Truth Avenged (Green Division Series Book 1) Page 20

  She took a deep breath.

  “It’s been three years since you passed away. Three very long, difficult years and it took me a long time to get to a place where I thought I could try to love again.” She looked over at little Tucker and smiled. “It’s not perfect and it’s certainly not easy, but he’s a patient, caring, and loving man. Much like you.” She picked her head up from the stone.

  “He’s helped us through so much. I don’t know what we would have done without him. And though he’s not our Tucker’s father, he’s the only dad he’s ever known. He tells him stories about you all the time.” Little Tucker giggled. “And he’ll know you growing up, even if you aren’t here to get to know him. He’ll know you.” She smiled.

  “Mommy!” Tucker pleaded while being tickled on the grass. Chance smiled at his playfulness.

  “You’ll always be a part of our lives and in our hearts.” She kissed the headstone. She wiped her eyes again and took a breath. “And I’ll never forget you, but I have to move forward and he’s our future. Mine and Tucker’s. The man you’d want for us in your absence. We love him, just as you did as a friend.”

  “Moooooooommy! Come here!” He said still laughing.

  “Our little boy is calling.” She smiled. “We’ll visit again soon. I love you Tuck.”

  She rose to her feet. Tucker came bounding over and she scooped him up in her arms.

  “Daddy tickling me!” Tucker said.

  “That Daddy of yours.” She tried to hide her tears.

  “Are you okay?” Mitch asked knowing all too well.

  She nodded her head. Tucker nestled into her side eyeing Mitch.

  “Are you sure?”

  She looked up at the man who’d filled Tuck’s shoes.

  “Positive.” She smiled.

  He put his hand on her waist and kissed Tucker’s cheek. “We have a big day tomorrow. We better get you home and rested. What do you say to some ice cream first?”

  “Yeah!”

  “Alright bud.” He took Tucker from Chance’s arms and belted him into the car seat.

  Chance took a fleeting look at the headstone and got into the passenger seat. Mitch closed the driver’s side door and cranked the A/C. The August heat was oppressive.

  Chance put her hand atop of Mitch’s. He laced her fingers in his.

  He nodded his head. “I know I’m not Tuck—”

  “You’re you and that’s all I want. We’re lucky to have you in our lives.” She leaned over the armrest.

  “I was hoping you weren’t going to change your mind before tomorrow.”

  She looked down at her engagement ring.

  “There’s nothing that could change my mind.” She kissed him and smiled genuinely. “I love you. Don’t for a moment ever think otherwise.”

  “We all miss him.”

  “I know.” She held the side of his face.

  “Daddy! Ice cream!” Tucker begged from behind.

  “Alright, alright, we’re going.” He looked behind him. “Beggar!” He tickled. Mitch shifted the car into drive and they pulled onto the main road. Chance looked out the window at the lush green grass and tall oak trees that surrounded Pine View Cemetery.

  I’ve learned many things in the past three years. I learned you’ll never know your strength until you are thrown into the depths of hell. I’ve learned that you can spend all of your time weeping over the past, or looking forward to the future. I’ve learned the “happily ever after” that all girls dream of is just that, a dream. And in the end, that is all any of us want, happiness. Whether it be for a month, a year, or a lifetime. With eyes to the future, that’s what I’m hopeful for.

  The cemetery disappeared out of sight. Tucker tried valiantly to sing to the song on the radio, but it came out as noise, mumbling at best. Mitch sung along watching him in the rearview. Chance reached across the seat taking Mitch’s hand again fondly. He brought her hand to his lips, kissed it, and rested it on his thigh. This is happiness.

  To my friend s Amy and April, thank you for all of your help during the writing process. It was invaluable and the input was appreciated more than you both could possibly know. Thank you!