“You make me feel good, Range. Really good.”
Silence.
“How do I make you feel?”
“Healed.” She told me.
“From what?”
“Life’s heartbreak.”
“How long has it hurt?” I needed to know.
“Since my brother’s mother and stepfather died. It hurt too much when my brother’s wife died. And, the most when Richie died. Teddy going away still pains me til this day,” she sighed, “Unless I’m with you. Talking to you. Thinking of you.”
“I’m honored to be a part of your journey.”
“Likewise.”
I listened as the beeping on the treadmill signified the end of her walk. Seconds of nothingness elapsed. Range’s breathing stabilized. Movement ceased.
“How are you feeling?”
Her question left me baffled. I understood exactly what she was asking. However, I realized I hadn’t taken time to feel much of anything since being taken into custody. It wasn’t until she was in my line of vision that I began to feel again.
“Are you okay?”
“I feel lucky, my love. Highly favored,” I confessed, “I’m okay.”
“Lucky, huh?”
“Out of this ugly situation has come beauty. I had to be here. I had to. It’s the only way we would’ve crossed paths. So, if I had the chance to rewind time, I wouldn’t. I’d do it all again if it means we’ll end up in that room. Face to face.”
“You’re going to be a father,” she said to me.
“And a husband. And a support system. And a caregiver. And a labor partner. And whoever else I need to be to help you ease into this transition.”
“I’ve imagined it.”
“Imagined it?”
“Us. Our family. Together. In the home you built for us. Growing. Laughing. Gardening. Harvesting. Taking a break from the world. Painting. Making mistakes. Learning from them.”
“Sounds like a dream, Sunshine.”
“It is.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Trusting me. I’m aware that it’s not an easy task, but you’re doing so gracefully. And, confidently. I will be at your mercy for the decision you’ve made to give your heart to me so boldly and so selflessly. I’ll spend the rest of my days proving that you made the right choice.”
“Just be here,” she sighed, “Just make it home so I don’t do this alone, and I’ll know that I chose wisely.”
“Say less.”
Silence.
