Begin Again

Chapter 21

Mack POV - one month later  (January 2025)

I let out a breath and smile as the wind blows.

"Hi, babe." I sigh out.

I lean my head back against the headstone and close my eyes.

"I miss you so much."

I hear a laugh in the breeze, "I miss you too, my love."

I smile widely.

"Riley misses you too. So much. She's so like you though. Brilliant, mischievous, empathetic, compassionate, sensitive." I say.

"I'm so worried about her. She's struggling." I sigh out.

I feel something warm in my hand and my eyes open.

I turn and see Ally, smiling softly at me.

I feel tears well up in my eyes, "I feel like I'm fucking our kid up."

She reaches out and cups my cheek, "You're not. You're doing everything right. And Alex is too. Our baby has three mommies all looking out for her."

I bite my lip, "I needed to hear you say that."

She nods, "I know. You always did need a little reassurance when it came to Riley. You're an amazing mom."

I nod and stare at her, "I need to show you something."

I reach into my pocket and pull out a little black box.

I watch as tears build in her eyes.

"I'm not replacing you. You have my heart, babe. I love you."

She smiles softly.

"But I love Alex too. So much. She saved me when I didn't know if I'd ever find someone again." I say softly.

She nods, "Can I see it?"

I smile and nod, opening the box.

She reaches out and runs her fingers over it, "It's beautiful. You always had good taste."

I pull the necklace out of my shirt and hold out our rings.

"I'll always carry you with me." I whisper.

She nods and a tear escapes her eye.

"I love you. Always will and Alex is good for you. She's good for Riley."

I bob my head up and down, "She really is."

My phone goes off signaling that I need to go get the girls.

I look up and see her stand up, starting to walk away.

She stops and turns back, "I'll always be with you."

I sniffle and watch as she disappears when the wind blows.

"Same, babe, same." I whisper.

I stand up and wipe my face, walking to the car and heading towards their school.

I pull up and park, taking a deep breath.

I get out and walk in, heading to Charlie's classroom first.

I walk in and she sees me, running over and I scoop her up.

"Hey, kiddo."

"Mommy, I missed you." She whispers.

"I missed you too." I say.

I wave at her teacher and we walk out.

I set her down at the bench and kneel down.