“So how are things going with you, Sara?” Mom asked.
“Good. Just missing you guys a lot,” I replied as I smiled.
“We miss you too honey,” Dad said,
“Riley is getting so big,” Mom said as she glanced over to where Kaden was chasing
Riley and she was laughing.
I smiled. “She is, but soon she’ll be a teenager.” I said. Mom and dad laughed. “Dad and I were just sharing some memories we had when I was growing up,” I claimed as I looked over at Dad who was half asleep,
“You did? I’ll never forget the day I brought you home form the hospital.” Mom smiled.
“I took you out of the car seat and you were wrapped up in a pink blanket; so sweet and cute. Grandma was there and wanted to hold you so bad. I handed you to her and she sung you the sweetest song she used to sing to me. It made my day.” Mom grinned widely.
“What was the song?” I asked eagerly.
“It goes something like this.” Mom cleared her voice. “Precious, sweet little baby girl. You look so small, but I bet you could take on the world. I’ll love you my Sweetheart, I’ll love you my sweet child. You bring so much joy to your mother and father, but you know you have the best looks of all because you look just… like… grandma…” Mom sung the last part with tears falling down her cheeks. I was crying too. We looked at Dad who was fast asleep which made Mom and I laugh.
“That’s the sweetest song I ever heard!” I exclaimed.
“That’s why I call you sweetheart. You’re grandma was right you do look like her and it hurts sometimes to look at you because you bring her out in you.”
I smiled. “I never realized that.”
Mom giggled. “It might just be me.”
I laughed. “I miss grandma so much.”
“I do too. I’m going to miss your father too. But I know he’ll be watching over us.”
“It’s still not the same.”
“I know, but I’ll feel him in my heart. I have since the day we married. He makes my heart hurt with love every time I look at him.”
I grinned. “Kaden makes me feel the same way. It’s like my heart is going to jump out any minute.”
Mom chuckled. “Love does some crazy things to you.”
“It sure does.”
“Well, Dad looks really tired. I’m going to head on home. Looks like everyone has left.”
I peered around and sure enough only Heather and my parents were still here. I stood up and hugged my Mom and dad. Dad didn’t wake up, but could hear him snore. “I love you
Dad, see you soon,” I said. He grunted. Mom and I laughed.
I said good-bye to Heather then Riley and once more to my parents. I cried as I watched
Mom, Dad and Riley leave. I waved as my heart hurt, fearing that’ll be my last hug from my dad.
Once I shut the door I buried my face into Kaden’s chest. He hugged me tightly.
“His surprise party is next weekend. He’ll be here,” I stated.
“That’s right,” Kaden replied.
I stepped back from him wiping my tears away, but I was still chocked up. “I’m going to take a shower to calm me then I’m going to bed.”
“Okay, I’ll be in there in a little bit. I’m going to clean up the mess outside.”
“Alright.” We kissed.
After I showered and dressed I walked over to the bedroom window and peered out of it as I thought about my dad, my wedding, Kaden, my future and more. I had so much on my mind that I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t wait to get my pictures from my party.
I was so glad I had Kaden to help me get through this. Without him I would be depressed.
I know my dad’s last days are near and this party will cheer him up. I smiled. I know he would have fun and talk about it with his friends up in heaven. He would tell them about how sweet his wife is, he’ll tell them how outgoing Riley is, he’ll tell them how much I love him and miss him.
28
Dad’s Party
The next couple of weeks have gone great! My dad’s party was delayed because he had some complications that caused him to be in the hospital for a couple weeks. So we rescheduled the party for tomorrow. I couldn’t wait! I was so excited! After I completed my homework I stepped into the kitchen to cook dinner. Kaden came in moments later.
“Why don’t you take a break from cooking so we can take the pugs to the park for a walk?” Kaden quizzed.
“Alright, can we go after dinner?” I replied.
“Sure!”
After we consumed dinner we went to the park as planned. The pugs were enjoying themselves as we strolled around the park.
“I think I chose a good evening to come here,” Kaden stated.
“It’s quite peaceful here as the sun sets,” I responded.
“I think it’s peaceful because I’m with you.”
I laughed. “I’m sorry that I’m always thinking about my dad. I can’t help it.”
“I know it’s hard, Sara. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to help you keep it off your mind.”
“I know you are and I really appreciate it.”
