Loving David (34 page)

There was a knock on the door, and Karen poked her head in without waiting for an invitation.

“Need any help?”

“I’m okay. Just trying to mentally prepare myself.”

Karen made goo-goo eyes at the baby. “You’ll be okay. Look at how you’ve handled this past year.”

Charlotte kissed the top of Frankie’s head. “If it weren’t for her, I don’t know if I would have made it.”

“Babies will do that.”

“It’s funny. When David and I fell in love, I always wished I was younger so we’d have more time. And then, when I knew David was going to die, I wished I was older so I wouldn’t have to be without him too long. Before I knew about Frankie, of course. Isn’t that strange?”

“Actually, I think it’s nice. He was your soul mate, and you wanted to be together.” Karen looked at her watch and reached for Charlotte’s hand. “It’s time.”

Charlotte drew up her shoulders and hugged Frankie to her a bit closer before placing one hand in Karen’s. She took one last look around, David’s spirit wrapping around them both.

Karen and Charlotte walked down to the shore of the lake where William was waiting with the other ladies. He held a wooden box with David’s ashes. The sky was clear and blue, and the birds chirped a little louder. It was the perfect day. Emma and Hendra embraced Charlotte and jiggled the baby’s fingers while William and Karen shared a brief hug. Charlotte smiled. David would be so happy William and Karen had become close. Hendra placed her hands on Charlotte’s shoulders.

“You ready?”

Charlotte took a deep breath and nodded. She handed Frankie to Karen and took the ashes from William. She clutched the box and looked down, thinking about her words.

“This lake meant a lot to David and me. It’s where we met, fell in love and got married. I couldn’t think of a better place to lay him to rest. And I want you to know how much all of you meant to David. Mostly he was glad you didn’t kick him out that first night.”

A small twitter of laughter passed through everyone.

“Loving David was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. It was effortless. I fell more in love with him every day to the point where I thought I would burst. I’m so fortunate to have known a love like that, even for a little while.” Charlotte looked at her daughter. “And of course, the greatest gift---- little Frankie. David will live on through her smile, her grace, and her spirit. I’ve been doubly blessed.”

A small breeze whispered by. Charlotte said a silent prayer before she opened the lid. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she held the box up to meet the breeze. David’s ashes left the box in a perfect swirl and flew over the lake until they vanished.

Karen sighed and shook her head, an ironic laugh bubbling beneath her words. “Still beautiful.”

Charlotte chuckled. “Indeed.”

The End

.

A big thank you to my family for all of their support.

Dedicated to my first friend, my best friend,

My Mom

lovingdavidnovel.com

Cover Photo by Elizabeth Hummer