“No, baby girl. But you won’t need me to because you’ve got this. I promise.”
Tears roll freely. “How will you sleep?”
He strokes my arm. “I’ve got eternity for that.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Dad beams at me from the reception area, watching me say my goodbyes. As I step through the doors, he moves towards me and wraps me in his arms. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, Dad.” He looks good. He’s put on weight and that lost look he’d been carrying around has gone.
“You look great,” he tells me.
He drives us straight to the cemetery. It’s the place I missed the most since being in hospital for five months. I stop to buy flowers from the small stall seller at the entrance. Then I lay roses for Mum and lilies for Beck. I move over to Nyx’s grave and lay forget-me-nots.
Dad wraps an arm around my shoulder. “I’ll never let you down again,” he promises. “I’m so sorry.”
I pat his hand. “It’s not your fault. You weren’t well either.”
“We were so wrapped in our own grief.”
I nod. “But we’re moving forward. We’ve got this, Dad.”
“And he’s stopped visiting?” he asks, nodding towards Nyx’s stone.
I smile. “You do realise he was never visiting me, Dad?” I ask, smirking.
He nudges me playfully. “Just checking. I think we should get some fish and chips and head home. Everyone’s really excited about seeing you.” I nod, hooking my arm in his.
As we walk away, I glance back, and Nyx is sitting on his headstone. I give him a knowing smile, and he winks at me, his cheeky grin beaming and his dimples on full show.
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicola Jane was born and raised in Nottinghamshire, England. She still loves there with her husband, two teenage sons and four dogs. She loves to read the same genre she writes, mafia and MC. Before becoming an author, she worked with small children as a teaching assistant. Her advice for a happy life is, be kind, share positivity and do the things you love!
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THAT’S THE THING ABOUT LOVE BY ANNA EDWARDS
To Emma, for all your help with the military references. Thank you. x
PROLOGUE
LANDON
Five years ago
“Move along.” Ben gestures with the heavy rifle slung over his shoulder.