Page 72 of Her Sweet Surrender
When Marquis and Celestia finally appeared, the three walked over to join them. Celestia was dabbing her eyes as they approached, while Marquis Gray held the tiny baby.
“It was a beautiful service, but my heart is utterly broken,” Celestia confessed, unable to stop her tears.
Brie immediately hugged her, squeezing her tight.
“We are concerned about Wallace,” Sir told Marquis.
“As you should be, he’s been inconsolable since her death.” Marquis glanced at his wife. “Celestia hasn’t been able to get him to eat anything.”
Brie looked at Marquis in alarm.
Celestia stared at the tiny baby in Marquis Gray’s arms. “He won’t even look at the child.”
“It sounds like he’s given up,” Rytsar stated.
“I’m afraid that is the case,” Marquis said solemnly. “He is seeing a therapist under my advisement, but…it doesn’t seem to be enough.”
Celestia looked at Sir with concern. “I’m afraid he may end up in the hospital if things don’t change soon.”
“We won’t let that happen,” Rytsar assured her.
Turning to Brie, Marquis said, “Faelan has mentioned you several times. It seems he feels connected to you since you were both there when she passed.”
Tears welled up in Brie’s eyes as she remembered that moment. She had to swallow twice before she could speak. Clearing her throat, she asked him, “What can I do, Marquis Gray?”
He took a few moments to consider. “I get the impression you are the only one he might open up to.”
Marquis Gray turned to Sir. “However, I am uncertain how that would play out. The three of you have a complicated history.”
“Are you talking about the fact that he loved Brie once?”
Marquis nodded.
Glancing at Brie, Sir stated, “I am confident my wife can navigate those waters. If the interaction became unhealthy, she would simply disengage.”
To Marquis, he said, “Brie and I are both committed to helping Wallace in whatever capacity needed.”
“Then I suggest you come to the house tonight after he’s had a chance to recover from the strain of this gathering.” Marquis looked at both of them, adding, “I am grateful to you.”
When the limousine pulled up to the front of the church, Marquis handed the baby to Celestia and shook Sir and Rytsar’s hands, nodding to Brie respectfully.
As Sir escorted Brie to their car, she noticed Mary quietly talking with Lea and Hunter. It made sense that Mary was here to support Faelan, but Brie wondered what she was feeling.
When Mary glanced her way, Brie smiled sadly at her. Mary nodded in response and bumped Lea. When Lea looked up and saw Brie, she put her hand over her heart and mouthed the words,we love you.
Brie appreciated having her friends’ support. It gave her the boost she needed as she got into the car and they joined the long procession of vehicles with their lights on. Because it was such a large turnout, the cars stretched out for almost half a mile.
It was a moving tribute to Kylie, but so horribly tragic.
Confessions
It took considerable time for everyone to gather at the burial site because so many had come. Faelan stayed in the limousine while they waited for people who’d parked far away to walk to the grave.
Sir used the time to go up to Faelan’s parents to offer their condolences. The moment Faelan’s mother saw him, she immediately threw her arms around him. “Mr. Davis, it is always a blessing to see you, even at a terrible time like this.”
The couple looked even more beaten and frail than they had when Brie had met them at the hospital several years ago before Faelan’s kidney surgery.
Mr. Wallace gave Sir and Brie a firm handshake. “You two gave us our son back, we will forever be grateful.” Glancing at the darkened windows of the limousine, he muttered, “I only hope you can help him now.”
