Page 50 of Save Me

She laughed, then rolled over into his arms. “Well, maybe not everything,” she said, and proceeded to prove it.

THE RAIN HUNT predicted came after midnight, and by morning, Denver was sopping wet. Water was still running in the streets when they headed out to Fairmont Funeral Home.

A couple of hours later, after explaining what they wanted, they purchased plots, chose a casket, ordered a headstone, and set a date and time for the service.

Michael Taylor, the funeral director, had recognized them the moment they walked in, and was quite taken by their request.

“I just want the both of you to know I will do my best to make this service special for you. My deepest sympathies for the tragedy of this loss. I long ago learned there is no expiration date for grief.”

“Thank you,” Hunt said, and shook his hand. “Until this coming Friday, then?”

“Yes, sir,” Taylor said.

THE NEXT FEW days for Lainie were like waiting for the other shoe to drop. She wouldn’t even look in the direction of the rocking chair, then one afternoon while Hunt was helping her fold clothes, she caught herself whispering about the service, and was so horrified at herself that she threw her hands up in despair.

“What’s wrong with me? Why did I just do that? Like I’m afraid the bear will hear me? Maybe that fall on my head knocked the good sense right out of me!”

He dropped the towel he was folding. “Come here to me, Lainie.”

She walked into his arms and laid her head on his chest.

“You’re fine,” Hunt said. “You know what’s happening, right?”

“No, I don’t,” she mumbled.

He buried his face in the fire of her hair and held her close. “Close your eyes, love, and imagine this scene. Family and friends have just gathered for a meal after burying Grandpa. At first everyone is quiet and reverent. They get their food and start eating, and they begin to feel better. Somebody mentions how good the food is. And then someone else reminds them of how their people made it different, and then someone else reminds them of how much Grandpa loved pie, and they laugh. And then the shock of having laughed at such a moment when they’re supposed to be sad is suddenly an embarrassment, and the room is silent again.”

She could see the image he was painting.

“Well, darlin’, that’s where you are right now. Your reality hasn’t caught up with your truth. There’s no one left to judge you, and it sure as hell won’t be me. And we know ashes don’t hold a soul captive. You know that little guy went home a long time ago. And a stuffed bear isn’t going to judge you. If toys went to heaven, I think that bear would be happy with the job you have given him.”

Her face crumpled. “How did you get so smart?”

“I don’t know, darlin’. Maybe it’s because I know you better than you know yourself?”

She looked up, and when she did, he kissed her, soft and slow, then set her free.

“You’re right,” Lainie said. “I’m not second-guessing my choice. I’m just not good at letting go.”

“Good. Then that means you won’t be one of those wives who has a constant urge to get rid of her husband’s treasures...like the old jersey from his football days, and the cleats he wore in the homecoming game.”

She blinked. “Do you still have that stuff?”

“I might.”

She sighed. “God, how I love you.”

“Feelin’s mutual, darlin’. Now can I ask you a question?”

“Absolutely,” she said.

“Can I have that last piece of lemon pie in the fridge?”

She grinned. “Been eatin’ at you, has it?”

“Is that a yes?”

She laughed out loud, and then blinked. “Oh, wow. This is me laughing at the family dinner, isn’t it?”

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