“Dad.” Her eyes met mine through the mirror.
“You remind me so much of your mother.” She turned to face me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Oh, Daddy, I wish she was here,” she cried, wrapping her small arms around my neck like she had done since she was a little girl.
“Hey.” I pulled away and lifted her chin up towards me. I dug into my suit jacket for a handkerchief and handed it to her. “No crying today. Your mother left you this.” I handed Lyra the envelope and the jewelry box Emilia had left for her many years ago.
“Oh, wow,” she cried when she opened the box. “It’s beautiful.” Inside was a diamond bracelet with sapphire accents around the diamond. “It’s beautiful.” She handed the box back to me holding the bracelet in a fist over her heart.
“Your grandfather gave this to your grandmother the day she had your mom.” My voice was hoarse as I tried to speak. “Your mother wanted you to have this on your wedding day so, when you walk down the aisle, a piece of her will be with you every step of the way,” I said, clasping it shut.
“It’s precious.” She twirled it around. “It's old and blue.” She paused and held the envelope close to her heart.
“I'll give you a few minutes so you can read it alone.”
“Have you read it?”
I kissed her forehead. “No, sweetie, I've never read this one.”
I turned back towards the door, my heart aching in my chest. I hoped that Emilia was looking at us now. I prayed that she was proud of the job I had done with Lyra.
I stood outside the bridal suite waiting for Lyra to come out. Jeremy appeared five minutes before we were scheduled to walk down the aisle.
“Is everything okay?” he asked. Throughout the years, we had remained friends. He had married his wife a few years after Emilia had passed away and they had two little boys who considered Lyra their big sister.
“Yeah, I gave her the letter from Emilia.”
Jeremy took a seat next to me and exhaled. “Even after all this time, it’s still not easy, huh?”
“Not really.”
Lyra pulled back the door. Her eyes were red with tears, but she had a beautiful smile on her face. Jeremy and I both stood.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
She nodded and hugged Jeremy. “It’s nice to see you all dressed up, Jeremy.”
He chuckled and pulled back to look at her. “You look beautiful, Lyra.”
“Thank you.” She looked over at me. “Thank you both for giving me everything.”
Jeremy leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you in there. I just wanted to see you beforehand.” He patted my shoulder as he walked back inside the church.
“Ready?” I asked Lyra.
She opened her arms and hugged me. “I love you so much, Daddy, thank you again for giving everything.”
“Anything for you, princess.”
Afterword
Emilia’s last words.
My dear sweet Lyra,
I had dreamed of this day as far back as I can remember. When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I wasn't afraid of the chemo, and I wasn't afraid of losing my hair. My biggest fear was leaving you. The uncertainty of my child growing up in the world motherless devastated me. I imagined my life and how much I wished I’d had my mother. I never wanted that for you. I wanted to be there for all your milestones.
I hope that the videos I left have helped you in some kind of way. I wanted to leave you a video for this day as well, but when I tried, I couldn't form the proper words.
You are all grown up, Lyra, and I can only imagine what a beautiful woman you have become. I hope that you have found real, unconditional, consuming, and yes, stupid love. Even though it may be scary, it's the best kind of love there is. Trust me, I know. That's how much I love your father.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you that marriage is going to be easy or that it's going to be a walk in the park because it's not. Marriage requires a lot of work. There will be days when you two can't stand one another, but remember the little things, the moments when your love is so pure it outweighs any bad. It's okay to have hiccups along the way. It's okay to mess up. Learn to spread your wings as a couple and fly.
If I can give you one small piece of advice that you take away with you as you embark on this new journey, it’s don't be afraid to live. The bills will continue to be there, and being a grown–up only gets harder, but don't forget to live. Live for the little moments, the ones that take your breath away. Live for invisible love letters, and never ever forget to love endlessly.
I love you, Lyra. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.
With all my love,
Mom.
The End
Acknowledgments
A year ago, when I published Invisible Love Letter. I never imagined that anyone would read it. I’m a hopeless romantic with a dark soul. It has been a blessing and I couldn’t have done it without you.
To the readers, I write books because it’s an escape from reality. And the it’s how I silence the voices in my head. This book was for you. Weston refused to shut up and wanted to be heard. I hope you enjoyed it and I can’t wait to think what you thought of him.
To my husband, I love you more with every day.
Sassy Savvy & Fabulous, as always you ladies are a dream to work with.
Heather, and the team at Give Me Books, thank you for all your help.
Linda, you are my fairly Godmother.
Jennifer Roberts-Hall, you make my days brighter.
Jennifer Gauthier, you’re honesty is always a breath of fresh air.
Bear, you are my person.
Francesca, I love you.
Shawna, you always make my work so pretty.
Sarah Hansen, Thank you for the beautiful cover.
Scott Hoover, Thank you for taking the perfect picture.
To the bloggers. I will forever be grateful to you.
About the Author
For more information
@AuthorCallieA
AuthorCallieAnderson
www.callieandersonauthor.com
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Also by Callie Anderson
Torrid Affiar
I’m f*cked.
The life I have lived for the past ten years is built solely on lies and secrets.
But I can’t help myself.
I’m in love with two different men. And one of them is my brother-in-law.
He’s my drug. My fire. My addiction.
But he’s married to my best friend. And I’m married to my husband.
I’m not ashamed. I have no guilt.
None.
I’m not only f*cked. I’m a f*cked up person.
This is the story of how I ruined my life.
And the life of the one I love most.
Buy Now
Love Letter Duet: The Encore Edition Page 53