Always Us (Always and Forever 2)

I look around at everyone, thankful they’re here. Looking back up at the screen, I listen to him, hanging on every word. Craving the sound of his voice for so long now.

“But, son, I have to leave you for now. Leave you with your new wife. You better take care of her, you better cherish her, love her, and adore every little thing she does. Especially if it’s Shayla, that girl... I can’t even explain it. But I think I know my son pretty well, and I’m sure you pulled that head out of your ass and made an honest woman out of her. Now, to my new daughter.”

Shayla breathes heavy through her small sobs, and I squeeze her hand, it’s my turn to be her anchor. She looks up at my dad as if he were right here.

“Forgive him when he’s wrong, love him when he’s weak, and support him when he falls down. My son wears his heart on his sleeve, but he can also be a stubborn caveman and, you, my beautiful daughter, will need to smack him out of it.” We both laugh while looking at each other for a brief second. I search Shayla’s beautiful eyes, completely taken by her beauty. I place my hand over her growing belly.

“Give him babies, strong, healthy, beautiful babies. He needs a taste of his medicine; give him a son with the heart of a fighter and a little girl to make him lose his damn mind when she grows to be as beautiful and perfect like her mama. Like I said, he needs a taste of his own medicine. Now, go enjoy the wedding and remember, son.” I steal one more look up at my dad. Wrapping Shayla up in my arms, I run my hands over her smooth back.

“You’re my best friend, and I’m so proud of you.” The screen fades to black and as the rest of the song plays, I let myself feel.

For most of my life I let my fears control my willingness and ability to fully love others, but honestly, I was far off. I realize now more than ever that it wasn’t just others I was trying to love, it was myself. Learning to forgive Gwen and not put blame on myself was the end goal. Shayla was that clarity. The expansion of time with her in my life was when I began to forgive Gwen and accept myself.

Shayla was the main piece in my journey to loving again; it’s always been her.

“I love you, Trey.”

“Oh, I fucking love you too, baby. Always.”

The End

However, what if…

TJB—

You are my inspiration, my light house, my guiding ship. Every word I write is inspired by you. Thank you for letting me be me, even if it means I may fight every battle. But at least I will have you to help me fight it. I love you, alpha mine.

Seashell—

Book two S-dawg. We did it, through every tear, every smile, every break down and break through, I guess you could say every ultimate fall. I love you, always and forever. Trey was and will always be yours. XOXO

Carmen—

I can’t tell you what your ever lasting friendship means to me. I always find it amazing that I can trust you so deeply without any reservation. That is hard to find and I will never let it go. You are now my sister. You, Brooks, Monkey and sweet Peyton, are my family. Kingston thanks you ;D

Jenny—

My Jenayyyyy I love you. I had no idea when we became friends that we would become best friends! I feel like you were made to be my spirit animal as I was made to be yours. From our bullshiting facetime calls to our shit talking calls, you are always there for me. I FACKING love you. The rose to my beauty and the beast, the rose to my thorn—the rose to my Jenny. K tenks, seriously, I love you.

Janell—

Thank you for always bein

g my bestie, you have been here since day one and have never left my side. I ADORE YOU. You are a rare gem and I am glad I get to know you and call you my best friend!

Camille—

What can I say about you that can do you justice! NOTHING, you are that amazing. You have always had my back as I have had yours! I thank God that he put you in my life and put us so close to each other, I couldn't handle you living in another state. You are never allowed to leave.

Heather A—

You. You get me. You lift me up. And you restore my faith in man kind daily. You are whats beautiful in the world. Your light and spirit has brought me so much joy! I love you so darn much, girl.

Stacy—

“Talk to me, talk to me, talk to me BABAYYYYY!” Lol. I love that movie! Anyways, I adore you and your constant positive love and affirmation in me. You support me and I couldn't thank you enough for taking time to read my books and loving them the way you do. You are my hero.

Keeana—