Page 23 of Blinded By Forever
And in the very center of the biggest bouquet sat a white envelope.
My name is written in his handwriting.
I step outside barefoot, the cool breeze hitting my arms and the scent of peonies blooming around me like summer air.
I take the envelope and open it to grab the note inside.
I read the words to myself as the boys and River look at the flowers.
I know this doesn’t fix it or my speech after my fight. I know you're still mad but remember you told me once, peonies are your favorite. They are rare to find and only come around once a year. Well, princess, you were a rare one to find and trust me I’m not letting you go. I’m not there but just know I haven’t left you. I plan on coming back home, to our family, to you. I love you.
I grip the paper in my hand, heart in my throat.
Goddamn him.
“Who are they from?” Easton says, as he picks one flower up.
I swallow and tuck the note in my pocket before they can see the tears pricking my eyes. “Your dad.”
River tiptoes over to one of the bunches and presses her nose to a petal. “They smell so pretty.”
“Yea, they do,” I whisper.
We spent the next twenty minutes hauling the flowers in the foyer. Junior helped with the heavier ones, Easton carried the vases with care, and River grabbed the ones from the floor while also naming every single bouquet.
I set the biggest one on the kitchen counter.
Right where I’d see it every time I passed by.
I pull out my phone and go to his contact. I send him one text.
Thank you for the flowers, the note, and the speech. I love you. Please come back home in one piece so we can be a family again.
Twelve
Jaclyn
When I walk downstairsto the kitchen, I can’t help but smile at the flowers filling every corner of the house.
The scent of peonies clings to everything, sweet, soft, and beautiful.
I brought one of the other vases and bouquets to my room on my side table so that I could wake up to them. I also put a vase in River’s room since she said she wanted to have some of the flowers in her room.
When I gave River a bath this morning she begged me to put some of the flowers in her bath. She giggled and splashed water around which made me smile. I took some pictures of her, mainly for me and Hayden and for us to put around the house.
Junior is on the couch playing video games with Easton as I hold River in my arms.
“Morning, Mom,” Easton yells when he sees me. “Are you making breakfast now?”
I roll my eyes.
This kid and his fucking breakfast.
Natalia texted me that she is stopping by today with Lilah since she took a trip here while Chris is practicing for the season.Natalia usually comes to Italy whenever Chris is busy with training.
“Yes, I’m making breakfast. Remember, Lilah and your Aunt Natalia are coming over.”
“Down, mommy, down.” River moves in my arms so I let her go and she runs to her brothers, probably going to beg them to play with her.
