Page 119 of Glad You Exist

I grin, “Like a Valedictorian?”

He chuckles, “Happy.”

My bottom lip quivers and Dad sets a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“I know I’ve failed as a dad these last few years but…” He gets a look in his eyes like he’s revisiting a memory. “I wanted to honor your mom’s wishes. To protect you. To not monopolize the little time, she had left with you.” He turns back to me with a sad smile. “I should have insisted on more time with you or at least shared that time with her. Now look at you. All grown up. I missed a lot.”

I nod because I’m not going to lie to my dad. Not when he’s finally opening up to me.

He drags another deep breath; he’s getting choked up.

“Honey, I know it hasn’t been easy, but kiddo, you’re amazing. I want you to know how proud I am of you. Not just because of what you’ve accomplished but because of your strength. Your resilience. Your heart.”

His gaze catches on something behind me and he pats my cheek.

“Just do me a favor and don’t make me a grandpa just yet okay?”

Someone laughs behind me, and I feel Aunt Rose’s arm grasp my shoulders as she hugs me to her side. “I don’t know about you Will, but I amreadyto be a grandma.”

She winks at Brad who walks up just in time to catch his mom’s words. He blushes a deep red as he quickly shakes his head at my dad.

“Mom. Seriously…”

My dad’s booming laughter at the expense of my boyfriend’s embarrassment is enough to lessen the sadness I feel at Mom’s absence.

Behind Brad, I spy Uncle John coming over with Kyle, Kim, and their families.

We are all headed to Brad’s house for dinner before the four of us go off on our own for the summer. Or at least for the next five weeks.

To make up for the time we lost.

To celebrate the lives that we’ve spent together.

To kick off our next chapters.

Somehow, we all ended up getting accepted to the same university.

The University of Washington. We are going to be proud Huskies in the fall.

But not before we go on this trip.

Last time we were at the cabin, Brad found the bucket list that we had put together when we were kids under the desk in his room. We spent the last month planning and plotting how to best cross items off the list.

We are flying to places like Hawaii, New York, and Florida but driving around California, Arizona, and Nevada.

I smile as I feel Brad’s arms circle around my waist. I laugh at Kyle as he jokes around with Kim’s siblings just to mess with her. I sigh as I settle my back on Brad’s chest and we listen to our parents catching up. I close my eyes and lose myself in the certainty that Mom is here with us right now. I can feel her in everyone around me.

This is what Mom wanted. Us. Together.

This is what I want. Us. Together.

I may not be sure of a lot of things, but I am firm in my belief that the foundation we built this year is strong enough to handle anything that comes our way.

This time wewillbe friends forever.

“I love you.” Brad whispers as he rests his chin on my shoulder.

I tighten my arms around him, “I love you too.”

“For infinity.”

I smile so wide, my cheeks hurt. “And forever.”

He pulls me close, and there’s no place I’d rather be. I’m right where I belong.

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