Page 85 of Four Score

Gia slowly opens her eyes, taking her time stretching, and allowing the sheet to fall from her body. I lick my lips with anticipation as more skin comes into view. We might need a late check-out.

“What do you think they’re doing this morning?” I ask, trying to distract my thoughts from eating the woman in front of me alive before she’s even good and awake.

I can’t wait to see Astria today after our win last night. I can’t wait to celebrate with her.

“If I had to guess, Tyler probably went to pick up donuts. Casey and Astria are most likely in matching pajamas watching movies. If they even went to sleep last night.”

“Tyler text me a picture of the two of them in matching unicorn onesies last night celebrating the win.”

I reach over and grab my phone. I open it up, flashing the photo at Gia so that she can see them. Astria and Casey are smiling ear-to-ear, hoods up, or I guess I should say, horns up. They each have a sparkling unicorn horn shooting from the top of their heads. They look ridiculous, but happy.

“I’m still kind of offended she chose to stay at their lake house for the weekend over coming to the game,” I say as I sit the phone back down again and lean back against the headboard of the bed.

“I’m not.” Gia’s eyes travel up the length of my chest, not stopping until she reaches my eyes. “I thoroughly enjoyed our evening.”

“You know, now that we have access to a private jet, and babysitters, I’m thinking we should do this more often than once every decade…” I motion for Gia to come closer with my finger, and she leans over my body, placing her chin on my chest.

“Is it weird that I like her?” Gia asks.

“Like who? Casey? No, honestly, I’m not surprised. She gives that man hell.” And that’s the truth. Casey Stafford is something else. She’s a damn spitfire. Tyler’s got his hands full with that one.

“She’s good for him.” She sighs lazily.

I look down at my wife, running my fingertips slowly over her bare shoulders. I brush softly against the marks that are still very evident on her skin from last night.

“Are you worried about Astria? Staying with them. I know we talked about it extensively, but it’s a big step, right?”

Letting Astria stay the weekend with Casey and Tyler was probably the biggest step we’ve taken yet. It was Astria’s idea, and we just didn’t have the heart to tell her no. She’s still getting to know them, and this felt like a pivotal moment in their relationship. Casey and Tyler were over the moon when we called.

“You know, I thought I would be. But, not really. I don’t know, I guess it feels like we’re healing.”

“I agree, I feel that way too.”

“Tyler asked me that day if I believe in redemption, and at the time I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. I think I get it now.”

“Yeah?”

“Forgiving doesn’t mean that I have to forget. Our past is what shapes us. It molds us and prepares us for our future. We grow and change, but at the heart of it, we’re still family. I don’t have to forget. But I can make the decision in my heart to forgive him. I think I have. I think I’ve forgiven him, and that’s something I’m okay with. Because I’m not just healing my heart. We’re all healing together, shaping our future. Because of Tyler, Astria will have a future. I can live with that.”

∞∞∞

GIA

Four score and seven years ago, or so it seems, a teenage boy warned me never to grow up. Life had other plans for me - for us. The game of life has a way of changing, especially when you don’t play by the rules.

In the end, you can cheat the game, but the game always wins. That doesn’t have to mean you lose. And sometimes, growing up just becomes part of the adventure of getting there.

Forgive. Don’t forget. Heal.

And when the day is done…let your light shine.

This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine,

This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

---