“I’m making it my screen saver,” she says.
In that case, I’m doing the same. I stare at the photo again, noticing the lines on my face aren’t as harsh anymore.
Kelcie is changing me. I don’t think she realizes how much joy she’s bringing into my life.
Beautiful memories I’ll cherish forever.
Chapter 12
Kelcie
Sitting under the tree’s bare branches, I look at each of the gravestones.
Hi.
My grief shudders through me, and I close my eyes.
I miss you all so much.
A cold wind blows over the cemetery, and I snuggle into Levi’s jacket, which I never gave back to him. I only wear it when I come here because, in a way, it’s comforting. It’s the second-best thing to having him hold me.
I open my eyes again and read the names engraved into the granite.
Coming to visit you used to be unbearable. But since I’ve met Levi, it’s not so crushing anymore. I wish you could meet him. I think you’d all approve.
He writes books, Mom.
A sad little chuckle escapes me.
And he is soooo damn attractive, Sage.
Dad, you would’ve probably interrogated him, but once you got to know him, you would’ve understood why ... I love him.
God. I love him.
My sight blurs with unshed tears as I realize how I feel about Levi.
But he’s made it pretty clear we’re only friends.
I look at Mom’s grave.
What do I do? Do I keep my emotions a secret from him and appreciate that I have him as a friend?
Sage would’ve told me to open up to Levi. To take a chance.
That’s easier said than done, Sage.
I let out a huff of air.
Levi is so patient and caring. He makes me feel safe. He listens when I talk and understands when I’m quiet.
The corner of my mouth lifts as I think about the man who’s stolen my heart.
He hates when anyone else touches him, but he hugs me and even presses kisses to my hair. I gave him a small birthday party, and he kissed me on the cheek.
I roll my eyes.
I can’t tell you how many times I thought he was going to kiss me on the lips, but then it didn’t happen.