“Nope, wherever you are is where I want to be,” he says as he kisses my forehead.
“Thank you.” I take a deep breath. “I guess I need to look through the paperwork Judy left,” I say, pointing to the stack on the table.
“We don’t have to do that tonight, babe. We can just leave it all for tomorrow and try to get some rest tonight.”
“I don’t think I could sleep now, even if I wanted to. Will you go through it with me?” I ask him. I know I’m leaning on him for pretty much everything, but he calms me.
“Anything you need,” he tells me. He’s being so amazing through all of this. I sit down on the floor between Liam’s legs and begin sifting through the stack of papers. There’s a copy of Gran’s will, which outlines that she has already planned and paid for her funeral, when the time come. She’s to be buried in the same cemetery as my parents and grandpa. The house and all of her remaining assets are left to me. The house is paid for, so there’s no mortgage to worry about.
“This gives you time to go through her belongings and decide what you want to do with the house and everything else without the pressure of a mortgage.” Liam’s trying his hardest to help me stay sane. I love him.
The stack also contains the deed to the house, as well as all her banking information she had already listed me on so there would be no issues with having it tied up in probate court. There’s an addendum in the will explaining where I can find documents such as my parents’ marriage license, birth certificates, etc. Gran had apparently kept all of it when we sold the house after they died, just in case I would want it someday. Tears prick my eyes, I miss her so much already, and it hasn’t even been a day.
Liam’s gently massaging my shoulders while I work my way through the stack of documents. Occasionally, he’ll lean down and kiss the top of my head. I don’t even want to think about how this day would have been without him here. I suddenly realize I forgot to congratulate him on his win today. I look over my shoulder at him. “Congrats on your win. I’m sorry I forgot to tell you.”
“Hey,” he says, moving all my hair from one shoulder to the other. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He leans down and kisses my cheek. I smile weakly and turn back to the task of sifting through the mound of paperwork. Really, it isn’t a mound, just a small stack, but the heaviness it brings to my heart makes it look like a damn mountain.
I’ve finally worked my way to the bottom of the stack and find an envelope with my name written on it. I suck in a breath and feel the tears start to slide down my cheeks. Liam puts his hands under my arms and lifts me onto his lap and engulfs me in a hug. A hug so loving and full of emotion, one that only Liam can give. “You don’t have to read it now.”
Logically, I know he’s right, I can put it aside and call it a night. However, my heart knows these are her final words to me, and even though I know it’s going to shatter my heart, I want to read it. I want to know what she felt was important enough to transcribe into words on paper, knowing she was leaving me.
Liam’s rubbing soothing circles on my back. I sit up to face him. “I need to know.” I slide the envelope open and pull out the letter. I rest my head against his chest, preparing myself for the onslaught of emotion that’s sure to consume me because of the piece of paper in my hand.
Allie Girl-
Since you’re reading this, you already know I took care of all of the funeral arrangements, and you should have received all important documents, or at least know where to find them. Everything is yours now, Allie. I don’t want you to feel obligated to keep the house. I want you to do what is best for you. Home is where your heart is.
I want you to know how much I love you. You’ve brought so much joy to my life. I’m so proud of the young woman you’ve become, and I know your parents would be proud of you as well. It saddens me to know I won’t be here to see you get married or become a mom. I’ll be watching over you, and know I’ll be with you every day in spirit. Each time life throws you something new, good and bad, I will be there.
You’ve found yourself a fine young man to spend your life with. Let him love you, Allie. Paint your canvas full of vibrant colors and enjoy the laughter and love life brings you. I have your past, but Liam has your future. Don’t be afraid to give your whole heart. Live and love fearlessly.
I’ll always be with you. I love you, Allie Girl.
Gran
I let the letter fall to my lap as my body heaves with sobs. Liam holds me tighter. He doesn’t speak, but then again, he doesn’t have to. He knows I just need to process the emotions racing through me. We sit like this for what feels like hours. Finally, I reach for the letter and hand it to him, so he can read it himself. He shakes his head slightly. “I read it over your shoulder, baby.” Kissing the top of my head. “I do, you know.” I look up at him in question. “I love you like a bee loves honey.” I chuckle, I can’t help it. He’s obviously trying to lighten the mood and it works. He always seems to know what I need.
I stand up, pulling him with me, leading him down the hallway to my bedroom. Exhaustion is taking over and all I want to do is fall asleep in his arms. After changing for bed, brushing my teeth, and washing my tear-stained face I crawl into my bed beside Liam. Of course, he doesn’t disappoint as he draws my back against his chest and secures his arms around me. I faintly hear him telling me he loves me as the exhaustion seizes me.
The next few days are nothing but a blur. Since Gran had everything planned and paid for, all we had to do was wait for the minister to be available. Since Gran and I have no other family, I settle for a small graveside service. Liam’s parents are here with Hailey, as well as Aiden and his parents. Judy and her husband are here and a few ladies from her church. That’s it, small and simple. We lay Gran to rest with Judy singing Amazing Grace.
Chapter 36
Liam
The weeks following the funeral are tough for Allison. My beautiful girl is heartbroken. We all rally around her, giving her support the best we know how. It’s almost as if she’s just going through the motions to get through each day. Hailey suggests that since spring break is coming up we should try to schedule our Gatlinburg vacation. We all agree the trip might do Allison some good. Aiden and I are also excited, because it’s right before the draft, and we’re both nervous as hell. Add in school wrapping up and worrying about Allison—we’re all pretty stressed.
Allison agrees to the trip, just like we knew she would. Hailey calls and gets everything scheduled for the weekend leading into spring break. I’m nervous, yet excited to get away. I want my happy full of life Allison back. I don’t know what to do for her. I know she needs to grieve, but she also needs to live. I’ve found her reading the letter her gran left her several times. She has read it so much the sheet is starting to wear at the creases.
The trip to Gatlinburg is nice, the weather is good, and the company even better. Hailey sits in the back with Allison and gets her singing along with the radio. I actually catch a real smile in the rearview mirror, and I make a mental note to do something really nice for my little sister. The cabin we’re staying in is beautiful. It’s a three bedroom, a pool, hot tub, and game room. My parents have really out done themselves.