Mason… every day I think about him and the differences he’s made, even since he’s been gone. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have Liam and most importantly, neither would Noah.
“Hey.”
Mason sits down next me on the park bench. I say hi, but never meet his eyes. I’m focused on Noah and his determination to be a big boy on the playground.
“Have you talked to Katelyn?”
I smile, knowing full well why he’s here. “I have.”
“I knocked her up good.”
When he starts to laugh, I follow suit. Leave it to Mason to turn something scary into something funny. We sit there, watching Noah run from the slide to the swings and back.
“He’s missing out, Josie.”
I sigh and nod. I try not to think about Liam and everything he’s missing, but each time I look at my son, I see his father.
“You’re going to be an amazing father, Mason. Just promise me you’ll never leave her.”
I wipe away the tears that have fallen. He made that promise, but some higher power had different plans for him. The memories I have are starting to fade and I hate that. Mason needs to live on in our lives, and the lives of the girls, but it seems that we’re talking about him less and less. Maybe that needs to change.
Once I’m dried off and dressed, with my hair braided, I’m out the door. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and I can’t help thinking today is going to be a glorious day. Nick texts to tell me he’ll meet us at the cemetery, saving me a trip to his house.
When I pull into the cemetery, Katelyn and the kids are already there. I walk by her car and wave at Quinn, who is staring out the window. Katelyn asks him each time if he wants to get out, but he opts to give the girls their private time. He waves back and offers a sweet Harrison-like smile. Between him and Noah, we’ll be beating the girls away with clubs.
“Aunt Josie, look,” Elle points to the freshly laid flowers on Mason’s grave. Each week they’re here, cleaning and removing any debris. Harrison has been known to come as well, but never tells Katelyn what he says. He tells her that’s between him and Mason.
“Very beautiful, Elle. Your daddy loves them, I’m sure.”
Peyton sits just beyond Mason’s grave, watching the entrance. I look at Katelyn who shrugs and decide to go see how she’s doing.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing. Just waiting.”
“Did you visit with your dad?”
She shakes her head.
“How come?”
“Elle is too nosey.”
“I see.” I pull my legs to my chest to match her position. “Have you asked your mom to bring you by yourself?”
She shakes her head again.
“I think if you did, she would. Or, ask Harrison. You know he’d bring you.”
Peyton shrugs. “I don’t want my dad to get mad about me wanting to talk to my dad.”
If anyone on the outside of our group didn’t know the situation, they’d be confused. “I think both dads will understand. I know Harrison will. He loves you, Peyton. You know that.”
She sighs and kicks her legs out in front of her. “I miss him and Uncle Liam. When are they coming home?”
I pull her into my side and kiss the top of her head. “Soon,” I tell her, praying that I’m right.
After we finish up at the cemetery, we’re park bound. Peyton is riding with me and as soon as she sees Noah, she’s out of the car and racing toward him. Nick tells me that Aubrey will call me later to discuss some business and tells Noah that he’ll see him later.