So, when it came down to putting a name on the birth certificate, she asked if it could be me. She didn’t want to leave it blank, and considering we have been lifelong friends and are not technically related, it made sense.
I reassured Sebastian that in no way, shape, or form did this mean I would automatically become her guardian when Camila died. We would all discuss it together and decide. However, astime passed and his emotions began to get the better of him, we all agreed I would be the best fit.
Sebastian’s tormented eyes hold mine for a beat longer before he nods. “I agree. Harrison is Claudina’s father, and we are her uncles. No more discussion is needed. It’s done.”
Claudina’s father.
It’s the greatest title I’ll ever hold.
My fingers run tenderly along the apple of my daughter’s rosy cheek and then her dark hair, just like her mother’s. I turn toward Camila. “Being this precious baby’s father is the greatest privilege one can receive. I will cherish, respect, and love her for all of my days.”
Tears glisten on her pale skin. “I know. She is the luckiest girl in the whole world to have you by her side. I know I always was.” She sobs, and I wipe her tears away, then my own that have broken free. “I love you. Thank you for stepping up without one ounce of hesitation.” She turns to everyone. “I love you all so, so much.”
There’s not a dry eye in the room. How could there be?
Camila points to the water. “I have one more thing to say, but I need water.” Her voice is croaky, signaling her exhaustion.
“Okay, and then you rest,” I tell her.
She nods, then gestures at Claud, wanting to hold her once more before she falls asleep. I place the baby in her arms and position mine around them to give her support. Camila isn’t strong enough to hold her alone anymore.
“There is one thing I never told you about Claudina, and it’s the meaning behind her name. Claudina is after the Claudina Agrias Butterfly. It is uniquely beautiful, adorned with bright, stunning colors, standing out among the rest, which I already know my Claud will, too. But most importantly, butterflies have a special meaning for the afterlife. In many cultures, they represent the human soul, and in others, hope.” She coughs,asking for more water, then takes a minute to gather the strength to keep talking. “So when you see a butterfly, know I am there with you. I can feel that my soul is not ready to leave any of you, and I promise always to stay connected.” Her body shakes from the constant stream of tears, and I can’t take it any longer.
“Enough. This is too much. You need rest.”
She ignores me. “And do you know that saying when you’re excited or nervous, you’ve got butterflies in your stomach? Think of me, okay? I’ll be there for all the important things. When you land a big job at work. When you meet the girl of your dreams, and your stomach drops with constant fluttering. I’m there with you, experiencing it all.”
Nate hands me and Leo tissues before passing the box to Seb.
This is all fucking wrong. She can’t leave us.
Camila closes her eyes, and I think she’s had enough until she whispers, “Promise me something.”
“Anything,” Sebastian speaks up as we all nod in agreement.
“When I’m gone, you may feel broken and alone. But please try to remember you still have a whole life to live. With my passing, Claudina will bring the four of you even closer together. She will be the reason for you to feel alive again. She will bond you forever. So promise me you’ll live for Claudina, to give her the life she deserves, the one you gave me.”
“We promise,” we say without any hesitation.
Being bonded for life to my brothers is a privilege. I love these three men more than anything,
Plus, I would do anything to make Camila happy, and now Claudina.
My daughter.
1
Juliette
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
I repeat the mantra as I stare at the single piece of paper weighing down my hands and my life.
One paper officially changing the course of my future, the one I’ve had planned out since I was a young girl. And even though I’ve suspected this for a while now, I still can’t get over my immense shock.
After months of hoping the outcome would be different, I finally let the tears I’ve been holding back fall, blurring my vision, but not enough that I can’t see the dreaded words.
