Dear Lover,
My sweet, beautiful bride-to-be, I can’t wait until I get to call you all mine. To show the world that soulmates do exist.
I’m sorry we’ve had so much time apart, that I held us back longer than necessary, and while I know you’ve forgiven me, I still plan to make it up to you for the rest of my life.
Making a baby this weekend will only be icing on the cake, and even if it doesn’t happen, we can keep trying until it’s a success.
I love you, Cassie-bell.
Yours,
T
Engaged.
Me and Tommy are engaged.
It’s still so hard to believe. A month ago, I was mourning our lost love. Now, he’s here, we’re actively trying to create another life, and in just a few short days, we’re getting married. We had the most fantastic weekend, making love as much as possible, while spending lazy days in bed, the living room, the backyard garden, talking for hours on end. Rediscovering our relationship and who we are now.
I cried when he told me about the explosion that nearly took him away from me. The scars that tell the tale across his body. We made promises to each other and any future children in the dark of night while holding each other and enjoying the life we plan to build together.
His parents and sister will be here this weekend for a small, intimate wedding in our backyard. While I’m still hurt that they just disappeared, I understand why now. They’d gone to be by Tommy’s side while he recovered, and he’d made them promise not to contact me. He told themhewould when he was ready.
We can’t change the past, so I’m choosing not to dwell on it too hard and forgive everyone because it’s the only way to move forward with peace and happiness.
“When you get married, do we have to call you something else?” one of my students, Henry, stands up to ask during our free time.
“No, not this year.”
I’ve decided to take Tommy’s name because my love for him is so expansive that I can’t imagine not having it. However, we decided I would wait to change it with the school until after thebaby is born. I’m hoping and praying I’m pregnant already, but it’ll be a few weeks before we know. Until then, we’re having fun trying.
“Good, because I think I’d forget a lot.”
Smiling at the dark-haired boy, I’m not surprised. He can be forgetful sometimes, but he’s so sweet.
When I announced to the class this morning that I was getting married, they cheered and were so excited. They’d been slightly disappointed they couldn’t attend, but I promised to bring in enough cake for everyone the following week, and they settled down again.
The day passes quickly, and my excitement grows for the bell to ring because Tommy will be picking me up, and we’re going to go shopping for a dress and suit for the ceremony. I don’t care if he sees what I’m wearing; to me, the important part is our vows to each other. I was the reluctant one to write our own, but then I thought of all the ways I want to express my love, and enthusiastically agreed afterward.
As the final bell goes off, the kids let out a little cheer, despite having 30 minutes of free time after cleaning up any messes they made. I love my class. I lucked out because they’re well-behaved with excellent manners, and we hardly have any issues.
After collecting my things, I say goodbye to teachers and students on my way out the door, and immediately, I spot Tommy standing on the sidewalk near the fences, waiting for me. It’s what’s in his hands that I sigh for.
“I was thinking,” he says as I approach. “A coffee and breakfast bar catered by this place called The Perfect Cup on the boardwalk near the beach.” He hands me an iced coffee and a small pastry bag with the business's logo on them.
“I do enjoy their atmosphere, but they don’t do breakfast, do they?” I’ve been to The Perfect Cup several times since arriving here and really like the owner, Ophelia.
“Technically, a muffin is considered a breakfast food.” He grins as I peek into the bag to find a blueberry muffin topped with strudel crumble. “Ophelia seemed excited about the idea.”
My head whips up in shock. “You spoke to her already?”
“Sure did. Her friend Laken happened to be there and started planning a menu I think you’d be impressed by.” My jaw drops. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“No, I do. They’d do that for us?” It seems surprising to me, because while we’ve been friendly while I’m in there, I didn’t think we had that kind of relationship.
“So, I have a meeting there with Laken’s husband, Hale Decker, about a possible job. Don’t worry, I’m not joining the force.” My concern must have shown on my face because that was a quick pickup for him. “However, the DA’s office is looking for new private investigators, and Hale was tasked with conducting the interviews and background checks.”
“Is that what you want?” I ask. He places a hand on my back, guiding me down the sidewalk towards my car as we talk. “Because I don’t want you to jump into something you don’t want.”
