Page 23 of Only Me

“Not getting even close to enough sleep. But it will be worth it, so I don’t mind.”

I watch as she takes her turn hugging her Dad and my heart swells once again. I’ll never understand how I got so lucky to have this life.

A sudden sadness weighs on me. It isn’t fair that Murray and Luther can’t be here to see how the foundation they laid for us turned into just an amazing legacy. Also not fair that if it hadn’t been for their deaths, my life would not be what it is. I wouldn’t have met Zeke. Wouldn't have turned the Safe Harbor House it a national nonprofit organization. Wouldn't have my children.

But somehow, I know they would give up their lives all over again to ensure everything turned out exactly like this. It may not take all the pain away, but it helps to take a little of my guilt away.

Zeke pulls me back to his side now that our welcoming party has filtered back to their tables. “Happy anniversary, Spitfire. I can’t wait for the next twenty-five years with you.”

“Me too old man, me too.”

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