Page 76 of Letters of Faith
“Convenient,” I scoff.
“I promise, Georgia. I can’t remember exactly what it says, and I won’t get it wrong and twist Nate’s words again. I’m sorry.”
Huffing, I stand, and Ellie and Harper follow suit. Looking at Ellie, I say, “Thank you for telling me about the letters, and I should probably thank you for sending them too because they’ve saved my life—truly. I know it must have been hard for you, but I appreciate it.”
She steps forward, wrapping her arms around me, and whispers into my hair, repeating the same question she asked me the day the first letter arrived. “Have you found happiness yet, Georgia?”
“Yeah, Ellie, I have. Now I just have to work on getting it back.”
Pulling back, she smiles at me—it’s genuine and loving. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry too much about that,” she says with a wink as if she’s in on something I’m not. “I have one more thing for you.”
She reaches into her pocket and pulls out an envelope. The writingis that same elegant slope I’ve seen on every other letter, and I know in my gut that this one is the last.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
Patting my cheek, she steps back, and I turn to Harper.
“I’m not ready yet, Harper, but I heard your apology. I appreciate it, and I hope that when I am ready, maybe we can find a new path and be friends.”
A lone tear slips down her cheek, and I fight to hold back my own.
“I think I’d like that,” she says.
“Me too.” I offer her a small smile—a white flag for the feud I never wanted to have.
“We’re going to go,” Ellie says, giving me one last hug. “If you need anything, I’m only a phone call away.”
When they walk out the door and I’m left alone, I squeeze the letter to my chest, aching at the thought that these are the last words I’ll ever receive from Nate.
With one deep breath, I rip the top of the envelope and pull the letter out.
My name is written at the top, just like every other letter, and I have to sit back down to keep from falling. My heart beats in my ears as I begin to read.
Georgia,
This has to be my goodbye letter.
My body is shutting down quicker than I planned, and I’m running out of time. I can only hope my words have helped you so far. I want you to heal, baby. Don’t be sad for me anymore—live your life and love. If this has all worked out the way I planned, that last one won’t be too hard. Grayson loves you. He has since we were kids. Now that I’m gone, I hope you let him love you. He’s the kind of man I want for you.
I’m sorry this letter is shorter, but I hope it has the most impact. I hope you can give Grayson some of the love you’ve given me, Georgia. You havea way of making a person feel seen, and he could use that.
Together, love each other and build a relationship in Christ. Those are the things I hope for the most.
I’ll see you again.
Love,
Nate.
Sobs wrack my body, tears slipping down my face and dripping onto the letter as I read his last words to me. And as I fight for control, I place a kiss over Nate’s name right where my teardrops have fallen.
It’s time for one last goodbye.
Chapter 33
Georgia
The walk to Nate’s grave is different today—the cold air is less frigid than it usually is this time of year. It’s like the world is setting the stage for my goodbye.
