Page 97 of Raised On It

I’m still treading lightly, but it’s been nice to talk to her this way. I think not being face to face has helped, and we’ve both opened up more than we would have in person.

So, with the emotions coming from the heartbreak of Mel’sdeath, the communication with my mother, and all of the love hitting me square in the chest right here in this pew, I’m overwhelmed and silently bawling my eyes out.

I feel like a sponge being run dry.

We’re all asked to stand as the family is the first to leave the room.

Miles takes my face in his hands, and whispers, “Hey, baby, you okay?”

I nod furiously.

“You sure.”

I rise up on my toes and confess in his ear.

“I just love you so much. I can’t imagine ever losing you like this. It’s too much to even think about.”

Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me tight until it’s time for our row to exit. When he releases me, there are tears streaming down his face as well. Now, I’m the one holding his face in my hands. I wipe his tears with my thumbs, and we exit our row and walk hand in hand out of the funeral home.

CHAPTER 30

Miles

“So you hand delivered it? Like you put it in her hand?”

“Sure did,” Bennett says, unable to hide his smile.

He can laugh at me all he wants.

I’m trying to woo a girl here.

“And she read it and told you she’d be there.”

“Not only did she say she’d be there but she also asked if she could bring anything.”

I chuckle. “Of course she did.”

“She seemed pretty excited. Couldn’t stop smiling.”

That’s my girl.

“Okay, so you have things here then?”

“Just as I always do.”

“And unless the damn sky is falling, I don’t want any interruptions of any kind tonight. None whatsoever. We’re clear on that,right?”

“Crystal.”

“Excellent.”

I start looking all over my office unable to find…what, I have no idea.

“Keys?” Bennett questions.

“Shit. Yes, keys. Thank God my ass is attached or I’d lose that too. Thanks.”

“That's what I'm here for.”

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