I stare up at him and take another deep breath. When he leaves, I glance down at both men’s handwriting, trying to prepare myself for the emotional ass-kicking I’m about to receive.
I place Angelo’s letter in my lap before carefully opening the envelope from Mitchell.
Tilly,
This isn’t a goodbye. A love like ours will never have an end, existing like the greatest galaxies in the universe, but on different paths.
Today’s your wedding day. Something I thought about when I made arrangements in case something unexpected happened to me. I knew you’d grieve my absence, close yourself off from the world, but I hoped Roger would help keep you going, reminding you of all the reasons life is so wonderful.
If you’re reading this letter, you’ve found love again. I no longer have to worry about you being alone. I can finally rest, knowing you’ve found someone to love you like you deserve to be loved.
Just know I’m happy. Today should be filled with celebration and not sorrow. Stop mourning what you lost and look forward to all you’ve gained.
We’re lucky to have one great love in our lifetime. I was blessed the day I found you. But you’ve found something rare again. Hold on to that. Cherish it. Give your all and remember the preciousness of each moment.
I’ll be with you today and always. You may not see me or feel me by your side, but I’ll watch over you until the day you take your last breath.
As you take the first steps down the aisle, look to the future and not the past. Let go of the hurt, bury the sadness and grief deep, and move forward to your future.
Live life well.
Be fierce.
Love strong and deeply.
And know I’ll always love you.
Yours Always,
Mitchell
“I love you, Mitchell,” I whisper as I fold the paper carefully. “Always.”
Moments of our time together flash through my mind, playing like a sped-up movie reel. So much love. So much happiness. Then the grief of knowing I’d lost him forever.
I lift Angelo’s envelope and close my eyes as I tear open the paper.
Tilly,
As you walk down the aisle today, know I’m only looking forward to our future. Although our dark pasts have brought us together, forging a love and understanding no other two people can fathom, our souls will be joined eternally in love and happiness.
Our pasts define us. We cannot wipe away what happened or forget about what we’ve lost. Mitchell and Marissa will always be a part of who we are and the guiding force that has brought us together.
Today, I take you as my wife, making you mine forever and giving myself to you completely. Not only am I giving you my soul, but my family too. Tate and Brax are completely in love with you, and I know you’ll love them as if they were your own.
I will always protect you from anyone who wishes you harm, and shelter you as best I can from any pain until I take my last breath.
Thank you for coming into my life and opening your heart, showing me that love is possible again. I thought my heart died that day, but you’ve brought me back to life and made me whole again.
Now, come to me, my love. We have a future to live.
I love you, Tilly.
Yours,
Angelo
