Cuffed by Will

XXXVII. Happiness

-Two Years Later-

Dear Clara,
                      I'd like to congratulate you, my dear, on your wedding day. I am truly sorry I could not be there in person but I know I will be there in spirit. When I realized I was sick and didn't have long in this world with my family, I decided to make a Will. After elaborately planning and 'scheming' as I am pretty sure you'd call it on days of frustration with my son, I realized you would want an explanation or just a few final words from your long gone father-in-law.
                      When I came across your store one year ago, I saw you working hard on a paper quilled greeting card. Till today, I still remember every detail. Including how I felt when I walked in. There was a certain... air of familiarity around you. A sense of home. When you looked up, you could say it instantly clicked. You should know, and I am embarrassed to admit, that I found you perfect for my son. As we conversed, I plotted ways to get you to meet Ezra. I imagined scenarios where you would get him to open up and be the son he once was. I imagined him and you being happy and living a life together. 
                       I realized it would not be easy. I knew my son was broken from the moment he heard about his supposed part in the death of his mother. I didn't know it then but by the time I did, it was already to late. I tried talking to Jeremiah, I tried various things to bond with him but... he just wouldn't. But when you looked at me and I asked for a ring, I knew you would be his saving grace.
                       What I didn't expect was for a year to go by where your presence affected him the way you were affected with his. But I saw the underlying tone of connection, the spark and I knew somehow I had to make it evolve. You always had the power to bring light in a room full of darkness. I knew you could be the only person to make him realize what he has in his life. Hence, my almost evil if not funny plot. 
                        I know you must have asked, at least once, why not Jade? But can you now tell the difference between you two? You are real, Clara. You have a true personality and a heart filled with love and goodness and Ezra needed exactly that. Not a run for money or trying to keep someone who wanted the fame and not him for who he is. I can guarantee even now as I write this, you will have had your bad days. So bad that you would curse either him or me or the both of us. I can even tell you are embarrassed as you read this. But it is okay and I hope you forgive me as I have forgiven you. You see, Ezra wasn't the only person who needed to change. It was you too. And I know you understand me now as you read this. You were not just his saving grace, he was yours too. 
                         There may have been times when things got too difficult. When my son might have been overbearing and you just wanted your freedom back but I'm sure we can agree now there is freedom in being with him. You are loved, Clara. You never lost everybody. And Ezra will be there to tell you that everyday for the rest of your lives. Just before I say goodbye forever, I ask for only one small favour. Even though I know you have said your vows and meant it, I ask you, be there for him. In times of difficulty stand by him. Life as a married couple takes work, and certain days will be tougher than others. Guide him through those dark and tough times. Help him and never fail to tell him that you love him. That is all that I ask.
                          God bless you both, Clara, have a wonderful life together as two halves of one soul. And I do hope you have some children who know of their awesome grandpa Marvin and loving grandma Samantha. We will spoil them from up here with all our blessings and love instead of worldly things.

I carefully put the letter back in its envelope and put it back in the drawer. Swiping away the tears that welled in my eyes, I looked around the room. My eyes fell on two framed pictures: Ezra's family and mine. Oh God, how was I going to do this? How was I going to tell him? Would he be angry? I didn't even know how he was going to feel despite knowing him so well. I looked at the clock quietly ticking away the few minutes of solitude I had.