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“There is something I didn’t tell you, but only because I forgot, not because I meant to keep it from you. It’s about Lang. Your dad’s lawyer is trying to get the petition denied, or at least to get the judge who signed it to recuse himself.”
“Why?”
“Because he has a connection to Lang.”
“I knew it. I knew he’d find a way to work the system against me and for him. He’s a lying, cheating bastard.”
“He isn’t going to win, Peyton. I promise you. If we can’t get the petition denied now, we’ll keep at it until we do,” Brodie assured her.
“What else?” she asked.
Brodie’s eyes scrunched. “What do you mean?”
“What else didn’t you tell me?”
“That was it. Yesterday, your dad asked to speak to me privately while you were talking with Skye outside. He told me, then he asked me not to share it with you until we knew more. I said I couldn’t, that I wouldn’t keep things from you.”
Peyton put her arms around his neck and kissed him. “And when I said that, it reminded you.”
“Yes, and I’m sorry. I had every intention of telling you.”
“I know.” She glanced at the box. “Let’s open it and get it over with.”
There wasn’t much inside that Peyton didn’t expect to see. Kade had saved the letters she wrote to him, and there were photos of him with her and her boys. Near the bottom, there was a case holding the Legion of Merit Bronze Star he’d been given for exceptionally meritorious conduct.
“Your mom should have this,” she said, running her fingers over the clear box.
“If that’s what you want, Peyton.”
Below it were other awards Kade had been given, along with his diplomas and newspaper articles written about him through the years. She was about to return the contents to the box when Brodie stopped her.
“There’s something under the papers.” He moved them aside, and she saw an envelope with her name on it and a ring box.
“Brodie, I…I can’t.” Peyton stood and stepped away from the table. “I don’t want this.” Her eyes filled with tears.
“You should read the letter, Peyton. He left this box for you, knowing you’d only see it if something happened to him.”
“Can you give me a few minutes?”
“I’ll check on the boys.” He picked up her phone and added his name to her favorites list. “You need me, press this, and I’ll be here in a flash.”
She put her arms around him again. “I love you, Brodie.”
“I love you, Peyton.”
After Brodie closed the kitchen door behind him, Peyton pulled the envelope from the box and held it. She knew Brodie was right. She had to read it, no matter how hard it was. She’d loved Kade, and Kade had loved her. Now, he was gone, and he’d written this to say goodbye.
My dear Peyton,
As I’ve asked that this letter be given to you in the event of my death, I understand it will be difficult for you to read, and I’m sorry.
There are things you need to know about me, and about yourself, that are important for me to tell you. Things I couldn’t say when I was alive.
I knew my time on earth would be short. I always knew, from when I was a boy, and I accepted it. I also knew I’d die doing something I dedicated my life to, something I believed in, something bigger than me. To serve my country, to protect the rights and freedoms of those I love, was what drove me to keep going, keep living, and in the past couple of years, to keep leaving you and the boys.
I want you to know I love Jamison and Finn as though they are my own flesh and blood, and when I’m gone, I’ll continue to look down on them, and you, and protect and love you.
I do love you, Peyton, but I realized I’d never love you the way you need me to. I knew I could never give up the life I chose, even for you.
