Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Getting What You Want. And Wanting Something Else.
GHOST
H ow long had I longed to hear someone who knew Jake tell me that it was okay, that they forgave me?
For years.
But not like this.
I lifted my chin, unsure how many more daggers my heart could take. “There was never anything to ruin. It was all a lie.”
She shook her head. “Not for me. You’re a good man. The best. And I fell in love with you because of who you are. All those things Marvin said in the film? They really mean something to me. And I know they did to you too.”
Emily looked down, the tears falling freely from her cheeks. “I know it’s over between us. That’s my fault. But I need you to know that what happened to my brother wasn’t your fault, and if you need forgiveness...maybe that’s one thing meeting me can actually give you. I loved my brother with all my heart, and I forgive you. Go live your life. I hope it is full of all the love and joy Marvin would want for you.”
I dropped my eyes shut, too many emotions hitting me at once to be able to process any of them at all. When I opened them again, she was walking away, her shoulders shaking.
And later that afternoon, Emily was gone.