“She—she had a feeling? Why didn’t you tell me? I would have?—”
“That’s exactly why,” Grams said firmly. I had never heard her speak like that before, and it seemed to shock her, too. She smoothed her hands over her gray hair and peered around us like she was making sure no one else heard. “She knew that if she said anything, then you would only put more of your energy into keeping it from happening. But Addie, she was anold woman, and she was tired of being in pain. Her quality of life was never going to get back to where she wanted it to be, and the only reason she held on for so long wasbecauseof you.”
“But I would’ve spent more time with her,” Addison said, and her voice broke. She lifted her hand to her mouth, then angrily swiped away the tears that fell. “I could’ve done more.”
Grams raised her hands and cupped her granddaughter’s cheeks. I took a small step back, feeling like I was intruding on a beautiful, healing moment for the two of them. “You did everything, and I do meaneverything,you could have possibly done. You made her life—my life—bigger and better and brighter. And I promise, she says as much in this letter.” Grams tapped the letter with one hand and kissed Addison’s cheek.
But that wasn’t enough for my girl. She threw her arms around her grandmother’s shoulders and hugged her hard. When they parted, Grams reached for my hand and squeezed before she found another friend to visit with.
Slowly, Addison turned toward me and peered down at her letter. I did the same and wondered what Nana might have to say to me.
She rubbed her hands against her pleated black skirt and cleared her throat. It was such a change from her usual colorful attire, and I freaking hated it. She was color and sunshine. Black didn’t suit her.
“Maybe we read these tonight?” she asked. “At your place?”
“Of course. Do you want me to hold yours for now?”
She didn’t have any pockets, and I was already holding most of her belongings, so it only made sense.
“Yeah, that would be great. Thanks,” she said and handed me the letter but didn’t step back until she’d kissed me.
Addison had left the bedroom and bathroom door open as she showered, so I heard when the water cut off. I was sitting on thecouch, staring at the two letters propped up on the coffee table in front of me.
The TV was on, too, but it was really just background noise.
I was mentally exhausted from the day, which I knew meant Addison had to be brutally tired. But she was a trooper. She’d been graceful and kind when people expressed their sympathies, and she’d helped Grams without hesitation, as she always did.
I fell more in love with her every second of every day, and today was no different.
A few minutes later, while I was lost in thought considering how lucky I was, Addison padded into the living room. She’d grabbed one of my T-shirts from my dresser, and it fell perfectly to her knees. They were her favorite to sleep in, and she’d even stolen a couple for the few nights we didn’t spend together. But those were becoming less and less common since the new year.
Neither of us wanted to spend more time than necessary apart.
“That was the best shower ever,” she said as she plopped down next to me and tucked her legs underneath her. “Have you read yours yet?” She motioned to the letters, and I shook my head, dropping my hand to her soft thigh.
“No, you said you wanted to read them together. But we don’t have to do it tonight if you don’t want to. I know you’ve gotta be exhausted.”
She tilted her head to the side and peered over at me with her brows furrowed. “I’m really not all that tired,” she said. “Today was good. It was good to see how many people love Nana and wanted to pay their respects, and I kind of want to ride that high. I know it’s going to probably drain me emotionally when I read it, and I don’t want to leave that for another day.”
“Okay, baby girl. Whatever you want,” I said as she sat down next to me.
Reaching forward, I grabbed both the letters and handed her the one with her name. She took a deep breath and peered at the paper like she actually wasn’t sure she wanted to do it. But shetook it from me before I could question it and unfolded the paper.
Scooting farther into the corner of the couch, I wrapped an arm around her waist and dragged her closer until she was seated between my legs with her back against my chest. I kept a protective arm around her chest as she leaned her head against me and started reading.
I peered over her shoulder and noted her letter was reasonably longer than mine, which was to be expected.
Nana’s thin, elegant handwriting filled most of the page. And after a quick, preliminary scan, I realized it was dated only a few weeks ago.
Beckett,
When our Addie Wren first told us about you, I was worried. More than worried, actually. I was terrified that she would only end up with her heart broken once again. And as you now know, she’s been through enough. She does not deserve to endure more heartbreak.
Yet, here I am, breaking her heart once again. Unfortunately, I can’t prevent this one.
But this time, she has you to help her through it. And I know you will.
It was evident in every one of your actions that you care deeply for Addie. You showed us and Addie that you were committed and caring, and that was more than enough for me. Your intentions were pure, and your heart was steadfast.
