Chapter Sixty Two

Isa followed Chris into the rose garden near Alex’s grave. Their fingers stayed entwined, their steps in sync. Her throat burned, silencing her; she only sniffled, rubbing at her nose.

She was glad Chris had pulled her away. At the grave, tears had threatened to spill. The thought of Chris lying beneath the soil one day—silent, unreachable—pierced her. Even clutching his hand, she felt he might slip away.

“Do you think I’ll die?”

Chris’s question froze her mid-step. Isa lifted her gaze, searching his face, certain she had misheard. Slowly, he took her other hand and turned fully toward her.

He shook his head. “I don’t want to die anymore.”

Isa’s eyes widened.

“I’ve realized something,” he said with a nod. “Choosing death over life doesn’t make me brave—it makes me a coward.” His lips curved gently, and Isa’s eyes filled with tears as her mouth quivered into a faint smile.

“But living, no matter how hard it is—that’s courage. I don’t want to be trapped inside my own cage anymore.” He drew in a breath, his voice steadying. “I want to be the man reaching for the light, breaking free… because now—” He kissed her hands gently. Isa’s heart fluttered. “Now I have you.”

Tears slid down her cheeks. She shook her head, sniffling. “I… I don’t want to cry. I’m sorry.” She tried to laugh, but it only broke into sobs.

“Did I ever tell you this?”

Isa arched a brow, curiosity flickering as Chris studied her. The pause stretched long, almost unbearable.

“What?” she asked, a nervous laugh escaping.

Her heart jolted when Chris pulled her into his arms. One hand wrapped firmly around her waist while the other brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Isa’s breath caught as she met his piercing blue eyes. The world hushed until all she could hear was the hammering of her own heart.

“I love you, Isabella Smith.”

Isa’s throat tightened as another tear slipped free. She bit her lip, trying to stop its trembling as she couldn’t look away from him. His smile widened, and his warm hand cupped her cheek. Isa closed her eyes, savoring his touch—then his lips met hers.

She kissed him back, arms looping around his neck. When he deepened the kiss, she melted into him and his hands pulled her closer as though he couldn’t let go.

Chris knelt before Stacy’s grave, a bouquet in hand. Behind him, Isa laid a soft hand on his shoulder. He sighed, steadied by her gentle squeeze.

The last time he had stood here, his chest had been heavy with guilt, as though he were buried with Stacy, unable to breathe.

But lately, he had begun to wonder if his grief was chaining her spirit to his sorrow. Every night he whispered her name, and tears drowned him, binding her to his grief.

It was time to let her rest.

He brushed dried leaves from the headstone and set the bouquet down carefully.

_I’ll let you go now, Stacy. _He smiled faintly. His heart lifted, as if a chain had broken loose.I’ll be going in for surgery soon… and I’m going to remarry.

He placed his hand over Isa’s and entwined their fingers. On both their ring fingers, the diamonds caught the light, glimmering like ripples across water.

I hope you’ll give us your blessing, Stacy.

He closed his eyes, the cool breeze brushing his face like a benediction. After a few moments, he stood, still holding Isa’s hand.

“I’m curious,” Isa said, squinting at him.

Chris turned to her. “About what?”

“What have you been saying to her?”

A low laugh slipped from his lips. He turned toward her fully, taking her second hand. “Are you jealous?”

Isa blinked, pouting. “I think so.”

They laughed together, then fell quiet, eyes locked.

“I told her to rest in peace,” Chris said softly. He leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead. “And that I’m going to marry you.”

Isa’s smile widened, her shoulders easing with relief. She turned back to Stacy’s grave.

“I’m sure she loved you as much as you loved her, and that love kept you both in pain.” She lifted her gaze to him, fingers tightening around his. “But now, you and I—we’ll move forward. We’ll laugh and cry together.”

Chris chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. We’ll laugh and cry together.”

Thanks for reading! I would love to know your thoughts on this chap in the comment.