I hold back my tears as I see it—a glimmer of hope. Beneath the layers of anger and stubbornness is a smidgeon of acceptance. He arches a brow, extending his arms out, asking if this was my doing. I shake my head slowly and gesture to the people around us—it was ours.
Each person who leaves Roman has tears in their eyes. They’ve unburdened their souls, and I can only hope he’s done the same.
A gentle touch has me smiling. She’s my ace in a hole. She’s the reason I was able to pull this off. “I’m pretty sure I can hear him curse your name from here.”
“That’s nothing new, June.” I turn to look at her with a smile.
When I informed her of my plan, she wanted nothing to do with it at first. Her relationship with Roman was still strained.
But her support shone through when it mattered the most. She can never make up for the years lost, but she can reset their history and try again.
“I knew you came here for a reason,” she confesses. Now that I know she and Roman are mother and son, I can’t help but compare the compassion they share. “You came here to save my son. And you came here to save me. Thank you, Lola.” She wraps her arms around me, kissing my cheek. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
Hugging her tightly, I whisper, “You already have. Look after him,” I cry into her shoulder, knowing that it’s almost time. “Please give it to him once I’m gone.”
“I will.” She promises to deliver my last parting gift to Roman.
We break apart. She wipes away my tears. With one final smile, she turns and walks toward her son. The moment she simply enfolds him into her arms and he goes willingly, I know he’s going to be okay. I can go now.
Taking one final look around me, I catalog every moment I spent here and file it deep within my heart. I now understand why I came here. And that was to live.
My exit isn’t grand or memorable. I merely slip into the darkness; every part of me filled with love. I hobble to the only place I belong.
“I’m proud of you, kiddo.”
Closing my eyes, I walk on autopilot, my body slowing down. “Thanks, G. I c-couldn’t h-have done i-it without you.”
The sweet smell guides me. It’s not far now. “No, that’s where you’re wrong. You were always the strong one. You just needed to see that yourself.”
I smile, happy that I’ve finally uncovered why I’m here.
“I’ll be waiting. Whenever you’re ready, know that I’m here. We all are.”
I burst into happy tears, my shoulders shuddering with bittersweet bliss. I come to a stop, slowly opening my eyes.
The perpetual rows of roses have always taken my breath away, and now is no exception. I feel at peace here. Like I belong. I slump to the ground, my beautiful dress pooling around me, blanketed in the dirt.
I fist the ground, the energy vibrating up my arm. Everything is heightened. This is not the end…it’s only the beginning. I once wished I was somebody else, but not anymore. I’m proud to be me. How can I not? Look at all I’ve experienced. Look at the amazing, extraordinary life I’ve led.
I may have only known Roman for a minuscule space in time, but I wouldn’t change that for the world. I can wish I was somebody else, but if I were, I would never have met Roman, and I’d rather die with his memory than live without it.
“You know I’m not okay with this.”
His voice breaks through the silence and warms my trembling form. “I k-know.”
“And you know I would rather give up my life to save yours.”
“I know.” There is nothing more I can say.
He stands above me, his bow tie unraveled, and his top button undone. “But you’re going to make me do this, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” I risk meeting his eyes, hoping his fight has gone.
“You are the most infuriating woman I have ever met.” He begins pacing, tearing at his hair.
“Thank you.”
He turns on his heel, pointing an accusing finger my way. “When did you plan all this?” He’s trying to make sense of how he missed it. “How?”
“When you weren’t looking,” I reply, not having the energy to go into detail.