We Had the Right Kind of Love // L.S.

Chapter 25. Melancholy

Through the wetness that has started to percolate in my eyes, I take in the sea of black attire. The darkness makes the wrench in my heart twist a bit more until I can no longer breathe, and I grip the back of the pew for support.

"Babe, aw baby," Diana says, rubbing her arms soothingly over my shoulder as the minister says the last prayer.

"Why is daddy crying?" Myla whispers.

Diana shushes her softly. "Not right now, dear."

I take a shuddering breath and look up to face Gemma who is now at the podium, rumbled piece of paper in her shaking hands as she swallows and begins to speak.

"Mom, you will be missed greatly. Even though I won't be able to feel your arms around me anymore I know that you're still here, cheering me on, supporting me through life, and being the best mom any daughter could ask for. Thank you for being such an incredible role model for me and for loving me unconditionally. I hope that I have made you proud." Her voice hitches at the end and Harry leans over and takes her hand in hers for a split second as she regains herself.

The next person to speak is my mom who gives Gemma a long hug as they pass on the way to the front. I can see Gemma's shoulders moving as she cries into my mom's arms and can almost hear the comforting nothings I know she's whispering into Gemma's ear.

For the past week, she's graciously and lovingly taken Gemma and Harry under her wing while Robin arranged the funeral. I always knew that we shared mom, but this week made it all the more prominent how much they were really part of our family.

When they finally disentangle, Mom holds her head up high and places her small stack of notecards in front of her.

"Anne was my best friend," she states, voice clear and filled with love, so much love. "We met at a doctor's office where our two sons were having the same medical treatment done and since then she's been my rock ever since.

"Through the years she's supported me through medical struggles, raising kids, my divorce, and everything in between. She was there on my bad days and on my good always ready to put a smile on my face the way no one else could.

"I'm so lucky to have been a part of her life as well as her two kids who I've had in my back pocket as my own since I can remember. Anyone who can say Anne touched their life should be so grateful because everything she touched she made magical. This one's for her."

The crowd clapped politely as I steal a glance at Harry who had his head in his hands and who's gripping his hair so tightly his knuckles have turned white. We haven't talked properly in months, not after that Christmas two years ago but now I'd risk it all just to have my boy back in my arms.

I barely hear the minister as she says her last sending words and the people start to depart.

"Go find Harry. I'll take the girls," Diana says, giving me a hug, "I love you."

"Love you," I wipe the dampness from my eyes and bend down to look at my two daughters who are looking around with sorrowful faces and lost eyes.

"You going to be good for mom, right?" I ask and they both nod.

"I'm sorry you're crying," Myla says, patting me on the shoulder. "I hope you feel better."

"Thank you munchkin. I'm sorry too."

"Let's go out and see if Lottie and the girls have made it to the reception hall," Diana suggests, and I silently thank her again before slipping through the crowd of people in search of a curly-headed boy.

**

I find him in the hallway towards the back of the building, legs twisted up in a position that slightly resembles a pretzel.