Rose pulls out the photo she’s been keeping under her pillow. It’s what she does every night – look at the picture of me in a wedding dress before she falls asleep.
“Someday, I’m going to be as pretty as Mommy,” she says.
I sit on her bed and touch her cheek. “You’re already pretty, sweetheart. And you shouldn’t try to be anyone else but yourself. We love you just the way you are.”
“But I want to be pretty like this.” She points to the picture.
I take it from her and look at it. It is a beautiful picture, and not just because of me. This was the best picture my dad took. He knew just how to capture me.
My lips curve into a smile.
I hope wherever you are now, you’re happy, Daddy, and that you remember that I love you.
Mason squeezes my shoulder as if he can read my mind.
“I’m sure your dad is watching over his grandchildren,” he says.
I squeeze his hand. “I know.”
And I know he’s watching over me. Always.
“Tell us the story again,” Tyler says. “The one about you and Dad growing up together.”
I look at Mason and he gives me an encouraging nod.
I draw a deep breath. “Alright. Once upon a time, I was a little girl and there was this boy who lived next door…”
~The End~