Page 58 of The Write Knight

“I love you, more,” he replies as he tucks me into the car. I take one last look at the treatment facility, then close my eyes and rest my head against the seat. I did it. It was hard, but I was able to get everything off my chest. I'm sad my father didn't recognize me toward the end, but I am so thankful that at least, I did what I came here to do. Miles reaches over and takes my hand in his. He rubs his thumb in soothing motions across my wrist and I melt into the seat.

Epilogue

Elizabeth

Brightness.

It surrounds me. I take a deep breath. The smells are fresh and airy. Opening my eyes, I am lying on the ground looking up at the different clouds forming in the sky. I smile and look to my right, seeing my dad lying next to me with a huge smile on his face as well. He's pointing up at the sky and speaking, but I can’t hear him. I only see the pure joy on his face to be lying here in the grass with me. Then he grabs my hand and links them together. I feel his hand. I feel the wrinkles and callouses showing his age. This isn't a memory. It's something else. Are we really here? The wind blows, and I close my eyes, loving the feel of the breeze on my face. I have an overpowering feeling of happiness surrounding me. I open my eyes and he is gone, but I'm not sad or scared. I feel at peace and most of all, love.

I wake to the sound of people bristling about. Was that a dream about my father? It felt so real, like I was right there with him. Maybe I really was there.

A knock sounds from behind my bedroom door. I’m in my childhood bedroom because today is my wedding day. Miles and I decided we wanted to get married in Savannah, where I grew up. So, after a year of planning, here we are, the day of our wedding.

"Come in," I yell to the mystery person behind my door. William steps into my bedroom and sits down at the end of my bed. I sit up, pulling my covers up to my chest. I love my brother, but he doesn’t need to see what I sleep in every night. I giggle at the reaction he would have just seeing me in a tank top without a bra on.

"So, it’s the big day, huh? It looks like mom might haveinvited the whole city with the state of things downstairs." I laugh, because I can only imagine what everything looks like. We decided to get married in her backyard, overlooking a small lake. The service will be relatively small with family and close friends. However, the reception will be in downtown Savannah, at a huge historical building that hosts weddings from time to time. There will be tons of people at the reception. I allowed my mom and Miles' mom, Amelia, to arrange everything. I’ve been busy with my novel becoming a number one bestseller. I’ve been booked on talk shows and done countless readings and signings in the past year. It only made sense to let them do the work, since they were more than enthusiastic about it. Miles was right, our mothers love each other. I think they speak to each other more than they do their own children. It’s great that they’ve gained each other in their lives. They have many things in common.

"Yep. It’s the big day," I respond.

"Are you nervous? You know we can use the secret hand gesture and I’ll get you out of here before anyone can blink." He chuckles.

"I can’t believe you remember our old sign we’d use!” I exclaim, hitting his shoulder and laughing. “But, no, I won’t be needing it. I’m not nervous at all. I’m just excited. I am ready to begin this new chapter of my life with Miles.”

“Well, good. Just remember what you have to do if you need anything. But in all seriousness, I didn’t come here to give you an out for your wedding. Father gave me this letter to give you on your wedding day. I’ve been holding onto it for you." He hands me an envelope with my dad's handwriting on it. It reads: For your wedding day. I let out a shaky breath, looking back up at Will. He has the same unshed tears in his eyes as my own.

"Thank you," I tell him quietly, not sure what else to say. He goes to stand up, then stops and turns his head to gaze at me.

"Don’t take too long. Mom has makeup people here that are ready for you. I told her to give you a few, okay? I love you, sis. I can’t believe you’re old enough for me to walk you down the aisle,” he jokes. He walks toward the door to leave but stopswhen he hears me speak.

"I love you, Will. I’ll see you out there."

Once Will leaves, shutting my door behind him, I look at the envelope in my hands. With trembling fingers, I open the letter to read it.

Dear Elizabeth,

This letter is supposed to be opened on your wedding day. I hope that, however I am with you today, whether it be physically, mentally, or spiritually, I hope you can feel my presence. I have always been with you, baby girl. I’m sorry I let us get disconnected over the years. I take full responsibility for that. You have grown up to be an extraordinary woman, baby girl. I am so proud of you for pursuing your dreams and not letting your old man get in the way. I want you to have everything out of life, Lizzie. I want you to be happy. I want you to build a home with family and fill it with all the love and devotion you didn’t receive from me as a child. I want you to always remember that I love you. I’m not telling you that everything is going to be all right but find the things you are passionate about and don’t forget to fight for them. Fight for the ones you love, always.

I met your husband-to-be today when he came and asked me for your hand in marriage. I had just spoken to you, then I had a short episode where dementia took over. By the time you left the room, I had come back, and he was there. Miles is good for you, Lizzie. I could never part with you for someone less. He’s a good man, and I know he will make you happy. You’ll be able to lean on him when I’m gone. I know you will cry, and I just want to tell you it’s okay. I’ll always be a part of you. You are the best part of me, and I want you to know that. Keep this letter for when you need me, baby girl.

I think it’s time for me to leave, but I’ll never leave you. You can always find me when you look up at the sky. I will be there among the clouds we used to watch go by. Life isn’t always a fairytale, but there also isn’t light without darkness.

I love you so much, Slugger,

Dad

With tears streaming down my face, I reread the letter and am so thankful that he’ll be here with me on my big day. I think that’s what my dream was about this morning. I believe he’s in heaven and looking down on me on my special day. I smile at the thought. Brushing the wet hair and tears from my face, I get up and walk downstairs to get ready to marry the love of my life. I’m finally getting my happy ending.