Page 71 of Chloé

Chloé had been a pillar of strength over the last couple of days, throwing herself into work, running JULIEN like a seasoned professional even as her world had been falling apart.

But now it was time to face the reality of what had happened and to let the people who loved her beherpillars of strength.

As they pulled into the parking lot of the church, Ethan brushed his thumb over the back of her hand. He could see a couple of scars there from cuts and burns over her years in the kitchen, and he thought how fitting it was that she wore battle wounds from her job.

She was so delicate and yet strong at the same time, and everything he learned about her made him love her even more.

Priest parked the car, and Julien turned back to check in on his daughter. “You ready,bichette?”

She looked out the window at the people entering the church and took in a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

They got out of the car and headed toward the front doors, and just as they were about to head inside, Ethan heard Chloé’s name behind them.

They all turned to see Justin jogging across the lot and making his way through the crowd. When he reached them, Chloé stepped forward to hug and kiss him.

“Sorry I’m running late. There was an accident on the main highway, and—”

“Justin?” Priest cupped his cheek, his eyes softening. “No need to explain. We’re just glad you’re here.”

The statement was truly heartfelt. He moved his hand to his son’s neck and tugged him in for a hug.

When they pulled apart, Julien looped an arm through Justin’s elbow as Priest guided Chloé inside, leaving Ethan and Zayne to follow.

They all took their seats, and Ethan was shocked when Chloé chose to sit in the pew behind her fathers with them.

“You sure you don’t want to sit up there with your family?”

Chloé looked at him. “You two are my family.”

She turned back to face the altar, and Ethan looked over her head to see Zayne watching her with an expression full of love, awe, compassion, and sympathy.

Family was something that had eluded them both for a long time now, and to hear her include them so readily was almost more than either of them could take.

It was a gift.Shewas a gift. One they would never take for granted.

The service was beautiful. The priest was eloquent and poignant, wise and empathetic, as he memorialized a man who was clearly loved and respected by every single person who met him.

When it came time for family to speak, Robbie took the podium.

He got to his feet, and Julien and Priest walked him up there to stand behind their husband, an unwavering show of support.

Chloé shifted in her seat, and Ethan saw her twisting her hands around the tissues she’d been using to dab away her tears. He placed his hand on top of them and offered a small smile.

She bit down on her lip, tears already welling in her eyes, as she turned back to see her dad unfolding a piece of paper.

Robbie took a deep breath in and then let it out, then he began.

“My father was a loud, boisterous Italian who loved his beautiful wife, his three daughters, and me. I mean, who wouldn’t, right?” Robbie gave a half-smile. “After Penny and Valerie, I’m sure he was hoping for a strapping young man to come along and carry on the Bianchi name. But instead, he wound up with a son who liked to wear pink and glitter and sing and dance with his sisters in their princess dresses. A son who decided that when his baby sister Felicity came along, no one could be a better mother to her than he.”

Robbie looked out at Chloé and Justin then, and though he was poking fun at himself, the sentiment ran much deeper.

“The thing I loved most about my father was that he never discouraged me from being myself. Neveroncedid he have a disapproving word to say when it came to who I was or how I expressed myself, and it was that acceptance and love that he showed me from such an early age, that allowed me to become the man I did. To live the life I am living with my beautiful family.”

Robbie sniffed and brought a tissue up to wipe away the tears.

“My father lovedhisfamily unconditionally. Welcomed new members”—he glanced at Priest and Julien—“with open arms. He was a proud man. A loving man. And he had the most open heart of anyone I’ve ever met. Maybe that’s why he had to go so early. His heart had worked so hard down here to love all of us, to show us no limits…” Robbie choked up then, his voice wavering slightly. “I love you, Pa. I’m so thankful that you were my dad.”

Ethan’s vision blurred. Then a tear escaped and fell down his cheek, as he mourned the loss of a great man he would never meet, and the speech a son should’ve gotten to give his parents, as Robbie refolded his paper and stepped down from the podium.

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