Page 84 of All Your Firsts Without Me

Do you remember our first kiss? The one you sprung on me when I was blowing out my birthday candles. You bugged me the rest of the day, wanting to know what I’d wished for.

If you’re reading this, it came true.

Congratulations.

I’m so happy for you both.

Anyhow, if you look in the bottom of this envelope you will find a candle from that day. Give it to your baby on their eighteenth birthday. Put it on their cake and then you tell them that wishes do come true… they are living proof of it.

I know I told you there would be no more letters and I don’t want you to spend the rest of your days waiting for them and being disappointed when they don’t come. This is the final letter. Don’t worry though, I’ll find other ways to bug you the rest of your life.

Give Westin a hug and that adorable baby a kiss from me.

Love forever and a day,

David

After wiping my eyes, I pick up Kathryn and walk to the windows. Westin and Lucky are sitting on the deck, staring out at the ocean. He turns as if he senses my eyes on him. He stands, snapping his fingers for Lucky to follow.

A cool burst of air follows him in. “You good?” he asks.

“Never better,” I tell him, giving him a big smile.

“Do you want to swap?” he asks hesitantly.

“You can read mine, but if you want to keep yours to yourself that’s fine.” I sit down on the couch.

He sits beside me, taking Kathryn from my arms. “You go first,” he says. He settles her in the crook of his arm, kissing her forehead. I love the curious little look on her face as she stares at him.

I take the letter and curl up beside him.

Dear Westin,

If we were together, this would definitely be something to toast. Congratulations.

I never thanked you for all you’ve done for me. You gave me a peace no one else could. I’ll admit, I was panicked that April would retreat into the darkness. It worried me every waking moment but then you came along. I knew you wouldn’t let her go. I saw it in your eyes. I admired it even.

So, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. For allowing me the chance to make sure she knew I would be okay with you and her together. She’s as loyal as they come but by now you know this for yourself. I don’t have to tell you anything. You know.

Anyhow, I won’t keep you because I’m sure you’re up to your ears in bottles, diapers, and no sleep. I remember those days well. Cherish them.

You promised me you wouldn’t give up on her and now I’m going to return one. When you are tired or absent, rest easy knowing that I’ll be there, watching over your little one. It’s a job I won’t take lightly.

Hold tight to your girls, Westin.

Love forever and a day,

David

Westin rubs my knee. “You okay?”

I nod, smiling. “He knew our first child would be a girl.”

“Seems so. Was that man ever wrong?” he asks.

I lean over, cupping my husband’s beautiful face. “No, and neither are you,” I tease.

He throws his head back, laughing. He startles Kathryn, her little arms fly up. “I’m sorry, baby girl. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he coos before placing kisses all over her tiny cheeks.

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