Epilogue

DURANGO WALTERS

Our honeymoon was a whirlwind of new experiences, a cyclone of love. The Colosseum, authentic Italian cuisine, even a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. I've never felt so alive, so affixed to the world and to Max. But now, back home, I'm surrounded by the comforts and sounds of our little family. Returning has ushered a deeper level of contentment. This is where I belong.

While we were away, Gage embarked on an adventure of his own with Jake, exploring the dinosaur-rich landscapes of Utah and Colorado. His passion for paleontology fills me with pride. And Lily spent her time in Indiana with Marilyn. I know she missed us, but I'm also grateful for the opportunity she had to connect with Max's family to learn more about his childhood and heritage.

And our home? It's finally ours. Melanie's belongings are gone. This is now a space we can all grow, learn, and love. It's a sanctuary built on the foundation of forgiveness, acceptance, and unwavering support. As a busy week draws to a close, the balmy June sun welcomes a change from the crisp air conditioning and lights of my office. I wave goodbye to my very last client and his parents, filling me with a certain sense of accomplishment. As of now, I'm retired.

As I step out onto the curb, Max's car pulls up with his brightest smile. Gage and Lily are absorbed in a puzzle book while watching "Despicable Me 2" in the backseat. Meanwhile, Max leans over to cup my cheek as he presses a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Busy day?" He asks.

"Yep," I reply, returning his touch as I climb inside. "The busiest last day that I'll ever work again."

We pull away from my office building when I glance back in the side mirror. It's a bittersweet farewell to the past. But now it's time to embrace my new life, focusing on my family, and creating a future filled with love and joy.

"Happy retirement, babe," Max says, snapping his fingers.

Lily leans forward, holding out a large mason jar. "Is this?" I ask, already cognizant of the answer.

Max nods, his eyes twinkling in the afternoon sun's glare. "Yep. I thought it was important to show our thanks to the man who helped make today possible."

I take the jar and wedge it between my legs. It's Brogan's ashes—a tangible reminder of the force that has brought us together. I glance at the dashboard clock, studying today's date while it ushers a frigid chill through my spine.

JUNE 9, 2018

The memory of Maxwell telling me about Brogan's cremation flashes through my mind. He couldn't find an urn that captured the essence of the man's vibrant spirit. So Lily, with her unique perspective, suggested a large cookie jar, adorned with three simple words scribed in Hebrew. Husband, Father, Doctor.

"Oh honey," I drone. "I didn't even realize the date until just now. I've been so consumed with work and transferring my patients to other providers—it escaped me completely."

Max squeezes my hand reassuringly. "It's okay, I understand." He merges onto the highway, our destination set. "I thought we'd take a ferry ride across Puget Sound, scatter Brogan's ashes, and maybe say a few words of gratitude." His gaze on the road twinkles with excitement. "Then we can grab dinner, see a movie, whatever you wanna do to celebrate your retirement."

I let a deep inhale cleanse my lungs. It's a beautiful way to honor Brogan, celebrating his life and legacy while embracing the new chapter unfolding before us.

"I couldn't think of a better way to spend the evening," I affirm.

The ferry's engine hums beneath us as we approach the railing, a united front against the wind and the waves. Max holds Lily and Gage close with their small hands clasped tightly in his. I grip the large mason jar while the incumbrance of Brogan's memory fills me with appreciation. Today, a year ago, I was given a second chance to live.

"You go first, babe," Max insists.

I nod with a lump at the back of my throat, reaching into the jar. My fingers brush against the fine ash with a certain finesse that can't be described. Spreading a person's cremains is a sacred act. Something not to be taken lightly, or in vain. This is a peculiar feeling, holding the remnants of what this heart of mine once kept fresh. As I step up to the railing, the vast expanse of Puget Sound stretches before me. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and let the salty breeze fill my lungs.

"Brogan," I begin. "Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for bringing this wonderful man into my life, who I promise to cherish and protect."

My voice grows stronger as I continue, the wind fluttering my words across the water. "I will never take these gifts for granted, as long as I live."

I open my hand, allowing the morsels of Brogan's former shell to drift away in the wind. They swirl and dance, even fly back into the ferry. As the last of my handful disappears into the waves, only a deep resounding peace fills me.

"That was lovely," Max utters, handing me the jar. He lifts Lily up against the railing, her tiny hand reaching in for a handful of ash. "Your turn, munchkin," he encourages her.

Lily's voice is timid and quiet, most certainly filled with some sorrow as the ashes slip through her fingers. "I miss you and I love you, Daddy B."

I ache for her, but also feel a sense of peace grow through her. This is a moment of closure, a way for Lily to say goodbye and find comfort in her memories.

"There ya go, Flower," I say, clapping softly.

She offers me a sincere flare. "Thank you, Daddy D," she cries. "I was hoping to hear that."

My heart pounds for Max as he reaches inside the jar. He pauses, his eyes widening slightly. I study him, shifting his gaze out over the water and the Seattle skyline in the distance. A fiery passion tingles down my spine. It's almost as if I can feel Max's hand is on my back. But when I turn, he's several feet away with his sights fixed on the horizon. This fleeting moment is a whisper of something beyond my comprehension. But it's enough to make me cherish the sense of wonder, a prompt that love transcends all boundaries, even those of life and death.

As the ferry glides through the water, I inhale another deep breath. The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Max and the kids join me by my side, their faces etched with emotion. My husband and Lily have lost something precious, yet also gained something extraordinary. A family, the deep bonds forged in the crucible of grief and loss that's strengthened by love, resilience, and the unwavering belief that life, even in its most challenging moments, is a gift to be cherished.

THE END