Another murmur of laughter falls over the gathered mourners. “Yeah, she would have,” someone shouts.
I laugh into the microphone, startling myself with the sound. But then my eyes leave the crowd and land on my sister’s peaceful body. Somewhere, wherever we go after this life, Jane is smiling and laughing and reveling in all this attention. I’m sure of it.
“I didn’t write a speech. Jane’s death was unexpected, and no words seemed right to capture how her death is going to change me. One thing I know for sure though, is that I want to live my life the way Janie did: open and full of love, laughter, and happiness. Jane would want us all to live that way.”
My sister’s friends and family nod in agreement. If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that she always wanted people to be living their best lives no matter what.
The funeral director joins me at the podium and asks for the microphone. I gratefully step aside and return to my seat.
“If anyone has any stories they’d like to share about Jane, please feel free to stand up and do so.”
Some of the attendees stand and wait their turn to share a memory they have with my older sister. I can think of a few stories that the crowd would probably love to hear, but I keep them to myself. It’s selfish, but I want to hold on to as much of Jane as I can.
After almost an hour of laughter and tears shared over memories of my older sibling, the priest returns to the podium for a final prayer and to wish us all a blessed evening.
“There will be a reception at Jane and Marcus’s home,” I say to the lingering crowd. “Please join us in our final mourning.”
The crowd stands, and Marcus makes his way to me.
“Kelsey, will you come with me to my house? I have to get things ready for people to arrive.”
My parents were at his house before the viewing this morning to get things ready, but I can’t argue with him now. Not when he’s in funeral black and we’re standing in front of his dead wife.
“Of course,” I say. “Let me tell my parents and I’ll meet you at the car.”
It doesn’t take long to find Mom and Dad thanking mourners and providing instructions to the repast. “I’m going to help Marcus set up,” I tell them. I kiss them each on the cheek, though I’d prefer to curl up in their arms like I did when I was a little kid suffering a nightmare. If only this week had been a kiddie nightmare. Life would be so much easier, but instead, we’re surrounded by real agony and death.
Dad kisses the top of my head. “We’ll see you there, darling.”
With that, I find Marcus’s car warmed up and waiting for me. My brain tells me that I need to keep my distance, but his smoldering gaze raking my curvy body when I slide into his car tells me it’s not going to be easy.
I’m in for a lot of trouble. Because the heat’s simmering between my brother-in-law and me … and it’s just a matter of time before it bursts into full flame.
Chapter Seven
Marcus
It should be illegal to look sexy at a funeral.
The problem is that Kelsey probably doesn’t even realize how hard I got the second she walked into the funeral home wearing that black number. It hugs all of her curves perfectly. It’s not as good as the blue dress from the other night, but this one is a close second. I’ve been thinking about getting that black dress on the floor all day. Luckily my slacks are loose enough in the groin area to hide my erection.
A woman approaches me, forcing me out of my naughty thoughts about Kelsey. She doesn’t look familiar, but she takes my hand like we’ve known each other for years. “I am so sorry for your loss,” she says. “Jane was a remarkable woman.”
I nod and play the dutiful part of grieving husband while simultaneously sneaking glances at Kelsey’s curvy rump. I want to find whoever designed her dress and shake his hand.
“Marcus,” my father in law says from behind me. “Did you want cans to be recycled?”
I shrug. “They can go in the regular trash.” Jane was all about recycling, but I always found it easier to throw everything in one place. Although this sounds terrible, I’m actually really happy she’s not here to nag me about separating the recyclables from trash. Robert nods and walks slowly back towards the kitchen. The poor guy is really taking his daughter’s death hard. Not that I’m not, because of course I miss my wife, but we had problems like any couple. Frankly, I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my chest with her passing. I’m sad, but also simultaneously happy because Jane had some serious issues.