Arresting Love (A Sequel to 'A Bite of Candy Apple' ; Sam's Forbidden Love)

Chapter Seventeen: Tears

Chapter Seventeen: Tears

 The day of her mother’s cremation dawned bright and heartbreakingly early. She made love with Jack all night long, to blot out the reality of her situation. They had made a sort of declaration to each other, even though words of love were not shared.

Jack dressed in his best suit, and Sam said, “You don’t have to come with me Jack. You didn’t really know my mother…”

“No, I want to go to support you, Sam.”

“I just thought; you had not been to a funeral since your wife’s death,” she hedged.

At the mention of his wife, he waited for the guilt or the heartbreak to come into his body, when it did not, he was glad. His wife had been dead for a while now, and even though he loved his wife, the feelings felt muted.

He walked over to Sam, who was dressed in a lovely but demure black dress.

“Are you ready? I know that Candy and Ethan will be there, but do you know of anyone else that will be coming?” he asked.

“My mother and father’s society friends have all but left. My father can’t come obviously. And I have no other family. My dad was an only child and my mother’s brother passed away before I was born. So it is just us.”

They left her home and got into his car and drove to the mortuary. It was a quiet ride, and once they walked into the building; she saw Candy.

Seeing her friend after such a long time, still in crutches, she cried. She ran to her friend and cried.

“Oh, Candy. I have missed you so much!”

The tears were streaking down the girls faces as they embraced.

“I would never abandon you on a day like this, Sam. You are my sister and my best friend. We are Hugh Jackman soul mates for life. I am so sorry, Sam. I am so sorry,” Candy whispered.

    Sam held her friend until Jack grabbed her arm and gently moved her into the cremation room.

“Would you like to see the deceased before we send the casket into the fire?” the mortician stated.

The thought of seeing her mothers bruised and ravaged body sent shivers through her spine.

At the look in Sam’s eyes, Jack answered for her, “No. We would just like to finalize the arrangements.”

Candy and Ethan held onto Sam’s arms and held both of her hands, as Jack hugged her from behind.

She felt the warmth and love seep into her chilled bones, as she watched the wood coffin move into the fire. Her family was now in her arms. It was a hard pill to swallow, but she felt lucky that she had these people in her life. It was a poignant moment for her. It was as if her entire life was a lie, and now she was living her truth.

The coffin caught fire, and the doors closed. It felt like the end of one story and the beginning of another. Jack held her tightly as she closed her eyes and the tears silently slipped down her face.

“You have my deepest condolences, Sam,” Ethan stated.

“Thank you, Ethan. Candy is so lucky to have you as her husband,” she replied.

The group walked through the hallway and out the door.

“Let’s go get a drink, my treat!” Sam exclaimed.

Candy looked to Ethan and then to Jack, and Sam became agitated.

“You guys, I am fine. I feel as if my heart is lighter, that my mother is now resting peacefully. I still want to clear my father and find my mother’s killer, but for now; My mother would want for us to drink and honor her memory. If my mother knew anything she knew how to lift spirits and have a great time.”