“Everything okay now?” my mother asked as she approached me.
“They are.” My eyes were on River while she hugged her friends.
My mom rubbed my arm. “Glad to hear it. The next few weeks will be the hardest for her, but I’m glad she has you. Do whatever you need to do to comfort her and keep that smile on her face.”
We both watched River while she made her way around the room. For the moment, she was in a good space, but I knew she would have her moments. Grief came unexpectedly, but I wouldn’t leave her side.
My mom and I said our goodbyes, then she went to help start the cleanup process.
“I’m ready,” River said as she came back to my side.
I held my hand out, and she grabbed it.
“Wow. I didn’t realize the sun had come out,” River mentioned when we exited the building.
“The sun is probably Pops shining down on us, letting us know that he’s still with us,” I told her as I led her to my car. “It also signifies new beginnings, and this is our new beginning.” I kissed her cheek as I opened the door for her.
The day started gloomy, but it turned out to be a beautiful day because River and I were on our way back to getting things on track.
I was surprisedto see the sun was out when we left my father’s memorial service. He wanted to be cremated, so we had the service just so people could say their last goodbyes. I was exhausted mentally and physically, so I didn’t hesitate to take Coye up on his offer of catering to me for the day.
After talking to my brother and knowing he and Coye were good, I felt as good as I could, given the circumstances of the day.
“Do you need anything before we go in?” Coye asked while his hand rested on my thigh.
“No.” I didn’t think I could interact with any more people for the day, and I didn’t have the energy to go home to pack a bag. I knew I could wear Coye’s shirts if I wore clothes at all. I just wanted to shower and curl up in bed in Coye’s arms.
“Okay.” He gave my leg a quick squeeze, then glanced in my direction. “You let me know if that changes.”
“I will.” I rested my head on the back of the seat and closed my eyes. Silent tears streamed down my face even when I didn’t want them to. I was tired of crying, and I had a headache.
Coye reached over and brushed away a few tears.
“I know there are no words for me to say that will make you feel better. Just know that I’m here.”
When we got to his house, he got out of the car, then came around to help me out. Once inside, he helped me take my jacket off, then hung it on the coat rack. Then, he bent down and helped me out of my shoes and left them by the door.
“Do you want to shower or take a bath?”
“A shower is fine. I feel drained.”
“Shower it is then.” He squatted down in front of me. “Climb on.”
I looked down at him, and a light giggle came out. I hadn’t climbed on anyone’s back since I was a little girl.
“Come on, girl,” Coye encouraged.
I placed my hands on his shoulders, then wrapped my legs around his waist. I giggled again when he stood and hoisted me up to a better position. Coye held on to my legs as he carried me upstairs to the bathroom.
In the bathroom, he placed me on the counter while he started the water.
“Lift up,” he said as he grabbed the bottom of my dress.
I lifted my hips and watched him pull my dress up over my thighs, then over my head. Once it was off, he placed it on top of the toilet. I watched him as he reached around and unhooked my bra. Slowly, he pulled it off as his gaze fell on me.
He tossed the bra on top of the dress, then moved closer to me. I opened my legs to give him room.
His tongue ran slowly over his bottom lip. “I missed you.” He leaned forward, then kissed my lips before kissing the top of each breast.
