His body was stiff. His lips were blue.
His eyes were closed. He looked as peaceful as he would have been if he were lost in a dream about being out on the ocean with his favorite surfboard.
When I called 911, I told the woman who answered that he was gone, but she did her job. She got everyone who needed to be there to rush over.
I watched as firemen, an ambulance crew, and two police officers burst into that small apartment to try and save my brother’s life.
One-by-one they left the room. Some were in tears because who wants to see a young life taken before its time?
Today, my grandfather and I are getting another chance.
Mickey’s not Apollo, but he’s a part of him.
He’s the best part of the best man I’ve ever known.
It was my decision when to tell Cadby about his great-grandson. I didn’t want to put the picture in his hand and make him wait, so I got Delaney’s number from Emma.
I called her at daybreak, and we spoke for an hour.
We sorted through some of the pain and talked about what matters more than anything. Mickey.
The kid was named after Apollo’s favorite baseball player. Mickey Mantle.
We’re two steps away from walking into Sweet Bluebells and a future that looks a hell of a lot better than the past we’re leaving outside the door.
I turn to my grandfather.
He’s got the tan suit on that he always wears for special occasions. I had it pressed at the hotel this morning when I told him that we were meeting someone special.
He joked if it was Emma’s grandmother because he’s in the market for a sweetheart.
That brought a smile to Emma’s face. My grandpa loved the sight of that.
He’ll bring a lot more happiness to her life when she moves in with me back in California.
I haven’t asked her about it yet, but I know she wants it as much as I do.
“Do they have red velvet cupcakes in there?”
Emma jumps in to answer that. “They do, Cadby. They have cream cheese frosting and small candies sprinkled on top.”
“Be still my heart.” He grabs for the center of his chest. “Did I tell you that you’re prettier than the sun in the sky today?”
It’s the yellow dress she’s wearing. She ducked out of the hotel early to shower and change back at my apartment.
I’m wearing a pair of jeans, a blue button-down shirt, and a navy blue suit jacket. I want my nephew to see the best in me.
I don’t have a road map to follow, so I’m taking a chance that when my grandpa sees Mickey that he’ll put two-and-two together.
I tug on the handle to open the door. Emma steps in first with Cadby on her heel. I take the rear because I need an extra second to catch my breath.
“Emma.” Delaney stretches her arms out in a greeting. “I’m so happy you came.”
Emma steps into her embrace. I watch in awe as the woman I love hugs the woman that loved my brother.
Apollo may have only known Delaney for a brief time but they made a child together. She created a living, breathing human being with the boy I grew up taking care of.
“Delaney, this is Cadby Easton.” Emma steps aside to let my grandpa have his moment.
