Page 112 of Chasing Olivia (Trace + Olivia 2)

I grinned at the photo of my father as a small boy. He smiled triumphantly at the camera as a teacher put a medal around his neck.

Hours passed as we went through even more photo albums. When my grandpa and Trace arrived back home, they joined us in the attic. My grandpa chimed in with even more stories and details of my father as a young boy. It was only bits and pieces, but I felt like I was getting to know my father a little bit better. I would never have the chance to meet him in person, as much as I might hope and wish for that impossibility, but it was nice to hear more about him.

I didn’t know it would be this difficult to say goodbye to people I’d just met. But they were my family and that bond was impossible to ignore.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” Margaret held me close, nearly suffocating me, but I didn’t care. After all, I held her as tightly as she held me.

“I’m going to miss you too,” I replied honestly. “But you guys are going to fly out for the ceremony, right?”

She smiled down at me, patting my cheek. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

I hugged her again, feeling like a small child. I didn’t want to let go, because a part of me was convinced that if I did I’d never see her again.

Finally, I had to release her and hug my grandpa and Dex.

“We’ll see you soon, kid,” Dex ruffled my hair.

I smoothed my fingers over the top of my head to fix my hair. “Bye,” I frowned, backing away. My eyes flickered over their faces, trying to memorize every detail.

“Bye,” they waved.

Fighting tears, I forced myself to turn around and get in the car.

“Are you okay?” Trace asked. “We can stay longer if you want.”

“Two days was enough,” I forced a smile. “I know we still have to get to Maine. Maybe we can stop by on our way back?” I asked hesitantly.

“We can do that,” he assured me, taking my hand.

A few minutes later he stop

ped in front of a flower shop.

“Would you like to pick them out?” He asked.

At first, I wanted to say no. But if I was visiting my dad’s grave, then I should be the one to pick out flowers, not Trace.

I nodded slowly and slipped from the car. He followed me inside, not saying anything, but his presence alone kept me calm.

I picked out an arrangement of all white roses and lilies. It was simple and beautiful. I didn’t know what Derek would have liked, but I hoped wherever he was that he was happy with what I had chosen.

We paid for the flowers, and using the directions Margaret had given him we drove to the cemetery.

He parked the car and looked over at me.

I bowed my head, staring at the flowers.

I knew I needed to get out of the car and face this, but I didn’t want to. Seeing his grave would make it even more real.

I knew he was dead, but that didn’t mean I wanted to believe it.

“Olivia,” Trace said my name softly, like I was a small frightened rabbit that might run away at any moment.

“I need a minute,” I whispered, taking deep breaths.

I could do this.

“Do you want to go alone? I don’t have to go with you. I’ll stay here.”

---