All Roads Lead Home (Book #1)

Chapter 4

Ava reaches in the envelope and pulls out the letter. When she opens it, stray slips of paper float to the floor along with a small handful of photos. Ethan bends to scoop it all up and holds on to everything.

As Ava begins to read the letter, Ethan looks at the photos, a small smile creeping across his face.

Sweet Krystah,

Well, sweetheart, I guess by now I'm no longer in this world, and I am so sorry. I never wanted to leave you. But you know me, I was busy being the hero. But I guess I should have been busy being the dad instead.

I love you so much baby girl. I know that me saying this in a letter isn't going to change anything that was said or done in the past, but here goes nothing.

Your mother may have left us, but I need you to know that I never did anything to make her leave. She just decided one day that we would be better off without her. I think we did just fine, don't you? I hope you do.

I'm glad I got the chance to see you grow up into a beautiful young lady. That's something that your mother missed out on, and I'm sorry for that, because every little girl should have her mom growing up for all those girl talks.

Thankfully, Ava was always close by to help when we needed her. I don't know what we would have done without her. 

Ava, if you're around while my girl is reading this, thanks. I really do appreciate all your help. Especially with the shopping and the "girl problems". I couldn't have done it without you.

I giggle a little at that part. Ava really did save him.

Krystah, I just wanted you to know that I really do trust Jayden. I just didn't want to see you get hurt by him. But seeing you two together and thinking about it now, I know he won't hurt you. And if he does, just know that I'll still be there through the heartache. And to haunt him for the rest of his life.

I couldn't help but let out another small giggle at that. It was always like dad to make light of a bad situation.

Jayden, because I know you'll be with Krys while she's reading this, I want you to know a couple of things too. Don't hurt her. I mean it. You two have been together for too long for your relationship to end with my girl hurt.

Keep her safe just like she kept you safe when your mom passed away. Don't let her cry for me, Jay. I lived too many good years with her to have her crying for me. Help her be tough and strong and happy. Help her live her life perfectly. There's something in the envelope that will help you with that.

Ava tips the envelope and my Grandma's engagement ring and wedding band fall into her hand. She hands them to Jay, and he looks at them before he puts them on his chain around his neck where he holds his moms' wedding band.

I'm not telling you to rush into anything, but when the moment comes, use my moms' rings. Krys always loved them so I want her to wear them proud and wear them because the man she loves gave them to her as his promise to her. His promise of forever.

Don't you dare follow in my footsteps, Jay. Don't be a cop. In fact, don't do anything that could easily take you from this world. Krys doesn't need to lose another person she loves because of this type of work. I only wish I learned that sooner.