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He smiled, his fingers finding my most intimate spot. “Now then, since you bought us two hours, I intend on using every minute.”
* * *
I knewthe garage sale today would be rough, but that was an understatement. Watching strangers haul to their vehicles the living room furniture I’d bought as a newlywed was like an emotional gut punch. But I also knew I didn’t want to take those memories with me into a new home. I was even selling the sheets, towels, dishes, and other wedding gifts that had originally set up my old home.
A couple hours in, Sasha came up and studied my face. “You doing all right?”
“Getting there. After closing and turning over the keys, I think I’ll be better.”
She squeezed my hand and then looked beyond me toward Mark. He was lifting a very heavy box of books for a woman who’d purchased them. “Huh, Mark has muscles.”
Brian came up from behind, putting his arms around her. “Nuh-uh, no way. You made your choice. Plus, I have muscles, too. Not to mention I’m really great at—”
Both Sasha and I held up our hands. I laughed. “I really don’t need to hear you finish that sentence.” I caught Mark’s gaze across the room and grinned.
He winked and then helped the older woman out to her car with the box. He’d been here all day, lifting, lugging, and packing.
And so had Brian and Sasha, along with my mother. I was where I needed to be, surrounded by everyone I loved.
By the time it was over, we’d sold all the furniture and bagged up any leftover clothing, kitchen, and garage stuff to give to charity. My mom had left to take her load to Goodwill and pick up Tristan. He’d been staying with my aunt and uncle for the day. Next, Sasha and Brian loaded up their car. They were nice enough to drop off the clothing that Rob’s parents hadn’t wanted at a shelter that was eager for the donation. Afterward, they would meet us at my new rental to help move some stuff in.
I walked from room to room, gathering up the few little things left and, in my own way, saying a final goodbye. My last stop was the master bedroom. Here I paused, hugging my arms to my body. This particular room had been such a source of happiness in the beginning, but had become a place of bitterness and resentment only a few months ago. Now it only left me sad. And just when I thought I had no more tears to give him, they came now, most inconveniently.
Strong arms came around from the back and turned me. Soon I was crying in Mark’s embrace. He stood there stroking my back and holding me until I had no more tears to shed.
“I’m being stupid. I mean, why now would I cry over this house?”
“Because you loved Rob once, and this house represented your future together. There are good memories here, Jules. And those are hard to say goodbye to.”
Now I understood more than ever why Mark hadn’t been able to sell his home. He’d been preserving those precious memories all these years. “Thank you for being here and for understanding.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Now, how about I pick up pizzas for everyone and meet you at your new place?”
“Sounds great.”
* * *
Long after everyone had left,all the boxes had been shoved inside my townhouse, and Tristan had fallen fast asleep in his new room, Mark and I snuggled on my new sofa. Not fifteen minutes before, we’d happily christened it with a new memory.
My fingers trailed down his chest as I enjoyed this lazy cuddling. “This weekend is Sasha’s bridal shower, but I was thinking maybe Tristan and I could come up to Connecticut the next weekend. It’s the last one before the wedding.” It was only fair to take a turn and not make him travel every time.
“Unfortunately, I can’t do that weekend.”
“Oh. Okay.” I wanted to ask so badly what he was doing, but I waited him out to see if he would volunteer the information. Luckily, I wasn’t disappointed.
He sighed heavily. “I planned on telling you although I wasn’t sure how or when. That Sunday is the anniversary of Sarah’s death.”
I let his words sink in.
“I, uh, I spend it with her family.”
“Of course. Yes. That makes sense. And I’m glad you told me.” Although I absolutely understood, it didn’t hurt any less. I’d thought we’d come so far, but this was a reminder that he wasn’t yet ready to let go. Then again, how could I ask him to? Being with her family probably gave both him and them comfort during a difficult time. I could never ask him to give that up.
“But I’ll see you at the wedding. How’s your toast coming, by the way?”
“I haven’t started working on it yet, but something will come to me.” Hopefully.
