Can't Fall in Love Without You (Christian Yelich)

27

One year. One year since he lost his beautiful wife... one year since his earth stopped spinning.

One year since his baby girl was born.

Christian didn't know which emotion was stronger. The crushing pain of losing his love or the sparkling joy of his baby turning one. He was overwhelmed, but he needed to push through it. People would be showing up in less than 3 hours to celebrate Ivy's first year.

Christian's hands shook as he picked Ivy up. He wasn't strong enough. He couldn't do this. He was going to break. He needed Sloane.

"Christian," Elizabeth said softly, gently taking his trembling hands. "I know today is hard," she whispered and wrapped her arms around him. "I know, my love. I also know that you are the strongest man I've ever met. You're going to make it through this. You go lie down. I'll change Ivy."

His beautiful Elizabeth... she was so caring and selfless. She made Ivy's cake, and three cakes big enough to feed the entire 25 man, plus his family, Counsell, and some of his Marlins teammates. His wonderful, amazing, patient Elizabeth. She deserved better than someone thinking about another woman. It only made his guilt worse that she was so understanding... that she held him the previous night while he cried for another woman.

"I love you." That was all Christian could offer. He loved her so much, and he needed her to know.

"I know you do, Christian. And I love you, too," she smiled and kissed him so softly... Christian really didn't deserve her. "Go take some deep breaths, sweetie. Everything that you feel has to be overwhelming. Let me take care of the party."

He was in love with two angels.

***

Christian had calmed down considerably in about an hour and went out to the living room, tears stinging his eyes.

She really did take care of everything. Ivy was incredibly lucky to have such an amazing mom.

Ivy's high chair was set up with a plastic tarp both covering the seat and the ground beneath it, the cake was cut up and covered, the decorations hung, the house smelled like chicken tetrazzini, and in the corner was what really got Christian.

The only picture of Christian, Sloane, and Ivy. Ivy brand new and laid on Sloane's chest, all three of them crying. Christian was kissing Sloane, a gentle hand on Ivy's back.

Today we also remember Sloane Marie Yelich. Leave a happy memory in the journal every year to be given to Ivy at her 18th birthday.

"Elizabeth," he whispered. He didn't expect this. Elizabeth was perfect

"I'm sorry. I can take it down if it's too mu-"

"It's perfect. You're perfect. I love you so much," he whispered and kissed her passionately, so much love and emotion in that one kiss.

"Mama mama mama!!" Ivy giggled, crawling over to her. Elizabeth knew that Christian wanted her to wear a tacky onesie that proclaimed that she was one... and she would... while eating her cake. For now, though, she was in a long-sleeved onesie with gold stars, thick white rib-knit tights, and a gorgeous chocolate-colored cashmere skirt.

"Ivy Ivy Ivy!" Elizabeth grinned and picked her up, kissing her chubby cheeks. "Happy birthday baby princess!"

Christian was so lucky to have found a soul consuming love twice.

***

Travis, Lindy, Jonah, and Ryann were the first to come, followed closely by Alecia, Tom, Collin, and Cameron.