Starting Over

Chapter 18- Caroline's Letters

I glanced at Luke with a smile on my face, knowing what Caroline had written was very true. I leaned over and softly kissed him before picking up the envelope and walking out of the room. I had no idea where I was going at this point. I wandered through the house for at least ten minutes before settling in the chair in the corner of the bedroom Luke and I share. The bedroom Luke and Caroline shared as well. I slowly opened the envelope, really scared of what may be inside.

I pulled out yet another manila envelope. This one had another note from Caroline written on it. 

To Luke’s Future Wife,

Inside are two envelopes. One is for you and the other is for Luke. Please read yours before you let Luke know there is one for him too.

      Caroline 

I opened the envelope carefully and pulled out two small white envelopes. One addressed to Luke and the other to ‘Luke’s Future Wife.’ I laid the envelope with Luke’s name beautifully written on it on the night stand next to our bed before I opened the letter meant for me and began reading what Caroline had written. It was just seconds before tears uncontrollably started flowing from my eyes.

Bridget,

From the second I knew my fate, I knew you would be the one to capture Luke’s heart and make it whole again. You have been the best friend I could have asked for. I wish we truly had more time together, but God didn’t have that in his plans when we met that day in Dr. Mimby’s class. Since I was diagnosed, you and Luke have gotten to know each other on a level that I never thought was possible. There was a love starting to grow between the two of you that day. I can only imagine how much deeper that love has become. You learned to deal with each other on a level I thought was never going to be possible. That’s one of the reasons I asked you and Luke to raise Bo and Tate together. I knew it would only pull you closer to each other.

        I couldn’t ask for a better woman or mother to take my place. I know, you always say no one will ever take my place in my boys’ life, but Bridget, I know you have by now. I’m sure Bo is now calling you Momma and you are the only Momma Tate will ever know. I also know that I will always be a part of their life in some way. For that I thank you. Thank you for being the mom that I couldn’t be. Thank you for kissing their boo-boos. Thank you for making them mind and teaching them respect. Thank you for loving them like only a mother could.  Hire a nanny to help you. I know the boys and Kenzie will be a handful, but a good nanny will help you find a good balance in your now crazy life. 

        All those years ago the thought of you finding your happily ever after with Luke would have frightened me. But now, now I really see the love that you will have together. It will be pure and caring. You have a way with people that can make them come over their greatest fears. Now, that you have overcome yours (yes, I knew your greatest fear was letting a man come into your life and take care of you for once), I ask this of you: Take good care of Luke. Make sure he slows down every now and then. We all know he works hard doing what he does, so make him take time off every now and then. Make him sit back and rejoice in the life God has blessed him with. Make him spend time with the boys and Kenzie too. Make him spend time with you. But, make sure he gets some time to be by himself too. Surprise him with special things, like family trips, romantic getaways, boy’s only weekends, etc. Most of all make sure he realizes how special he is. We both know Luke don’t think of himself that way. Tell him how much you love him. Make him feel appreciated. Don’t let fights simmer. If it’s causing a problem, talk it out. I know that’s hard for you, but if you hold it in you will both be upset with the outcome. I’ve always said keep the fights clean and the sex dirty. I expect you will live by that. Luke sure did take on that mantra real quick.