Page 98 of Someone to Remember
“What’s that?”
“I want our wedding to be one of the best days of our lives. I want it to be a day in which we celebrate surviving something that should’ve broken us but didn’t. I want to celebrate with the people we’ve helped to move forward and the ones who’ve made it possible for us to do that. More than anything, I want you, the center of our universe, to have a wonderful, carefree, beautiful day. If you can’t do that so close to Taylor’s loss, then we’ll postpone until you can, and I’d be totally fine with that.”
This man… This beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful man… “I love you so much. More than you’ll ever know.”
“I love you just as much, and I want your happiness—and the kids’ happiness—more than I want my own. Sleep on it tonight. See how you feel after the funeral, and we’ll meet right back here tomorrow night to make a final decision, okay?”
“Sounds like a plan. Thank you for understanding that I’m conflicted. It means so much to me.”
“I love how much you care about everyone in your life. I can’t just love that when it’s convenient for me.”
“The kids would be so disappointed if we postponed, sothat’s weighing heavily on me, too. They’re already sad about Eliza and Miles losing their new daddy.”
“Of course they are, but they know better than most kids that death is part of life.”
“Yes, they do.”
“Now let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a rough one.”
As we head upstairs to check on the kids and go to bed, my heart is heavy for my dear friend and her sweet kids as they prepare to say a final farewell to their beloved Will.
Twenty-Three
Christy
I’m awake before dawn and on my second cup of coffee when Trey joins me in the kitchen.
“I woke up alone, and that never happens.”
My endless need for sleep is a source of constant amusement to him. I’m usually asleep before him and still asleep long after he gets up. Now that my kids can get themselves moving on school mornings, I get even more rest than I used to when they relied on me to get them up.
“First time for everything.”
He takes my hand and brings it to his lips. “What can I do?”
“Nothing specific, but thanks for asking.”
“What time do we have to leave for the funeral?”
I look over at him. “You don’t have to go to that. You have work.”
“I took the day off. I couldn’t let you go through it alone.”
His kindness brings tears to eyes that’re raw from days of them. “This is above and beyond.”
“Nah, it’s the bare minimum. I can do much better with the above-and-beyond category.”
Even when I’m filled with despair, he makes me smile. “Thank you for everything this week. I’ve seen you stepping up even more than usual for us, and it’s very much appreciated.”
“I wish there was more I could do.”
“You’ve done everything I needed—and then some.”
“So what time are we leaving?”
“A little before nine? The service is at ten.”
“I’ll be ready.”
