Layla
Dear Ben,
I told myself I would never write another journal entry after the last one I wrote to you. But this is important.
I had a daughter. She’s asleep in Jacob’s arms right now, so tiny and perfect. And I need to tell you about her. I need to tell you about my life, Ben.
I want you to know I miss you.
When I lost you, I thought I’d never feel anything again. I didn’t want to live, not in the way we’re supposed to. I didn’t think a heart that had been shattered as badly as mine could ever heal, or be open to loving that deeply again.
And then Jacob happened.
He never asked me to hide the pain of losing you. He understands that I love you both. He understands in a way I’m not sure many others ever could.
The truth is, there will always be pain when I think of you.
And that’s okay.
But I want you to know… I’m okay. I’m happy.
I opened my own bakery three years ago, I finally did it
Clark visits as often as he can. His NFL career has taken off, and I know you’d be so proud of him.
Jacob and I got married a little under two years ago, right here in Rockport, and I spend my days surrounded by the best kind of love.
We named her Daisy.
And one day when she’s older, I’ll tell her all about you, and how she got her name.
You’re still threaded into everything, Ben.
You’ll always be a part of my life.
I told you once that I wasn’t strong enough to say goodbye. I meant it. Because goodbyes are endings.
And love doesn’t have an ending.
I will always love you, Ben Matthews, and I will hold on to you for the rest of my life.
Love always,
Layla