Page 85 of Someone to Remember
“I wish there was something more we could do for her and the kids.”
“As we both know, the most important thing we can do is continue to show up long after the hoopla has died down.”
“Yes, and we will. I talked to Mimi today,” he says of his former mother-in-law, who, along with her husband, Stan, is still close to Gage and now to me and my kids, too. “They’re excited to get here next Tuesday and for Thanksgiving and the wedding.”
“I can’t wait to see them.”
He puts his arms around me. “I know you’re exhausted in every possible way, so let me know what I can do to help. You don’t have to power through what’s supposed to be a happy time for all of us.”
“Thank you for saying that, because I’m all over the place right now, emotionally and physically drained and not sure how I’m going to pull off the next week of houseguests and holidays and a wedding on top of it.”
In one of the strangest developments since becoming widowed, I’m close to Eleanor, the woman my late husband, Mike, had another son named Carter with. Mike’s deception cut me—and Eleanor, who had no idea we existed—deeply, but the kids and I have come to love Eleanor and Carter, and they’ve become part of our lives and family. Life is so weird—and beautiful—sometimes.
They’re flying in for the festivities, and Eleanor had wanted to get a hotel because she thought I had enough going on. However, I insisted they stay with us so the kids could have more time together.
“Ask for help, Iris. Ask the Wild Widows to pitch in. They’d do anything for you, and you know it.”
“They have their own families and holidays to tend to. I wouldn’t feel right asking them for help at such a busy time for everyone. I’m still not even sure we’re doing the right thing, having a wedding the same week Taylor buries her second husband.”
“The wedding was planned months before Will died. Taylor knows that, and she loves you, Iris. She wouldn’t want anything to stand in the way of your happiness.”
“No, she wouldn’t, and I know that for certain, but I’m struggling with the timing of it all just the same.”
“I understand, love. And I’m sorry you’re struggling.”
“I’ll be okay. It’s just a lot all at once.”
“Yes, it is, and we’ll get through it together. I’m right here and will do anything I can to make this time easier for you.”
“And you wonder why I love you so much.”
“I don’t wonder.”
I laugh—hard—which makes me feel better right away.He’s magic that way, in how he can always find a way to lift me up when I need it.
“Will you do me a favor?” he asks.
“Anything for you.”
“Will you try to enjoy this time? I know your heart is heavy on Taylor’s behalf, and mine is, too, but you and I deserve this, Iris. After what we’ve been through and all we’ve tried to do for others in the same boat… We deserve to celebrate our love and to move into this new life together with joy and true happiness. I don’t want anything to take away from that for you.”
“And I don’t want anything—especially me—to take that away for you. No one in this world deserves happily ever after more than you do.”
“More thanwedo.”
“Right. We all deserve this, and it’s going to be an amazing week of friends, family, holidays and celebration.”
“I don’t want you to fake it until you make it. If your heart is aching, I want you to talk to me. Do you promise?”
“Yes, I promise. I don’t have to fake being happy with you, Gage. You know that. And the kids are out of their minds with excitement. I’m going to stay focused on you and them and enjoy the moment. I’ll be okay.”
“I love you, and I can’t wait to marry you and our kids.”
“I can’t wait either.”
Twenty
Gage
