Page 80 of Letters of Faith
Lifting her head from my shoulder, she smiles at me. “Do you promise?”
“Always, Peach. Always,” I say, placing a kiss on her temple.
With her still on my lap, I wrap my arms around her waist and stand, handing her the letter when we are both on our feet. She takes it from me, her hands trembling.
“Are you sure?” she asks.
“Yes, because I have nothing to hide, and I want forever with you. Take your time, and when you’re ready, I’ll be inside waiting for you.”
She nods, and I give her one more kiss on her cheek before turning and walking back inside.
Only a few minutes separate me from the rest of my life with the girl of my dreams.
Chapter 35
Georgia
Iwatch through the glass door as Grayson retreats down the hallway, the letter clenched tightly between my fingers. Coming here today, I wasn’t sure how Grayson would feel. Once again, though, he’s proven that he’s a better man than he’s ever given himself credit for.
Once he’s out of sight, I sit back on the steps and hold the letter in my hand, folding and unfolding the corner until I gather the courage to open it up.
The folded lines are worn, and I’m careful as I unfold it so I don’t rip it.
Grayson’s name is written at the top in Nate’s neat handwriting, but seeing it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as it did the first time I saw it in my letters
I’ve come a long way since that day, and I think Nate would be proud. I’m proud—and that means a lot on its own.
Gray,
If you’re getting this letter, it means I’m gone. I’m sorry I couldn’t be the one that stayed around for you, man. I want you to know I would have if I could, but if everything goes as planned, you will have something better.
You’re one of my best friends, and because of that, there is something I need you to know.
You’re a good man, Grayson Lewis.
I know the town continuously reminds you of your past, but you are more than that angry kid with a chip on his shoulder. That’s hard for you to believe—I get it—but it’s true. Keep that part in mind when you read this next part, okay?
I need you to do something for me, and it’s big—probably the most important thing I’ve ever asked of you. But I need to start with a story, something you’ve never heard from my side.
When my dad left, I was a sixteen year old kid. I could have been angry—heck, I should have been angry, Harper was, but for me, I was just numb. The man I looked up to my entire life up and left. I finally understood what it felt like to be you, and even though I know how you felt about her, Georgia made me feel something. She was this bright star, shining through all the black spots that were happening. I can’t say I regret loving her—it would be a lie—but I regret that it put out some of your light because I did.
Yes, Grayson—I knew. I’ve always known you loved her, too, but I needed her light, and I may not be sorry for loving her, but I am sorry that it made you feel unworthy because I did.
This is where the favor comes in, and it’s the second selfish thing I will ever do. I need you to take care of Georgia—not just take care of her, but take a chance at love with her. You deserve to date her. And marry her. Have lots of babies together. But most of all, make her happy. This isn’t just for her. It’s for you, too. Don’t just take care of her. Let her take care of you. You’ve stood on the sideline while Georgia and I had our happy ever after. Now it’s time for you to have yours. You are her friend, and I think she could love you one day. All you have to do is show her the side of yourself that you never show anyone else.
You’re a good man, Grayson Lewis. Don’t forget that.
Love,
Nate
When I reach Nate’s name, I wipe my sleeve against theback of my cheek. It comes away with black smudges across the fabric from the mascara running down my face. The day Nate’s dad left is the only day I ever remember him without a smile. The next day, it was like nothing had happened. He went about his life smiling at everyone and taking care of Ellie and Harper. I was too young to recognize the pain he was hiding then, but I loved him the best way I knew how.
And as far as Grayson goes, I guess I was too naive there. I never recognized the feelings he had, but looking back, I can see it now. He loved me in all the ways his brokenness would allow, and when Nate stepped up and we started dating, Grayson stepped aside because he thought Nate was the better man.
Honestly, I’m not sure how to feel about all this because to say that I wish things had been different for Grayson—that he had felt loved during that time—means that Nate and I may have never had our life together, but I want good things for Grayson—I always have.
The thing is, I may be confused about the past, but I’m not about the future. I want all the things that Nate mentioned in the letter. I want the dates, and the ring, and the babies—and I want them all with Grayson.
