Page 102 of Someone to Remember
“I had no doubt. We need some joy around here, and who better to provide it than you two?”
“Thank you for taking the time today, of all days, to think of me.”
“Iris… You really have no idea what you mean to all of us, do you?”
“Oh, well…”
“Our Wild Widows have been amazing. I’ve heard from so many of them, people I barely know who’ve vowed to be by my side every step of the way. They need your celebration of joy, especially now.”
“That you’re thinking of others at such a time…”
“It’s a tough thing for widows to learn it can happen again. I can only imagine how rough it’s been for them.”
“Bless you for caring, and our group is waiting to welcome you back with open arms as soon as you feel up to it.”
“We’ll see how it goes but thank you for saying that. I wouldn’t blame them for shunning me after I went skipping off into my chapter two without so much as a single glance back.”
“Oh please. You’re as welcome with us as you always were.”
“I really hope to be there to celebrate you and Gage on Saturday.”
“Only if you feel up to it. Don’t feel obligated.”
“I don’t. I’ve been very much looking forward to it.”
She hugs me again, and we hold on tightly to each other for a long time, the way we have for years now.
“Thank you for being there for me, for coming to the hospital, for handling the funeral home… All of it. You’re one of the best friends I’ve ever had.”
“Likewise, my love.”
“Hardly, but if you say so…”
“I say so.”
She hooks her arm through mine as we go back inside to rejoin the others. “Iris and Gage will be getting married as scheduled on Saturday with my full blessing and all my love.”
“Thank you, Taylor,” Gage says softly. “That means everything to us.”
Twenty-Four
Wynter
The time away is just what I needed. My mom and Lou are thrilled to have us visit, and even offered to babysit, which is how Adrian and I scored a date night. I’ve felt calmer since we’ve been here, and spending our days on the beach has been good for my battered soul.
“Xavier is never going to want to go home,” Adrian says as he drives my mom’s car to the restaurant where he made reservations.
“We need to get him a sandbox in the spring.”
“I was thinking the same thing. Can you imagine the mess he’ll make with that?”
“It’ll be adorable, like everything he does.”
“Yeah, it will.” He glances over at me. “I’m proud of you for not crying when you left Willow.”
“I wanted to wail, but she’s comfortable with my mom.”
“Nia is dying to babysit when we’re ready.”
