No tears, remember you have a life to live. Live it well.
Rhonda
BREIGH
When my phone beeped I thought I was dreaming it. I didn't reach for it, ignoring it.
But then two more beeps and I willed myself to check it.
Wyatt: If you are up, baby, call me.
Wyatt: I finally read it.
Wyatt: I miss her so much.
Wyatt: Call me tomorrow. I love you.
I went to the bathroom and then called Wyatt, wanting to provide any comfort I could.
“You are up late,” I said. It was 1:00 a.m. and I had only gotten to sleep an hour earlier.
Today was a day I had to drive to Richardson to work in the office.
“I hope I didn't wake you.”
“It’s okay. I only got to sleep an hour ago. It was a long day…”
“Yeah… here too.”
I could hear him taking a sip of a drink.
“I wanted to call and check on you earlier, but I also wanted to give you time.”
“Thanks…”
“So…you read the letter and the will.” I cleared my throat, hoping to get a positive response and not one that was going to be aggressive toward me anyway.
“Yes, it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to…” He paused. “Anyway, other than to tell you I love you and hear your voice, I wanted to ask you a question, and I need you to be honest.”
“I’m always honest.” You always knew it was going to be a doozy if they said to be honest. I was afraid to ask.
“Did you know what she put in her will? I mean, I know you know what she put in her will obviously, you helped prepare it.”
“Yes. It was her final wishes.”
“Did you know about the money my mother had given to her to put away for me, as well? That is the way I understand it. My mom had given her sister what was supposed to be taken away from me by order of my father.”
“Yes.”
“And you didn't say anything? Or tell her to tell me about it?”
“Wyatt, you know that is not how it works, just like with you, you can’t tell me confidential things about your cases, it’s the same with me.”
“But I thought you would be honest with me about anything, about our future together.”
“This has nothing to do with our future. This was a decision between your mother and your aunt. I was just making sure Rhonda’s wishes were followed through with. And she loved you more than anything, she wanted you to…”
“I know. And I’m just overthinking things.”
“If I could have told you about what she had planned, I would have. This isn't something I had a choice in, and I didn't really have a choice on what to say and not to say. I have ethics I have to follow.”
“Breigh…I get it. I just; I am just confused. I wish I could talk to her and…” I listened to him gather himself. I had never heard him in such a weak state. Not even at the house when his aunt had been taken away.
“I love you.”
“I’m sorry to wake you up, I feel so lost.”
“I can come over,” I offered.
“Okay.”
Other than a kiss and long hug, we didn't really say much. I was his strength when he had none, and I hoped I brought him so calm as well. We lay in his king bed, on top of the covers, and he placed his head across my stomach. I ran my fingers through his hair and lightly moved my fingers across his forehead and face. His eyes were puffy from his emotions being tested, and his lips dry from biting them.
His room was silent and dark, other than his dim lamp and the sounds of our breathing mixing. He was hurting and I couldn't bring relief, other than my presence and my touch. I feared it wasn't going to be enough to bring him back to reality and the void he would face daily.
Then the thought crossed my mind as to why his mother wasn't here to help him, to ease his pain, like I wished my mother would have been throughout times in my life.
But then I realized his aunt was his mother in so many ways, just like Grammy.
Wyatt finally fell asleep on my stomach, after a long time of anguish.
I prayed he would be relieved of his pain, and he would have the strength to deal with the loss that he would be filled with so deeply.
And I prayed I would be able to deliver on my promise to Rhonda that I would stand by his side, like she wanted me to when she was no longer here.
Life was too short and I had every intention of living it to its fullness with Wyatt.
31
…One month later
WYATT
Breigh and I had been a couple now for eleven months. She was the first person I thought of when I woke up each morning, and the last person I thought of before closing my eyes at night. Without a doubt, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. If I was lucky enough to get her and remain good enough for her.
Even after losing my aunt, my career was finally taking off, and I was in a good place in my life. I was happy. Happier than I had ever thought was possible. It was because of Breigh: her kindness, her love, and her willingness to always love people. Even when they didn't deserve it. I knew there would be countless times I wouldn't be deserving of her love, but I also knew I would work my ass off to earn it.
Today, as she walked down the aisle to me, I had never seen someone so beautiful.
Breigh wasn't just a pretty woman, she was drop-dead gorgeous. The best part was she didn't know it. Her soul and heart matched her appearance, which was a rarity. I had seen her looking breathtaking, but today, with
