Page 101 of Wrangled Love

A few months later, during a routine oncology appointment, I was shocked to discover I was pregnant. I’d always wanted a family, but never thought it was possible given that I’d been warned my chances of having a baby were slim to none. The excitement I felt was quickly overshadowed when my scans revealed the cancer had returned.

After Caleb was born, I went through multiple rounds of chemo and radiation, all in the hope of being around to see him take his first steps, say his first words, and start preschool. And by some miracle, I got to be there for all those things and more.

I was afraid that telling you about him would mean splitting his time between us. And that I’d miss out on important milestones, holidays, and daily routines. I couldn’t risk that, not when I already knew my time with him was limited.

By hiding the truth, I know that I’ve failed you both, and for that I’m deeply sorry. I should have introduced you earlier, so it would make what comes next easier. More than anything, I regret not giving you the chance to be his father sooner, and I can only hope that you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.

We made the most beautiful boy. He’s brought me more joy over the past few years than I ever imagined possible. I named him Caleb because it means “faithful,” and when he was born, I needed faith more than ever.

Faith that I was strong enough to take care of him, even if our time was short.

Faith that he’d find the strength to keep going once I was gone.

And most importantly, faith that you would open up your heart and love him unconditionally.

He experiences emotions more intensely than most kids his age, and I worry how he’ll handle my passing, so please be patient with him and guard his heart.

We might have only shared one night together, but it was enough to show me that you’re kind, loyal, and hardworking—traits that will help to make you a great dad. I truly believe Caleb will be lucky to have you.

Though I’ll be gone when you read this, know that I’m with you and Caleb in spirit—cheering you on from afar.

Yours,

Amelia

I blink back the sting in my eyes, as I stare at the letter, still in disbelief that it’s real. In the past, I’ve wrestled with so many emotions directed at Amelia—anger, confusion, frustration—but now, all I feel is clarity. She asked for my forgiveness, and she’s had it for a while now. With Briar’s help, I’ve been able to make peace with the past, and having the full story behind Amelia’s decision makes me realize I would have made the same choice she did—choosing to treasure every precious minute with my child before my time ran out.

The way Caleb came into my life might not have happened the way I initially had hoped, but if things had gone differently, I doubt we would have ended up in Bluebell, and I might have missed my chance to fall in love with Briar.

In a way, I owe Amelia everything.

It’s only when the couch shifts slightly that I notice Briar has come into my office, settling beside me. Her hair is damp, curlingat the ends, and the scent of my body wash clings to her skin. She rests her hand on my thigh, her brows drawn together in worry.

“Are you alright?” she asks.

I hold out the letter. “I found this at the bottom of a box of Amelia’s things. She wrote it for me before she died. Would you like to read it?” I add when she doesn’t move.

Briar nods, taking it from me, and lowers her gaze to the page. Her expression shifts with every line, and by the time she reaches the end, tears shine in her eyes.

“That was beautiful, Jensen. Thank you for letting me read it.”

“I’m glad you’re here to share it with,” I say, wiping a tear from her cheek. “For a while, I convinced myself that the only reason Amelia left Caleb with me was because she had no other options. It was the only explanation I could come up with for why she hadn’t left a note or reached out before she passed.”

“Now you know the truth,” she whispers.

“I’m grateful I do. Ever since I found out about Caleb, I’ve questioned if I’m enough for him,” I admit softly. “So, having confirmation that his mom trusted me to do right by him and saw me as the best person to raise him is the reassurance I needed.”

Briar takes my hand in hers. “I’ve believed in you from the start. All of us did. We were just waiting for you to believe it, too.”

This is one of the many reasons I’ve fallen for her. She had faith in me as a dad before I had any of my own, and has been by my side through every uncertainty.

I lean in, kissing her on the lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she murmurs.

I’ll never get tired of hearing her say it, and I’m reminded how lucky I am that she’s mine.

She tilts her head, motioning to the albums on my other side. “What are those?”

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