Page 96 of Shattered Dreams

“Good. Because I’m pissed.” I got up and paced the room. “Oh. Shit.” I stopped as something horrible hit me. “How do I tell the boys their grandpa is gone?”

I felt the walls closing in and vaguely saw Richard jump out of his chair. His strong arms caught me before I hit the ground, and he held me tight.

“Let it out, baby.” He rocked me. “I got you.”

Time stood still as I sobbed in his arms. In the past year, I’ve lost so much, but I’ve gained so much more.

Richard was my rock. He always had been. I’m home.

I’m home.

That’s all my parents wanted for me. My sobs calmed, and I heard Connie’s soft voice.

“Would you like to see you dad?”

Nodding against his shoulder, I pulled away, looking at him. “Will you go with me?”

“Of course, I will.”

He helped me stand, then he stood up and took my hand. “We’re ready, Connie.”

Connie nodded and led us back to where my dad was resting. I could tell he’s been cleaned up, and I understood why they say the dead look at peace.

“He’s with mom now. I know he missed her.”

“How could he not? They were still in love.” His arm around me gave me strength.

“Today has been fucked up.” My words came out in a half-sob, half-laugh.

“It has. But we’ve got a lot to be thankful for.” Richie pressed a kiss to my head. “We have each other. The kids.”

“Your family.” I turned into his body as a sob made its way through mine.

“I’m so sorry, baby.”

Taking a deep breath, I turned back towards my dad. Leaning over him, I pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I love you, dad. Say hi to mom for me.”

Richard patted dad’s arm. “I promise to take care of her and the kids and love them for the rest of my life.”

I looked up at him. “Now what?”

“Let’s head back to mom’s house for the night. Tomorrow we’ll deal with everything else.”

“Sounds good.”

I signed what I needed to, and we made our way out to my van. Richard took the keys and opened my door for me.

Numb wasn’t an accurate description of what I felt, but it was a start.

He drove us back to his mom’s and when we walked in, we found the adults around the kitchen table with coffee.

“Ya’ll hungry?” Jeremy asked.

Jo shook her head.

“Do you need something stronger than coffee?” Mom offered.

“I think … I’m numb.”

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