“I’m going to take him off your mind right now.” He smiled. “Lets talk about something else.”
“How about how much I don’t like you for always making me happy.”
He chuckled. “Too bad. We should come here one evening and have a picnic before the warm weather disappears.”
“That would be wonderful, but knowing us we’ll forget.”
He laughed. “You’re probably right. Have you talked to Lucy about Kyle yet?”
“No, I’ve been too worried about my dad. I’ll tell her soon though. I wonder how she’ll react.”
“I hope it’s a good reaction.”
“I would feel weird if someone suggested a guy for me.”
“Why? There’s nothing wrong with doing that.”
“It’s just weird.”
“I don’t see anything weird about it.” He smiled.
“You’re not a girl, so you’re never going to see my point.”
“It seems like Anna’s not minding befriending Lucy.” He changed the subject.
“I think she sees the reason why I want to be friends with her again.”
“Do you think Susie will befriend Lucy knowing not only you, but Anna have become her friend again?”
“Susie is a sweet person and I’d like to think she would accept Lucy again, but who knows what she’s thinking.”
“If she doesn’t accept Lucy. Do you think by telling her Lucy was on drugs would change her mind?”
“I really don’t know, Kaden. I’d hate for her to stop being my friend over this.”
“She wouldn’t do that to you.”
“She has hormone problems right now so she might snap my head off.”
He laughed heartily. “That’s funny! I’m certain she won’t think twice about being friends with Lucy.”
“I hope she doesn’t, but if she does there’s nothing I can do about it.”
He smiled and kissed me. “Anyone would be crazy for not being your friend.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because you’re a good friend. I see no flaws.”
I laughed. “Okay, Kaden, don’t turn gay on me,” I joked.
“I’m not. What would you do if I were?”
“I’d be upset because I love you and I want to be your wife one day.”
He grinned from ear to ear. “You don’t have to worry.”
“There is so much going on in my life it drives me nuts sometimes.”
“I’m there with you.”
“I wish life were a piece of cake.”
He chu
ckled. “Don’t we all. But then we’d never learn from our mistakes or take risks in life.”
“I want to take a risk.”
“What kind of risk?”
“Bungee jumping would be cool to do!”
Kaden’s eyes brightened. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time, but no one has ever wanted to go with me.”
“It would be a thrill and a risk.”
“It would be so amazing!”
“I’ve also wanted to go sky diving.”
“I’ve want to do that too! You are making me extremely excited right now.”
I laughed. “I can tell. You’re hoping around like you just ate a boat load of candy.”
“Why don’t we go sky diving and bungee jumping soon, and save the picnic day for another time?”
“That sounds good to me!”
“This is going to be loads of fun! We can make a weekend date to do this since you’re in school during the week.”
“I’m going to have a surprise for you at the end of the day.”
“You’ve already thought of something to do afterwards?”
“What can I say? I have an amazing brain.” He grinned.
I giggled. “Whatever you say, Kaden.”
He kissed me. “Race you back to the car.”
I laughed. “Are you nuts? It’s dark out.”
“Yes, I am nuts.” He replied as he took off running, encouraging Sadie and Coco to chase him. I began to walk to the car, but decided what the heck and ran the rest of the way. When I reached the car I was out of breath.
“Am I that hot it takes your breath away?” Kaden asked as he put the pugs in the car.
I caught my breath. “No, I lost my breath when you made me chase you,” I replied as I smiled.
He laughed. “I didn’t make you. You ran after me on your own.”
“What can I say? You’re too sexy to not say hello.” I grinned as I winked.
He smiled as he pulled me to him and we kissed passionately. Good thing no one was at the park to see it because there was no stopping Kaden. When we pulled away from each other we got into the car and headed home.
“I can’t wait for Sadie to have puppies!” I exclaimed as Kaden and I slumped into the couch.
“Neither can I. I know their puppies will be cute,” Kaden replied.
“I can’t wait to see what each one looks like.”
Kaden smiled. “You’ll have to choose the best one for Riley and your Mom.”
I grinned. “No, I’ll have to choose the best one I would have liked.”
“That shouldn’t be hard to do.”
“I wish Dad would fight this cancer awhile longer so I can hand the puppy to him.”
“He’ll see the puppy whether he’s here or not.”
I started to shed tears. Kaden wiped them, but more continued to trickle down my face.
“It’s going to be hard for me when my dad passes away. I hope you are ready for it.”
