Breath Of Life

His words are a gift I’ll cherish forever. I know how much it took for him to say this.

“I love you, Ollie.”

“I love you, too, Quinn. Now let’s get food in your belly, so I can work on putting something else in there.”

The cheesy line makes me laugh and shiver at the same time.

“Sit, and let me be a gentleman.” He pulls out my chair, and I sink into it and watch as he fills my plate. This man is my heartbeat. We’ve weathered every storm that’s blown into our lives, and become a stronger couple for it. I hold my hand up to the light marveling at the sparkle.

“Ollie, we’re getting married.”

“That we are. Soon,” he says.

“I think we can make that work. I’m actually okay with a justice of the peace marriage, and a badass reception.”

“Done.”

He takes the steak off the grill to rest and kisses my lips before he returns to pull out foil wrapped potatoes as we continue to talk about the wedding. I never would’ve imagined when I met this man he’d end up being the one I’d spend the rest of my life with. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Epilogue

Ten months later

Ollie

I hold my wife’s hand as we slowly make our way through the cemetery. Later on today we’ll celebrate the impending birth of our first child with family. I’ll hold Houston and Liv’s twins, Willow and Xavier, get some more baby practice, and bask in all the blessings the past year has held for us. Right now, we’ll pay homage to the beautiful boy who came before. My first born. The being who made me a better man simply by existing. My tiny guardian continues to be a driving force in my life, inspiring me to be the best I can be and keeping me smiling on my worst days. I no longer question mysterious feathers being found, his favorite song coming on, or the feeling of his presence. I’m a firm believer.

We reach the marble headstone with the cherubic-faced angel with wings resting on top, and I help her sink down. Only four months pregnant, she’s barely showing. It’s her balance that’s been thrown off since she started growing the baby. I sink down beside her and brush my hand over the beloved son.

“Hey, little dude. We wanted to come by and visit you so we could share the big news. Your second mommy and I did it. You’re going to be a big brother,” I whisper. She places the tiny rock we’d decorated with his name on the top of the gravestone. My son loved simple, handmade and personalized gifts.

“We don’t know the sex yet, but we’re pretty excited. Today, we’ll be having a BBQ with everyone, and it just didn’t seem right without including you.” I lapse into silence. It’s been a long journey to this point where I can sit here and speak with him. Hours of time in with my therapist, plenty of soul searching, a dash of religion, and my wife. Wife, I’m never going to get sick of that title.

“We’re hoping you’ll look out for them where you are. The way you would if you were down here. We’re going to tell them about you, Rolly. You’ll always be a part of our family and have a special place with us.”

A light breeze blows my hair and stirs the grass. A white feather is caught up in the wind and dances an aerial ballet in front of us.

“Ollie,” Quinn whispers.

“I see it, too, sassy. I think he’s agreeing.”

The peace that fills me is invaluable and long sought over. I dreaded this moment, but my precious boy didn’t hesitate to let me know it was okay to continue to move forward. We enjoy the sunshine for a while longer before I clear my throat.

“We have to go now, but we’ll be back to visit you soon. Love you to the moon and back, little dude.”

“Your Quinny loves you, Rolly,” she whispers. As we stand, I feel lighter. Now, I can properly prepare to welcome my second born into the world. I bring Quinn’s hand to my lips as we retrace our steps. Not every wound can be fully healed, but love—true love—can get you through anything. We’re living proof of that.

THE END