Page 200 of My Only

The only thing missing in this house was my wife. My friend. My Ayla.

My eyes moved around the exterior of our summer home, taking it all in. I had nailed every detail, making it look like an exact replica of the villa she loved so much.

She had one week left in the school year. After that, she’d be on summer break, free to spend all her time here—or as much as she wanted

I let my eyes drift over the property again, imagining it full. A home alive with love, laughter, and more than just Ayla and our son.

Because I wanted a big family.

And I knew Ayla did, too.

I wanted to give her everything she had ever dreamed of.

She deserved it. We deserved it.

And now, finally, we had it.

Ayla

I aimed my camera, adjusting the focus before pressing the shutter button.

A warm breeze lifted the hem of my summer dress, brushing against my knee as I relaxed on the patio lounge.

It was my first late afternoon at our summer home.

Ever since touring the property on the day the movers arrived, I had been counting down the days until the school year ended.

I ran a hand over my growing belly and smiled.

Our baby boy was in there, nice and comfy.

At my last doctor’s appointment, Dr. Whitfield had joked that this time last year, she had said a little prayer for Hassani and me to give her a baby to deliver this year.

She’d get her wish this October.

I glanced down at the LCD screen on my camera, admiring the shot I had just taken.

Then, lifting the camera again, I adjusted the focus and waited for the blur to settle before pressing the shutter button once more.

Last year, at this time, I was telling Hassani I wanted a divorce.

A divorce.

I shook my head, inhaling deeply.

The thought flashed in my mind, intrusive, like an unwelcome guest trying to ruin a perfect moment.

Then, Harper’s name crept in, threatening to stir emotions I didn’t want to entertain.

But before I could spiral, I closed my eyes and followed my therapist’s advice.

“I acknowledge this memory, I accept that it happened, and I send it away with love,” I whispered.

The weight of it lifted, slowly at first, then all at once.

When I opened my eyes, I was met with the breathtaking view before me.

Serenity.

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