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As the pastor stepped up to the podium, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the words to come, while Kinsley’s hand tightened around mine.
The pastor’s voice, deep with the cadence of a seasoned preacher, filled the tent. “We are here today to remember and celebrate the life of Jake Collins...”
As I listened, images of my father flickered through my mind. The good times, the bad times, the moments of laughter, and those of heartache. It was a kaleidoscope of memories, each one a piece of the complex puzzle that had been our relationship.
Beside me, Kinsley leaned in, her shoulder pressing against mine, and on my other side, Finn sat like a stone pillar holding me up. They anchored me to the present moment.
The pastor continued, sharing stories and anecdotes from those who had known my father best. Tales of his skill in the rodeo arena, his quick wit and infectious laughter, his loyalty to his friends… With each story, I saw a different facet of the man I had called my father.
Then, one by one, some of the old cowboys stood up, their weathered faces creased with mirth and nostalgia. They shared stories of my father’s wild antics, the pranks he’d pulled, and the jokes he’d told. The tent filled with laughter.
I chuckled along with the crowd, a smile tugging at my lips as I remembered the man my father had been in his lighter moments—the man who could light up a room with his presence, who could make even the toughest cowboy double over with laughter. I had forgotten about that man.
The pastor’s tone shifted. He spoke of my father’s struggles, his battle with the bottle, and the demons that had haunted him. That was the side of him I knew all too well, a side that had caused so much pain and disappointment. But, as the pastor said, he was free of all that now.
As the words hit me, a lump formed in my throat. The tears I had been holding back since my father’s passing threatened to spill over. I blinked rapidly, trying to maintain my composure.
Kinsley’s fingers intertwined with my mine. She was my lifeline, a reminder that I wasn’t alone.
Then, the pastor announced, “We’ve got a special song today, folks. Maisey’s going to sing Amazing Grace in Jake’s honor.”
Maisey stood, her face pale but resolute as she made her way to the front. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment before her sweet voice, clear and strong, filled the tent while a hush settled over the crowd. Hats came off and heads bowed, taking in every note.
As the last notes faded, I realized that my dad, for all his faults, had lived a life full of passion and adventure. He might have stumbled, might have fallen, but he’d never stopped chasing the thrill of the ride. In that moment, I knew that a part of him would always be with me—a reminder to live life to the fullest, to embrace the good times, and to never back down from a challenge. Even the ones that came from within.
The pastor concluded the service with a prayer. As the final “amen” echoed through the tent, a sense of peace began to settle inside me. It wasn’t forgiveness, not yet. Just a first step on the long road to healing.
As the congregation dispersed, offering condolences, I turned to Kinsley and my friends.
“Thanks, guys.” My voice was thick. “For being here, for everything.”
Kinsley smiled softly, reaching up to brush a stray tear from my cheek. “Always,” she murmured. “We’ll always be here for you, Wyatt.”
“C’mon, man,” Finn said. “Let’s go get a beer. It’s on Grady.”
“Dude!” Grady said. “We’re just leaving church. We can’t go get a beer right now.”
“Sure we can. It’s what Jake would’ve wanted,” Finn deadpanned and stared off against Grady.
The corners of my mouth twitched.
“That feels a little wrong.” Grady lowered his voice to a hushed tone. “He was an alcoholic.”
I couldn’t contain myself anymore. A full-blown grin erupted on my face. Finn caught my eye and smirked. I lost it. The laughter burst out of me, and I couldn’t stop it.
While the others looked on in bewilderment, Finn and I laughed. Kinsley’s jaw dropped, Maisey’s brow furrowed, and Rhett’s head swiveled between me and Finn like he was watching a tennis match, but we were too far gone, tears streaming down our faces as laughter shook our chests.
“Everything my dad did was wrong. A beer suits just fine.” I clapped Grady on the back. “Let’s go.”
The laughter faded, but the warmth it had sparked in my chest remained. I took a deep breath, the air somehow fresher.
Kinsley’s eyes met mine, questioning. I pulled her close, my hands sliding around her waist as I captured her lips with my own. In that soft kiss, I let the past, the grief, and the pain melt away, replaced by hope and possibility. Kinsley’s love was a promise of a brighter future, a path forward I knew I wouldn’t have to walk alone.
As we parted, both slightly breathless, I smiled against her temple and pressed another quick kiss to her head. I gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my fingertips lingering on her cheek.
“What was that for?” she asked softly, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
“For being you.” My voice was low and earnest. “For being here. For loving me and giving me hope.”
