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“You don’t need to feel sorry for me, Ad. I was really angry for a long time but Michael and Charlotte, they helped me. And you help me in more ways than you may ever realize. And all of that taught me that I didn’t want to become them.”

“Earlier, when you freaked out in the storeroom, was that because of your dad?” I ask, and he tenses around me for a moment before taking a breath and nodding.

“For so many years, I’ve worked really hard to control my emotions, to not get too angry, because I’ll do anything not to turn into him. It’s also why I don’t drink. But, sometimes, you make me feel out of control, Addy. And it would kill me if I hurt you.”

My heart breaks for him, for the broken little boy and the man terrified of turning into his father. I turn to him and grab his face, pulling it closer to me.

“Trey Andrew Davis, I’ve known you since I was five years old, and I’ve never been more sure of anything when I say that you are not your father. You would never, in a million years, hurt me and I want you to stop thinking that right now.”

He shakes his head, looking unconvinced. “You don’t know that, Ad. That’s all I knew for so long. Maybe it’s like hardwired into me now.”

“That’s not all you knew. You said yourself that you got really lucky when Michael and Charlotte took you in. Those two people are the best of the best, and they love you unconditionally. They influenced your life, too, and they taught you how to be this incredible man before me.”

He leans in, kissing me thoroughly. After a couple seconds, he pulls away and whispers, “Thank you.”

* * * *

My Love,

I figured it was high time that I finally wrote you a letter and what better day than your birthday. Now, I’m not nearly as eloquent as you are so bear with me. Last night, I stayed up long after you’d gone to bed and I read every letter you’ve ever written me. I could literally lay them out and document our love story, and I don’t think I’ve ever told you how much those letters truly mean to me. You and your letters have helped me through so much, sweetheart. And there aren’t enough words in any language to tell you how much I love you and appreciate you.

When we got married, I knew that you were it for me and that we would have a beautiful life but you’ve surprised me. I never even knew that this level of happiness was out there but every morning, I wake up practically delirious because I have you by my side and our beautiful daughter.

You say that I’m amazing with her but you’re wrong, sweet man. YOU are wonderful with her. You’ve set a perfect example of the type of man she should look for when she decides to start her own family. You’ve shown her that a man can be strong and still express his emotions. You’ve shown her that someone who loves her will support her and lift her up, not tear her down. The woman that she’s going to become is a direct reflection of you as well, my dear, and I know she’s going to be spectacular.

I tried for weeks to come up with the perfect present for you for your birthday, and I couldn’t think of anything so I hope you’ll cherish this letter just as much as I cherish mine. And never forget how much I love you. I knew from the moment that we met that you were the love of my life, and I’m an incredibly lucky woman to be able to share this life with you. You bring me peace when I’m hurting, and I can feel your love wrap around me when I read your words. I hope you feel the same. I love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

XOXO

Lizzy

With a smile on my face, I read my mom’s words again before setting the letter down on the bed and wondering if maybe I’ve been wrong this entire time. Maybe my mom would do it all over again despite the outcome. And maybe, just maybe, the possibility of what Trey and I could be might just be worth the risk.