Chapter 14 #5
“You go take a shower and wash your hair, and I’ll help you dry it when you’re finished.”
“Okay, Daddy. You have to help me with the zipper on my dress too. I can’t reach it,” Myla called out as she headed into the bathroom.
“Not a problem, cookie.”
As soon as he heard the water start, he made his way to the far side of the room and took the big painting off the wall.
Twice he stopped, then forced himself to finally reach it.
Even so, when he did, he hesitated, but just for a second.
The combination to the lock was easy enough to remember, and when the door swung open, his hand instinctively felt for the envelope.
Over the years, he’d taken it out, touched it, held it, and put it back, wondering if he’d ever get to open it.
It was finally time to read the letter inside, and he opened the envelope with trembling fingers.
Even though it had been years, he could smell Becky’s perfume on the paper, and he opened the folded stationery, took a deep breath, let it out, and looked down.
My beloved Kyle,
If you’re reading this, it’s a big day for you! You’ve found someone to love and you’re ready to make a home with her. I’m so glad. Even though I wanted to make sure Myla got the best start possible, I never wanted to leave you alone. That was never my intention. I’m so sorry that was the case.
What you have with her will never be what we had, because she’s not me.
Never, never spend time comparing her to me.
That’s not fair to her. She is who she is, and that can’t be me.
Besides, she might even be better. Who knows?
I know you wouldn’t think so, but it could be true, and then you’ll get a wonderful life with someone who loves you. How awesome would that be?
Be a good husband to her, the kind of husband you know how to be.
Be a good dad to any kids she has. If she’s marrying you, they’ll need a father figure in their lives, and you’re the best. Love her family.
If they love her and you love her, you have common ground.
Love her job. Be excited for the progress she makes in it and the way she loves it.
And if she doesn’t, help her find a new one, one she likes better.
And if that’s not her thing, if she wants to stay home and make your life better, encourage that.
Never let anybody hurt her, diminish her, abuse her, or mistreat her.
Be her protector, her friend, her lover, and her provider.
Let her stand on her own two feet when she can, and help her when she can’t. Always be there for her.
And don’t forget the romance! You were always really good about that.
Kyle, I love you with all my heart. All I really want is for you to find the happiness you deserve. On this your wedding day, I wish you both all the happiness you could ever want and all the love you’ll ever need.
All my love forever and always,
Becky
Kyle folded the paper, slipped it back inside the envelope, and wept.
If he had died and left Becky behind, he would’ve wanted all of those things for her too, but it was good to see it on paper.
As he sat there, tears streaming down his face, he thought about Myla.
She already loved Gina so much, and Gina was crazy about her.
He didn’t know if she’d use the term Mom for Gina, but he hoped she would.
That was the moment he realized something, and pulled out his phone.
Ava Green answered on the first ring. “Hi! How you guys doin’?”
“We’re doing good. But there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Myla’s not sick, is she?”
“No, no. Nothing like that.” He’d thought about what it would be like if he ever needed to make the call, and he knew how hard it would be to tell Becky’s parents that he was moving on.
“I just thought I should be the one to tell you so you didn’t find out from somebody else. I’m getting married today.”
There was silence for a few seconds, and then he heard her stifle a sob before she said, “Oh, Kyle, I knew this day was coming and I thought I was ready, but I guess I’m not.”
“I understand. And I know it’s causing you some pain, but Gina is a great lady, and I think you’ll like her when you meet her.”
“Oh, I’m sure that’s true. I know you’d never let anyone near Myla unless they were a good person. It’s just hard, you know?” Ava said, sniffling.
“I know. It was hard to call you and tell you this, but I knew I needed to. But you need to know that Becky will always be in my heart, and Gina never wants to take Becky’s place with Myla.”
“Kyle, honey, Myla doesn’t remember Becky, so I’m not sure it matters.”
“But she does! She does from the pictures we keep around, and the stories I tell her about Becky. Gina talks to her about Becky too. We’ll never, never let her forget her mommy, Ava. I’d never do that. And you guys will still be a part of her life, just like you always have been.”
“Thank you, Kyle. I appreciate that. And we love you just like we did when Becky was alive.”
“I love you guys too. As soon as life settles down a little, we’ll have you out for dinner. I really want you to meet Gina and her kids. She’ll love you.”
“I’m sure we’ll love her.”
“Well, I guess I’d better get going. Constance and Ray are meeting us at the courthouse, and then we’re having a party tomorrow, if you guys want to come.”
Ava sniffled again. “Oh, honey, thank you, but I think we’ll pass. That might be awkward for someone, so you guys have fun, and congratulations. I know Johnny will be happy for you,” she said of Becky’s dad.
“Thank you. Thanks for everything. Love you and see you soon.”
“Bye, honey. Tell Myla we love her.”
“I will. Bye.” Kyle hit END on his phone and sat there.
Becky’s mom had given him her blessing. That was all he needed, that and Becky’s.
And he’d already gotten that.
“Attention! Attention, everybody!” Kyle clanked beer bottles together until everyone was quiet. “We’ve got some announcements to make.”
“Well, it’s not that she’s pregnant!” Sabrina yelled from somewhere in the back.
“You shut up!” Gina shrieked and everyone laughed.
“No. First, you all should know that I’ve hired Casey Stoddard’s company to do the work on my house. And by work, I mean we’re going to almost triple the size. Casey and I have been friends forever, and I trust him to take care of the work while I’m working the farm.”
“That’s a good idea,” Kenton added.
“Yeah, well, Hadley and Briley don’t think so, but they’ll get used to the idea. And Gina has something she wants to announce.”
She stepped up beside Kyle, kissed him, then held up her left hand, knuckles out. The diamond he’d given her sparkled in the sunlight. “Oh my god! You’re engaged!” Sabrina squealed.
“No.” Gina pulled the engagement ring upward until the two rings separated. “We’re married.”
“What?” “When?” “What do you mean, you’re married?” “When did you decide this?” So many questions coming from every direction made Kyle a little dizzy.
“We just decided there wasn’t any reason to wait. We both knew what we wanted, and this is it.” Gina beamed. “I wasn’t sure at first, but I actually did find the one.”