Epilogue
Eight months later
Drea: We are sending you lots of love today, Kai. We love you both!
Me: Thanks. We love you too. I’ll be back to work tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.
Drea: Of course! You’re the boss. too, now. Take off the whole week if you want!
Me: Won’t be doing that. Maybe just today and tomorrow, though.
It had been one hell of a year. It was the anniversary of when I’d gotten the call at the store that my dad was gone. Some days, I found myself still going to our messages and typing out a message as if he’d respond.
If I hadn’t had Daisy through it all, I didn’t know where I would’ve been. Physically, I’d most likely be in a house, but mentally, I wasn’t sure. She’d brought life back to me in so many ways. For that, I loved her even more.
Today was no different. She had gotten up earlier than me, made me my favorite breakfast—in bed—and told me we could do whatever I wanted today, after she forced me to take a bath. I tried to say no, but she promised to keep me company in there, and I couldn’t have said yes fast enough.
I appreciated that we only sat in the tub, holding each other.
I loved her and would always want her, but my mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of my dad to be able to properly enjoy her.
But our bath was perfect. The wax warmer had a vanilla scent filling the room, the lights were off, and I had my arms around Daisy, with Duke lying on the floor next to us. It was the perfect start to the day.
After my bath, I checked some work emails because I couldn’t help myself. When Daisy asked what I wanted to do, I told her the only thing I wanted was to take flowers to him.
Since he was cremated and rested above our fireplace, he didn’t have a grave, but more of a memorial site at a pond a few miles away. I knew it didn’t make sense. He was at our house, so why would I talk to a site?
It made sense to me because it was where he would always go to sit and people watch, and I’d like to think that was where he’d spend eternity. Daisy thought it was a wonderful idea, but I frowned when she said she’d putt around the house, cleaning and doing other things while I was gone.
I appreciated the gesture, but I explained that I wanted her there. More than that, I needed her there. She kept me grounded, and I needed that today of all days.
“Are you ready, babe?” she asked when she came out of the bathroom with Duke at her feet.
I stood up and blew out a breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Thank you again for going with me.”
She gave me a soft smile and brought me in for a kiss. And just like that, all was calm in my brain.
When I forced myself to pull away from her, we headed out of the house, saying goodbye to a pitiful-looking Duke. I’d have to remember to pick up some treats for him on the way home.
The pond wasn’t too far from the house, so we decided a walk would be perfect. The fresh air would do both of us some good. We picked up a few white lilies on the way. I heard they symbolized peace, and that was what I wanted for him. I hoped he was peaceful and happy wherever he was.
The tears started as soon as we neared. I was glad I had Daisy there to comfort me. She squeezed my hand three times as we walked, somehow knowing exactly what I needed in that moment. I squeezed her hand back and took a deep breath.
We stooped, and I placed the flowers next to the cross with his name on it. My legs threatened to give out, but Daisy was right there to hold me up. I tried to steady myself and took a step back, clearing my throat and getting ready to sign as I spoke to my dad.
“Hi, Dad. Daisy and I brought you some flowers. You’ve been gone a year, and I still miss you every day like crazy. How’s Mom? Tell her I said I love her and miss her too.”
I had to stop to wipe the tears away and gather myself. I didn’t want to fall apart in front of Daisy. I knew I could, though. I knew she’d be right next to me without judgment. I wanted to be strong. I didn’t want to fall apart anymore.
“I’m doing okay. I sold the house and put the money in savings.
I donated some to each deaf school you listed in your will, just like you told me to.
The bookstore is still doing really well, and Drea and Blair are getting married.
Can you believe it? These past few years have been crazy, I know.
I’ll get going. I love you and miss you. ”
Daisy rubbed my back and I started heading toward the car but stopped to turn around. She looked at me, tilting her head in curiosity, and I walked back over to the cross, almost forgetting the most important piece of news I had to tell my dad.
“Oh, before I forget, I wanted to tell you that Daisy and I are dating. Finally, I know. You used to ask me almost every day if I’d asked her out yet. Well, it actually happened. Yes, I did it, Dad. I finally got her. I finally got my sunflower.”