Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 113270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
A collective gasp ripples through the yard—then cheers, whistles, and a few sniffles from the peanut gallery that is all of our family and friends.
His smile should be illegal, it’s so fast and loose, and everything I’ve ever dreamed of appears right before me in a flash.
“It is. Everything about me is about you, and I suppose, that’s the whole damn point. I don’t want to have a single day without knowing you’re mine forever. Beatrice Bishop, please, I’m begging…be mine forever. Will you marry me?”
Snot and tears mix in an ugly display of the happiest moment of my life, save the birth of our son, and even at that, this is a pretty sure tie.
“Yes. Yes. Of course, yes!” I nod, and Tad jumps up, pulling me into his arms and into a kiss that makes the last one seem demure.
This moment, right here. This is the best it’s ever been.
…
Tad
I linger on the outside edge of the party, a beer in hand and a smile on my face as my fiancée flits from person to person, showing off her ring. It’s an oval diamond in yellow gold, with a smaller teardrop diamond set at the side of the main stone. I designed it myself three months ago, at a jeweler in Burlington, while finishing my EMA certifications. It’s a nod to Breezy’s unique beauty and the idea that she is the keeper of my tears—the safe spot for my vulnerability.
I’ve never felt more at home with every part of myself than I do as Breezy’s partner, and I cannot wait to make her my wife.
My dad and uncle follow her around to everyone she talks to, butting in with excitement every chance they get. I know they’re thrilled to see me moving forward with my life—and I get it. But I’m glad they’re suctioned to Breezy’s ass instead of mine. They’ve been here to visit once a month since the baby was born, and I can’t imagine they’ll slow down anytime soon.
Ten years is a long time to wait for your son to come back to life. I understand that now in a way I never did before. It’s amazing how your own wounds can blind you to the pain of others.
I’m trying to be better—Breezy makes me want to be better.
Randy makes small talk with Eileen’s niece Millie, and I say a little prayer that he’ll take that somewhere so I don’t have to deal with his grumpy ass every time I don’t approve some shit he asks for at the fire department. We’ve moved on from the sheep, but he’s got a decade of a complaining habit I’m going to be fighting against.
“Happiness looks good on you, kid,” Pete says from behind me, surprising me with his presence by appearing from behind the congratulations banner Breezy had special made. He’s drinking a bourbon, like he usually is these days, and a loose smile matches perfectly with the glaze in his eyes.
“Thanks, Pete.”
“Never happier in my life than the years I spent with my Helen.” I nod as he continues, putting a hand on my shoulder. “I know you won’t take it for granted, though. Ain’t many of us who really understand, but I know you do.”
“I do. And I won’t. Take it for granted, I mean.”
“I know, kid. I know.” My eyes find Breezy in the crowd and focus in on her smile as she does some ridiculous chicken squawk at Autumn, who belly-laughs in Bennett’s arms so hard, he has to bend at the hip to keep hold of her. Breezy glides through the motions as she hugs Norah, putting her purse on her shoulder for her since her arms are full of several trays of food, and I find myself thanking God for both the good and bad put together.
“Hey,” I say, turning to Pete to ask him—really ask him—how he’s doing, but to my surprise, he’s already gone. I guess my admiration let time get away from me.
Shoving away from the tree I’ve been using as a prop instead, I make my way to my soon-to-be wife as she picks Hayes up out of his high chair and spins him around, coming up behind her and bending my head into her neck before she even sees me coming.
She gasps and then melts, her body finding comfort in the warmth of mine. “Hello, my love,” I say into her delicate skin, shifting to kiss it when goose bumps appear.
Eileen appears in front of us, stealing Hayes right out of Breezy’s arms and swirling away so quickly it makes the two of us laugh. Since retiring, she’s been an unexpected staple in our life and a pseudo-grandmother figure to Hayes in ways I can’t exactly comprehend. She’s happy and helpful—still nosy, though not quite as much. But all in all, I think claiming an unofficial spot in our family has breathed new life into her.