Page 132 of Beneath the Blue Moon
“First of all, on Casey’s behalf, I’d like to thank you allfor coming.”I look over at my parents, and Dad gives me an encouraging nod.Motherlooks like she had better things to do than be here.I take a deep breath andcontinue.“I know you’re wondering about the two additional wreaths.What mostof you don’t know is that, at the time of the attack, Casey was two months pregnant…with twins.”
A collective gasp comes from the congregation, and everyoneturns their attention to her.Her head is on Sandy’s shoulder, and she’ssobbing quietly.
“We didn’t know that they were twins, but these were thenames she had chosen.Katherine, after her mom, if it was a girl… and Ethan Jrfor a boy.”
All the women in the room—except for Mother, of course—joinin the sobbing.The men look like they’re barely holding back the tears.Swiping one from my cheek, I address the crowd once again.
“So today, join me in remembering these three lives takenway too soon—Luke and his grandchildren, Katherine and Ethan.”
***Casey***
“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I have to get back to work.”
“It’s fine.You’ve babysat me long enough.”
“Clara’s here.If you need anything, you just let her know.”
“Okay.”
He kisses me softly and tucks my hair behind my ear.“I loveyou.”
“I know.”
“You know?Isn’t there something you want to tell me?”
I knit my brows in mock confusion.“Thank you?”
“Minx.”
“Yeah, but you love that about me.”
“I love everything about you.”
“I’m awesome.Why wouldn’t you?”
“Why wouldn’t I indeed.”He kisses me once more andstraightens, resting his hand on the handle of his gun.“I’ll be home in timefor our appointment with Dr.Shorter.”
“See you later.”
The moment he leaves the room, Clara walks in.
“I made breakfast, dear.”
“Thank you.”
“How are you feeling?”she asks as she places the tray on mylap.
All I can do is shrug because I can’t explain the feelingsstirring inside me.I feel hurt, guilty, angry, lonely, like it’s the end ofthe world… and then when I’m with Ethan, I feel like I can get through this.I’ve decided to tell him everything.Whatever happens, happens.I just hope heloves me as much as he says he does.
“You’re one of the strongest people I know… and so is Ethan.You’ll get through this and you’ll come out stronger than before.”
“Thanks, Clara.”
I eat my breakfast and contemplate her words, wondering ifI’m really that strong.Before, I did what I had to do because I had Daddy to thinkabout.But now….
With a sigh, I place the tray on the floor and pull thecovers over my head.The memorial service yesterday took a lot out of me, and Ididn’t sleep much.I need a nap.
***
