He grunted, almost as if he were trying to laugh. “Told you I’d marry you tomorrow.”
My nose stung. “We get out of this, and I’ll go to the courthouse with you as soon as it opens.”
“You heard her, Hayes.”
Hayes let out a chuckle, but it was forced. “I’ll be your witness. How about that?”
“Brand-new, fancy deputy at our wedding,” Jase muttered.
“Hell, I’ll see if I can get ordained,” Hayes said.
“Laik, you gotta wear that white sundress and flowers in your hair. What are those ones you love?”
“Ranunculus,” I said as tears spilled from my eyes.
“Those in your hair.”
“Don’t forget my necklace.”
“You never take that thing off. I didn’t have to tell you.” I heard the smile in Jase’s voice as he spoke.
“I don’t take it off because you gave it to me.”
Jase’s hand loosened around mine. “Love you, Laik.” His words were drawn out as if each was a struggle.
I squeezed his hand harder. “Forever and a day.”
There was no response.
My fingernails dug into Jase’s skin. “Forever and a day, Jase.”
Nothing. His hand went limp.
My tears came harder as I shook Jase’s hand. “Forever and a day.”
My voice broke, and the sobs came. No matter how hard I squeezed Jase’s hand, no matter how many times I said our words, he never said anything back.
“Laiken, hold on,” Hayes said as he kept a grip on my other hand.
I held them both. One so full of life and strength. The other growing cold in my grasp.
“Jase…”
“I know. But you gotta hang on for me. Breathe. You’re gonna hyperventilate.”
I didn’t want to hang on. I didn’t want to breathe. I wanted to follow Jase wherever he had gone. Forever and a day.
1
Laiken
PRESENT
The wind picked up,sending leaves swirling around the sidewalk. Winter had us in her grips and didn’t show any signs of letting go. But I didn’t mind. I loved the cold. That bite in the air that reminded you that you were alive. Even if it made your lungs ache.
Gizmo let out a little yip as he attempted to chase one of the leaves circling our feet. A woman walking towards us came to a stop, taking him in and smiling. “Does he have wheels?”
“His back legs don’t work all that great, so these help him along.”