become very close, and I really like him a lot. I know this is what you would have wantedfor me instead of being locked up as a prisoner of depression. Writing to you every Saturday has been therapeutic for me and gave me something to look forward to. You were my knight in shining armor, and you’ll always have a special place in my heart. Just because I’m moving on doesn’t mean I’ll ever forget you. You will have my love for eternity. Rest in peace, my darling.

Love forever,

Paisley

I hit the save button and then printed out those last pages, adding them to the manuscript I was going to give Ben. I emailed Kenny the addition and also Trina, the editor at Doyle Publishing.

December 23

Ben

Paisley and I finally finished Christmas shopping. While we were out for the evening, I arranged for Keaton and his father to pick up the sofa table and take it over to Paisley’s house. We were going to spend Christmas Eve with my family and then Christmas Day with hers.

“I’m starving,” I said.

“Me too. What do you want to eat?”

“I know this great bar that serves the best fish and chips in the world.”

“In the world, eh?”

“Yep. In the entire world.”

“Sounds good to me.” She smiled as she hooked her arm in mine.

We walked into the Sunset Bar, and the place was packed except for three seats that were open up at the bar. We sat down on the stools and Damian walked over.

“Ben, how are you? I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“I’m good, Damian. I want you to meet my girlfriend, Paisley.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Paisley.” He smiled as he held out his hand.

“Ben tells me you have the best fish and chips in the world.”

“He’s right. Two orders coming right up.” He winked.

“I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back,” Paisley said as she kissed my cheek.

Damian set a beer in front of me and nodded towards the door when David walked in. He sat down on the stool next to me.

“David. Hi. I’m surprised to see you here tonight.”

“It’s good to see you, Ben. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be around anymore. My job transferred me out of state. I came in to say goodbye.”

“How did you know I was here?” I asked in confusion.

“I was walking by, and I saw your truck.”

“Great timing because Paisley is here, and I want you to meet her. She’s in the bathroom right now, but she’ll be out in a minute.”

He smiled at me as he placed his hand on my arm. “Take care of her, Ben. Comfort her when she’s sad, and make sure you’re always there for her. Give her strength when she needs it and courage when she’s in doubt. Love her with your heart and soul, and never take her for granted. I’m trusting you’ll do just that.”

I looked at him in confusion. “Yes, of course, I will, David. Listen, she’ll be back any second.”

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