Epilogue
H olding tight to Libby’s hand as we walk down the aisle, I keep my focus straight. If I stray too much, I’ll lose what little composure I have right now. The only way out is through , my wife would say. Instead, she gives me a gentle squeeze. She’s been my pillar of support for the last two weeks, and I can honestly say I don’t know how I would have survived without her. My mom wasn’t kidding when she said that when she was gone, so was her love. There’s some bullshit people say that when your mom dies, her love lives with you forever, but I think Leann is trying to have the last laugh.
Just like her holding out until after Libby and I were married for real this time. I still think she knew it was a facade all along, and was waiting until she knew for certain that I was going to have someone here to drag me out of bed before she finally let go. Because it wasn’t twelve hours after our ceremony that we had at our new home that we got the call from Blake.
Libby had a feeling that night. One I chalked up to wedding jitters, but she was adamant that Leann not spend the night alone. And I, as a newlywed, was just as adamant that my wife and I spend our wedding night together. So Blake, being the loyal friend she is, and my mom’s number one fan, offered to go home with her.
Luckily, Savannah was in town for the wedding because I don’t know that she would have made it here on her own once it happened. I’m grateful that they pulled it together for me and sat next to each other at the wedding. After Libby and I sealed our vows with a kiss, I’m certain I even saw them talking to each other. I’m also grateful that Savannah has helped me with all the funeral planning, and I wasn’t left making all the decisions.
What I’m not grateful for is my mom having a new dying wish in her will. Nothing says happy two-week wedding anniversary like having to give a eulogy at your mother’s funeral. But then again, she did always have a sick sense of humor.
The service goes by in a blur until Libby gives my leg a squeeze, letting me know it’s time for me to go to the podium. When I get to the front, I can see that the place is standing room only.
I take a deep breath and curse my mom for making me do this. “My mom was a superwoman. And one of her greatest powers was always loving without measure. She didn’t care who you were, where you came from, or where you were going. She always had a smile, hug, and words of advice to give everyone. So today, I’d like to share the biggest piece of advice that she gave me. And it’s that love will always be worth the risk you take.
“It’s the one scenario where the risk will never outweigh the reward. Because when you love without bounds, you open yourself up to the craziest kind of love. The one that happens all on its own. The one that carries you through life. The one that never has you wanting for or questioning anything.” I lock eyes with my wife in the crowd. Her icy blues have become my new safe haven. “Unconditional love, in its purest form, will always give you what you need.”
After everyone leaves the funeral parlor, Libby, Blake and I stretch out on the couches in the back of the viewing room.
“Who knew funerals could be so boring,” Blake says, and Libby shoots her a glare. “I mean, uh, your speech was good, though, Gibson.” I can’t help but laugh. The whirlwind that has been the last two weeks has made me somewhat delirious. Going from the extreme high of marrying the love of your life, to deciding what urn to put your dead mom in two days later would do a number on anyone.
“Thanks, Blake.”
“I appreciate you and Ty being here,” Libby adds.
“I kind of promised Mrs. G I’d be here to make sure you two didn’t just cry all day long,” Blake admits.
“Where is Ty anyway?” I ask to nobody in particular.
“I saw him go into that closet about twenty minutes ago.” Blake points to the door on the other side of the room. “My guess is he found a new flavor.”
My stomach churns. “At my mom’s funeral? How do you even find somebody for that in a place like this?”
About that time, the closet door opens, and Tyson walks out with his smug smile set firmly on his face. He starts to walk away but stops dead in his tracks when we lock eyes. His face goes white when the door opens again and out comes Savannah, too busy fixing her dress to notice the standoff, and runs right into Tyson.
“What the hell are you doing?” she asks. But Tyson doesn’t answer. He doesn’t flinch. Following his gaze, she finally notices me having a front-row seat to their little rendezvous. “Oh.”
What. The. Fuck.