Forever & Always (Shane Walsh: tragic love book 3)

Saying goodbye pt 2

hey guys this one's kinda long as well just a heads up 🖤🖤🖤🖤*******************************Ericka's pov

"My husband and I have been together for twenty-eight years, married for thirteen." I begin to speak. "I was only fifteen when I met him, I tripped over his football helmet as I made my way to the field to continue warming up with the dance team... He joked that twenty two, his football number ruled the school and someday my heart, but he was right." I say as I clutch my necklace. "We went through so much together to the point we literally and figuratively grew up together."  I then pause to gather myself as I can feel the lump form in my throat.

"Shane was the love of my life, yes, we had our ups and downs but each time we prevailed and made it back to each other stronger each time... I am never  going to be the same without him, but I am forever grateful for him being in my life and I'll always be blessed that I have a piece of him still here." I say looking at Shay and also at Judith who is holding Shay's hand... "Mi amor como te extraño. Forever and always." (My love, how I miss you)

As I was walking back to my daughter, I realized that, that was the first time Shane didn't say "always and forever" in return. I couldn't be strong anymore I began to cry as Rosita comforted me. "Mama can I say somethin?" Shay asked me as I nodded and hugged her.

"My daddy was the best daddy in the whole world... He loved my mama and me very much... I love you daddy, I'll always be your "Lil Princess" , rest in peace and say hi to my siblings for me." She says as she blows a kiss to Shane's grave then runs to me crying in my arms.

Carol then got up to speak next

"When I first met Shane, I thought he was cocky and at times arrogant and although I was right." She says making everyone chuckle, "he did Always have Ericka's best interest in mind... I also thought he was selfish and self-centered but this one time we were at a quarry and my ex husband threw one of his tantrums and Shane set him straight, I was appreciative that he did that for me and my daughter Sophia." She says looking down pausing briefly

"Months later I lost my Sophia and I blamed Shane for it, Daryl, Ericka you know what I'm talking about, but looking back at it if he didn't do what he did I wouldn't have had the closure with Sophia.... Shane overall was a good man. His strength and bravery will be missed."

Carol walks over to me gives me a hug and hugs Shay and Judith tightly. It was Rosita's turn to speak.

"When I first met Shane, I was thirteen years old. He and Ericka flew to Texas to meet our mother's side of the family and from a little girls perspective it was obvious how much he was in love with my prima." She says looking at me with a smile.

"Shane was strong, he was brave, and he was protective of everyone he loved and care about . All of us here included... Shane was my cousin in law, but whenever I was around him and Ericka he was like a big brother. Always pulling pranks, giving me advice when I needed it, putting me in my place at times when I would side with Ericka on their little fights." She says with a chuckle. "He was just an awesome person, Te voy a extrañar primo, descansa en paz". (I'm gonna miss you cousin, rest in peace)

As Rosita was walking towards me she began to get emotional, Siddiq was there to comfort her after we hugged. The next person to speak took me a bit by surprise, Daryl.

"It's no secret that Shane and I didn't always see eye to eye but I've known him since the start." He begins and looks at me in the eyes. "He took me and my brother Merle in no questions asked... He saw us and knew we could help him keep the camp we had back then safe, even though Merle and I were initially going to rob the camp but we didn't." He says in his low husky voice

"Over the years, I've seen his bad, good, dangerous and powerful side. Although he did make mistakes, Ericka, Carol you know what I'm talking about." He tells us as we both crack a smile. "He did make sure in the end not only did it benefit him but everyone around him... The man I met in the beginning is not the same man I knew yesterday... Shane changed for the better, I guess love does that to you sometimes. Shane loved the hell out of you two." Daryl says looking at me and at Shay, "I got eyes on your girls man, they'll be safe." He says looking at Shane's grave then walks away.