Past Heaven (46 page)

Authors: Laura Ward

Tags: #Romance, #Contemporary, #Literature & Fiction, #Contemporary Fiction, #Inspirational, #Past Heaven

“There is one person I will thank publicly and that is my fiancée, Liz Atwater. Liz, the day I met you and learned your story, you showed me what’s really important in this world. Thank you for being the change I needed in life. I love you.”

The entire audience erupted in applause and the standing ovation overwhelmed me. I was escorted off stage to give all of the obligatory interviews. I made my way back to Liz as quickly as possible.

“You did it.” she whispered in my ear and kissed underneath.

“We did it, Liz.” I held her hand as we left the huge ballroom at the end of the program.

Everyone was taking our picture and asking questions. This was our night, and we could officially celebrate it together. We were going to the after parties, and this time I would have Liz by my side the entire time. The time had come to celebrate Jack, Liz, Elwood, David, and everyone else who inspired so much good in the world.

OUTSIDE MY BEDROOM window sat fifty white chairs lined up behind a rose covered trellis. Pink and white roses were abundant and covered every table space possible. My backyard was transformed into a fairy garden. Reynolds was talking to his parents, looking relaxed and confident in a light grey suit. We had decided on a simple wedding at our farm. Close family and friends were the only ones invited. After the ceremony, we would all gather under the tent for dancing and food. This was the perfect day for us.

I had never envisioned marrying a second time, let alone falling in love again. I didn’t think people got lucky enough in life to love with their whole hearts twice. Looking in the mirror, I radiated the peace and harmony that I had inside. I never believed I would get a second chance at my happy ending. But life showed me that when I thought the darkness had won, the brightest light of all was shining just around the corner. Reynolds was the light of my life. I couldn’t wait to be his wife.

“YOU MAY NOW kiss the bride.”

Were there ever sweeter words spoken? I held both of Liz’s hands as I looked at her carefully before kissing her for the first time as my wife. I wanted to memorize everything about this moment. She looked exquisite in a simple white lace dress with her hair down. Anyone around knew just how deeply she was in love.

The feeling was entirely mutual.

I took her face in my hands and kissed her tenderly. Watching her walk down the aisle, escorted by her boys, a fullness of love moved me to my core.

After exchanging vows, we presented each of the boys with a brown leather bracelet. The medallion in the middle had both surnames intertwined. We were now a family. Each boy hugged me when I clasped their bracelet. Griffin was last and whispered, “I love you” in my ear. He had waited until that moment to finally allow himself to love another man besides his father. I would spend the rest of my life cherishing and protecting my sons.

Our small group of guests cheered and rained rose petals on us as we ran to the tent. I kissed Liz repeatedly, waiting for our guests to join us.

“I can’t wait to get you all to myself,” I whispered as she clung to me.

“I’m waiting for you to make good on that promise to ravage me on the beach.” Liz smiled coyly, recalling our conversation in Corolla. We were heading to Bora Bora for two weeks, and I would make sure all my promises were kept.

We greeted our guests and moved to tables to enjoy dinner. I sat, surrounded by close friends and family, and knew the life I had been given was beyond even my own comprehension. At the appropriate time, I motioned to the band and asked Liz to dance with me. Leaning into the microphone, I explained my choice to our guests. “I chose this song for my bride. I think it says it all.”

We danced to one of Liz’s favorite songs by Ian Britt,
The Shape of Us
. The song described a couple who would never have to be alone again. They drew off one another’s strength. Even though their lives had been difficult, they trusted one another and were ready to build a life as one. It was the consummate message of our love story. We would never let one another go again. We were building a new life—together.

I twirled Liz over to the boys, and she asked them to join us. I picked up Hayden in one arm and held Liz with my other while she had her arm around Griffin and Grayson. We danced in a small circle.

As a unit, a family.

Heartbreak, death, and loss were shared between us, but renewal, commitment, and strength were as well. Liz looked at each of us, her eyes full of tears, and whispered, “This right here is my happiest of endings.”

I couldn’t have dreamt of a happier one, myself.

“C’MON. LET’S GO get you changed, you attention whore.” I smacked Liz’s butt as she laughed, and we walked up the stairs to her room, arm in arm.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Liz was breathless with laughter.

“That’s what you’ll be saying in about forty-five minutes when you join the mile high club. Save yourself until then.” Liz and I giggled as she slipped off her stilettos and walked into the bathroom. If my own heart had cracked like I believed it did when Jack had died, then seeing Liz like this sealed it back again. She was healed.

She was whole.

I couldn’t contain my happiness for my best friend as I unzipped the back of her wedding gown. Then, I froze. I stopped unzipping, and my smile vanished. The moment hit me like a brick to the chest.

I remembered everything. I felt like I was right back in her bathroom in the old house. Just the two of us, and I was unzipping the dress she wore when Jack died.

“Cindy? Are you okay? Is it stuck?” Liz twisted and tried to look behind her.

I closed my eyes and exhaled. I needed a minute. The memories flooded my mind. The smell of lavender from her shampoo. The pale pink of her nightgown. Her body shaking so much I thought she might break a bone.

“Cindy? Are you okay?” Liz’s voice sounded panicked, and I snapped out of it.

“I’m fine. Sit with me for a minute.” I guided us to the velvet bench in her large as hell, deluxe master bathroom.

Clasping our hands together, I faced her. “I wanted to say one thing before you leave on your honeymoon.” I took a deep breath and tried to organize my scattered thoughts. “The night Jack died I prayed for the first time in my adult life.”

Liz’s eyes widened at that statement. She was a church goer. I was not. It had always been as simple as that.

“What did you pray for?”

“I prayed for a lot of things. You know, the regular stuff that people usually pray for. Then the big guy upstairs and I had a heart to heart. I told him that I wanted you to stay alive. More than just you being okay and a great mom, I wanted you to live.” I smiled, thinking of how all of that had happened for Liz.

I guessed, I owed God a visit to his house.

“But what I never thought to pray for was that you’d love another man. I didn’t think it was possible.” Liz’s brow wrinkled in confusion, and I held up my hand. “Not because I thought you shouldn’t, but because I thought you
couldn’t
. I never knew how strong you were. All these years of friendship, and you continue to teach me. You took a chance with your heart again. I’m so proud of you, my fearless friend.”

Liz kissed me on the cheek, and I helped her take off her dress and put on her sundress.

She stopped in front of the bedroom door and held my hand in both of hers. “I’m not fearless. I’m still scared every day. But love is worth the risk. I love you, Cindy, and thank you for keeping me alive.”

We cried and hugged as Reynolds burst through the door. Pulling away, I gave him my customary swat on the butt as I hurried out the door.

Walking outside, I looked up into the sky, thinking of all I had learned from Jack, Liz, and Reynolds.

Not every love story has a happy ending,

but the great ones, no matter how they end, change your life.

Love is the only thing more powerful in this world than death.

Love transcends. And in the end, all any of us can hope for,

is a love that is past heaven.

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