19. Epilogue
Epilogue
Much later
“I think it’s the perfect spot. He can watch over the whole farm from up here.”
Gray nods and leans on his shovel.
My brothers keep digging.
We lost Blue yesterday. He was the best boy. He slept on the rug in front of Pippa’s crib every single night, watching over her from the first day we brought her home from the hospital.
I told Bill and Gray we would get another dog when they are ready. They had Blue for nearly fifteen years. He’s going to be a tough act to follow.
Bill said he thought he would be the first to go.
He was diagnosed with cancer not long after Pippa was born.
We made the decision to live with Bill as his health continues to decline.
Grannie Mags says it’s her cooking that keeps him alive.
I think Pippa gives him life.
I know she does Gray and me.
Our daughter is the perfect mix of the two of us.
My looks and her father’s temper.
His eyes. My hair.
I kiss the top of her head as a butterfly lands on her shoulder.
Blue’s already visiting.
Today we buried Bill next to Blue.
Gray has been sitting on that hill talking to his old man’s grave for the past hour, sharing one last beer with him.
I sit on our front porch swing with Pippa as she reads to my belly. I’m pregnant with our second child. This time I’m hoping for a boy.
I’m going to name him Billy, like his grandpa and my brother. But if I have another girl, I’ll name her Maggie in honor of my Grannie Mags.
I miss her.
Bill outlived her by three years.
Life is funny like that sometimes, but one thing that’s for sure is that it goes on, and we have to get up and make every day matter.