Page 241 of There's No Us Without You
“Hey,” he says, taking my face in his hands to rub his thumbs over my cheeks. “We’re going to get through this. All of us.”
I nod and lick the tears that have rolled down my face and onto my lips.
The crowd moves towards the casket—and Will—so Emerson takes my hand and leads me down the path.
It’s a beautiful day for a funeral if that’s even a thing. The sun is out, not a cloud in the sky, and the cool breeze that whips through the trees brings with it the scent of fresh flowers.
It doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom when saying goodbye to someone. I want to remember Tyler for how he made me feel, and what he sacrificed. He’ll always be part of me—that smile, and the way he’d snatch a half-eaten brownie out of my hand even though there were plenty of others still in the container.
I’ll miss him with everything I have, and hopefully one day we’ll meet again to start our next lives together.
Will keeps his head down, his hands locked in front of him, for most of the service. Emerson had moved to his side when we reached the group of mourners, leaving me alone. It’s not my place anymore to stand with them, and Will needed him more than I did, so I let him go, and instead focused on taking deep breaths.
The service ends with everyone saying their goodbyes, and Tyler’s casket being lowered into the ground. Will stands at the end of the hole, Emerson by his side, their heads lowered.
I move with the crowd and wait for the boys to say their goodbyes. I’m wiping my nose with a tissue when someone comes up beside me. I glance over into a pair of brown eyes, a nose covered in freckles, and blonde hair.
She’s stunning and regards me with so much love in her eyes, I’m not sure if she’s looking at the right person.
“Eden,” the woman says, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “Thank you for being here for the boys. I know things are rough at the moment, but please don’t give up on them, especially Will.”
“I—”
Don’t know what to say.
When the woman pulls back, she smiles at me, tears in her eyes. “I’m Matilda.” She nods behind her to a group of people talking and points to a tall dark-haired man. “That’s Wren.” Then to a blond man. “And Koby.”
Recognition registers inside my brain. These are Emerson and Will’s best friends.
“Hi,” I say, licking my lips. “I’m sorry if I seem?—”
“Sad?” Matilda rubs my upper arms.
“I was going to say rude, but sad works.”
Matilda waves off my comment. “Listen, we’re all heading back to Will’s bar for a drink. You want to join us?”
I swallow hard, and glance at the boys now making their way back up to us.
“I shouldn’t,” I say with a tight smile. “But thank you for not hating me.”
Matilda tilts her head, a frown pulling in her eyebrows. “I could never hate you. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for Will to open up and let his guard down? Hell, it took him long enough to admit he was in love with Emerson. And now he has...” She trails off, a sad smile curling the corners of her lips. “Well, you know what I mean. I’m just glad you’re here.” With a sigh, I’m caught up in her arms again. “Remember what I said. Don’t give up on him.”
I’m left a little less cold and numb when Matilda walks away, heading to her friends again.
I’m not sure what to make of her words, but I don’t hold much hope for anything but heartache when it comes to Will and me.
When everyone else has left, I square my shoulders and make my way towards the boys.
My plan was to come and say goodbye to Tyler—to leave Will alone—but now I’ve seen him, I can’t leave without touching him one last time.
As selfish as that might be right now, I need it for closure.
Emerson gives me a soft smile and kisses Will’s temple as I approach. “I’ll give you two a minute,” he says before walking off towards his car.
My leg bounces, and I chew on the inside of my cheek as I stand next to Will. He hasn’t acknowledged me, but I noticed the way his body stiffened when I stepped up beside him.
His hands are at his sides, and when I link my fingers with his, he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he squeezes my hand and lets out a breath.
