I’m not here today to make you cry.
I just couldn’t let the pair of you get married without telling you some facts.
I’m proud of you.
I believe in you.
I love you.
Until we meet again, keep being the perfect version of you.
With more love than you can imagine a man like me could give,
Harry.
P.s. Eric is about to hand over a key.
You’re gonna stamp your feet and tell him you can’t accept it.
I’m gonna be up on this cloud, son, not giving a shit.
Take the key.
Go and see your new home.
Walk around in it. Spend time in it. Imagine a room for a baby someday.
And know I made that house yours long before Ayda even came along.
You’re so much more than you’ll ever believe you can be, Drew.
The Hounds are your family.
You, though… You’re allowed to be you, too.
Go and make a life for yourself. Live it every day.
Love you, pres.
I wish I could be there to tell you that to your face.
I could barely see Sutton and Eric when I looked up. My tears fell silent, but hard, the ache in my chest unbearable as I stared at them, speechless.
Eric held out a key. “Follow FM 709. Veer left about a quarter of a mile down. You’ll see a turn in. Follow it up.”
Taking the key from him with a shaky hand, I parted my lips to say something, but nothing came out, and all I could do was turn to Ayda to help me.
Tears fell freely down her cheeks as she looked between me, and the key in my hand with absolute wonder. Her chest stuttered as she drew in a breath. “We should go and see,” she whispered. “For Harry.”
I ran my forearm over my eyes, sniffing up hard and clearing my throat. “For Harry.” I nodded.
Eric stepped forward, embracing me for the second time that day, his chin resting on my shoulder as he patted my back.
“So much love in one room for you,” he whispered to me and me alone. “If you can’t see what you’re worth today, I don’t know when you ever will. Be proud of yourself, Drew.” And just as quickly as he embraced me, he uncurled his arms and slipped away.
“You need a police escort, or…?” Sutton smirked at me.
I huffed out a laugh, wiping my weeping eyes again like a fucking pussy, before I shook my head and pulled Ayda close. “We’re good, man. Thank you.”