Page 24 of Kylie

We stared at it for the longest time. I traced the gentle sweep of Kylie’s handwriting with my eyes over and over again.

“We both know it’s not gonna get any easier the longer we wait,” Travis said, his voice gruff.

No, it wouldn’t.

Shoring up my nerves, I took the envelope from Travis’s hand and slid my finger under the flap, tearing it open.

He pulled a single sheet of white paper from inside. For another brief moment, we stared at it until, finally, Travis unfolded it.

My chest hitched when I saw a page full of words written in that same lovely handwriting.

Knowing I couldn’t put it off any longer, I started reading.

Dear Travis and Gage,

If you’re reading this, it means I’m no longer of this earth, and I have to hope it’s after we’ve lived a long, happy life together. After my babies have grown up, graduated high school, college, gotten married. But if for some reason it’s not, then you should know that every second I had with the two of you and the five of them made for a life more complete than I ever thought possible.

If there was some unfortunate event that took me from this world, then there are some things I need you to do for me. Things that might be difficult because, if nothing else, I know exactly who my men are. I know how you both think; I know how you both love. And I know without a doubt that the two of you will retreat because you think it will benefit the other in some way.

First of all, that’s complete nonsense and you should move forward remembering that every single day. While I have never doubted for a single second how much I am loved by both of you, I also know how much you love each other. If I have a say in the matter, Travis, you won’t be stubborn, and Gage, you won’t let him be. You will both suck it up and move forward, hand in hand, where you belong.

Provided these still make sense, here are the things I need you to do for me:

● Take my wedding band and my engagement band and have them melted down, along with both of yours. But don’t worry, I don’t want you to be without them for long. From those, have new bands made, one for each of you. That way, you will both have a part of me with you forever. After all, the three of us are stronger together, even if we aren’t all there.

● Now for the diamonds. They don’t melt, so I would like you to take the diamonds in my rings and make them into necklaces for our daughters. One for Kate, one for Avery. I want them to have a little part of me with them always. You can give them to them whenever you feel is the right time.

● For Kade, Haden, and Maddox, I’ve set aside some things that belonged to my father, things he has given me over the years. There’s an old compass that belonged to his grandfather. One of them might like that. There’s also the toolbox my Dad gave me when I first moved out on my own. Nothing fancy, but I know Kade has enjoyed helping me with projects. Also, the miniature airplane collection. I’ll let them or you decide who gets what. Hopefully, there won’t be any fighting.

● As a family, I would like y’all to plant a tree for me. More than one, preferably. Yes, even now, I want to help the environment. Hopefully, if this time ever comes, the kids’ll be old enough to select one they know I would’ve liked. I leave it to both of you to decide where. But if you’re having a hard time, I think a magnolia tree would look lovely in Curtis and Lorrie’s front yard.

● And last but not least, I want the two of you to get married. It’s what I’ve always wanted, although it was never an option. We did things our way, the three of us, but now it’s time for the two of you to move forward. Together.

I hope you both know that I love you with my whole heart. I am truly blessed to call you both husband. Sure, it might mean that I’ve had to complain about two pairs of socks on the floor or ask twice before someone agrees to take the trash out, but in return, I’ve received twice as much love as most women get. I wouldn’t trade our life for the world, and no matter what happens or when, you should both know that I’ve had the best life anyone could be lucky enough to have.

Love always and forever,

Kylie

Travis

I read the letter three times. Each time, more tears streamed down my face as I heard the lovely cadence of Kylie’s voice in my head.

Beside me, I heard Gage’s breathing change, knew he was also dealing with the overwhelming emotions that came along with reading her words, knowing we would never see her again and that she had prepared for that.

I should’ve expected this. Should’ve known that our wife would think ahead, help us deal with the worst possible scenario. That was who Kylie was. Thoughtful, generous, selfless, but most importantly, she’d loved us with her whole heart.

When Gage sobbed, I lowered the letter and turned, pulling him into my arms. We sat like that for the longest time, holding one another, protecting one another as the emotions won out.

And when my eyes dried, I read through the letter one more time, focusing on the things Kylie wished for us to do.

“We can let the kids plant the trees next weekend,” I said aloud, my voice hitching with emotion.

Gage nodded, his hand sliding into mine. “Okay.”

“And the rings…?” I wasn’t sure what to think about that.

He turned his head. “I’d like to do that part if it’s all right?”