Page 36 of Forever Fallen

This was a bone-melting, passionate kiss between lovers igniting something incendiary between them, and she could feel it, tangible and visceral… and now it was gone.

Her grandmother’s words echoed in her mind, making her heart break as she had a glimpse this afternoon exactly what her grandmother had meant or referred to.

* * *

My beloved Sophie,

If you are reading this, your sweet Grammy is gone and now it will be the both of us watching over you – your Mama and me. Now, I know my beloved granddaughter and I know you aren’t happy right now, but there is a reason behind why I have done this.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, dearie…

If the shoe was on the other foot? I would find the quickest way out of a sticky mess and marry the first boy that said ‘yes’ – but that is not what I want for you.

You are too independent, too strong, and too afraid to let someone in. If I am gone, then that means you have no one with you… and that doesn’t sit well with me.

Grieving is hard… and the thought of my gentle baby girl wasting away in this ancient house all alone makes my heart ache.

You have so much love to give – and you’re so afraid to let someone in. I don’t want you to marry for duty or to keep something from being taken away. I want you to love… and be loved!

Every parent wants their child to find love, and your mother was miserable. I pushed her into marrying your father because I hoped they could find a way through all the arguments.

I was so wrong.

… And then you came?

You witnessed the fighting, saw how it was between them, and then your mother died before she could find her smile again. A part of me died with her and I turned to you for my happiness.

Your laughter lights up my life, Sophie… and you need to feel that love a mother has for a child, because its encompassing.

I want you to marry for love and not try to pull the wool over some nostalgic old woman’s eyes. If you rushed into something like your mother… I’ll be so disappointed.

That’s not love, child… that’s desperation, and you are better than that.

Your Grammy desperately wants you to laugh, smile, and love someone with everything in your heart and soul – and I hope you understand my wishes someday. I want you to find someone who cares for you as much as I did.

Give love a chance, be open to making mistakes, and find a way to get through them with someone that makes your heart flutter with joy. Live your best life and be happy, my sweet girl, because you made life worth living.

Love,

Grammy Ruby

* * *

Sophie satup on the floor, burying her head in her hands as she sat there, devastated… only to hear the back door open.

Stunned, she sat up quickly on the floor, scurried back and bumped into the couch, just before she saw Ryan walk back into the room.

His face was unreadable, and the sun was setting, causing deep shadows in the living room along with an eerie orange glow through the windows.

“You didn’t know?” he asked bluntly, his dark eyes unfathomable and watching her.

“No,” she whispered brokenly, staring up at him. “I’m so sorry.”

“Quit apologizing,” he replied, yanking several tissues from a crochet doll that sat on top of the television with the tissue box slipped underneath. He stepped forward, took her hand, and pulled her up from where she was sitting, before he handed her the Kleenex.

“Wipe your eyes.”

“I feel so bad, Ryan. I’ll give you the divorce and…”

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