“I am and trust me I’m going to do my best to help you though it, your Mom and Riley too. I’m here for all three of you.” He smiled.
I smiled. “I’m lucky to have you, so lucky.”
He kissed my forehead. “I’m lucky to have you too.”
I grinned. “Our life as husband and wife is going to be great. What do you think?”
“It’s going to be so amazing I’ll want to relive it when we’re in heaven” He smiled. “I’m glad you are my true love.” He kissed my forehead and wiped away the rest of my tears.
I smiled and kissed him on the lips. “I love you soon to be husband.” I grinned.
“I love you soon to be wife. I haven’t asked you lately, how’s school going?”
“Well, sucks as always.”
He laughed. “How will you ever make it through college if you don’t like school?”
“College is different because I’m actually going to have a career.”
“Well, you have to go through high school in order to get your diploma so you can go to college.”
“Some colleges you don’t have to have your diploma to get into.”
“Maybe so, but the career you want to major in probably is at a college that requires you have you diploma or GED.”
I sighed. “Okay, you win.”
“I’m the best there ever could be.”
I laughed. “In your dreams.”
“I’m the best in my dreams too.” He grinned.
We laughed. “Kaden, I think you’re in a world that just has you in it because you’re not the best by far.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah, I am the best.” He busted out laughing. “I don’t see anything that’s funny?”
“You don’t see it because you are it.”
“Ha-ha.” I stuck my tongue out at him.
He smiled and kissed me on my lips. “You know I’m kidding.”
“Maybe you are, but I’m not.”
“Well, that’s says it. You’re in Sara, land 24/7.”
We giggled and I playfully pushed him. “I like going in my own little world, it’s relaxing.”
“You have rubbed off on me because I find myself going into la-la land sometimes.”
I smiled. “Not you’re stealing my traits, huh?”
“Yeah, I am. What are you going to do about it?”
“Kick your ass is what I’m going to do.”
“Really, well, lets see what you’ve got.” He stood up and put his butt towards me and shook it. “Come on; show me what you’ve got hot stuff.”
I raised my foot and as hard as I could I kicked him on his butt; sending him to the floor. Kaden and I laughed as he slowly got up and sat next to me on the couch. I looked at his face and realized that the left side of his face was bruised.
I stopped laughing instantly. “Kaden, your face is bruised.” I got up and retrieved a frozen bag of peas. I handed it to him and he put it right on his face sequencing as he did because the bag was really cold. “Kaden, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright. I asked for it.” He chuckled.
“Oh, Kaden, now you’re going to have a bruised face for about a week or so.”
He laughed. “I’ll be fine, My Beauty.” He moved the bag from his face and kissed me. I took a quick look at this face and it looked horrible. I sucked in air knowing it hurt. He quickly placed the bag back on his face.
“You act like you’re the one hurting.”
“I am because I hurt you.”
“I’ll be fine, honest.”
“If I were you I’d be mad at myself right now.”
“I’m not mad because I told you to kick my butt and this is what I deserve for picking on you. It shows girls can kick a guy’s butt.”
I laughed heartily. “Darn right.”
He grinned. “Are you ready for your Dad’s party tomorrow?”
“I’m more than ready!”
“He’s going to have the biggest smile on his face!”
I smiled as I envisioned my dad smiling. “I hope he has a good time tomorrow.”
“He is going to have so much fun he won’t want to leave.”
I grinned. “I wouldn’t mind that at all.”
He kissed me. “Yum!” He licked his lips. “You have cherry lip gloss on.”
“Apparently it tastes good.”
“So good! Can I have some more?”
I giggled as he leaned in and kissed me; not giving me time to answer his question.
The next day at my dad’s party everyone was laughing and having the best time! My dad was very surprised about the party and was so pleased to be honored as a father. I walked over and sat next to him on the bench looking out
at the lake.
“Glad to be out of that old thing?” I questioned referring to his wheelchair.
He smiled. “Sometimes it’s a pain in the butt like me,” Dad responded.
I giggled remembering what I did to Kaden. “Dad, you’re not a pain in the butt.”
He smiled. “Thank you for this party, Sara. I am so glad you did this for me.”
“Anything for you, Dad.” I grinned.
“How are you and Kaden doing?”
“We’re good! We are doing great!”
He laughed. “Which is it? Good or great?”
I giggled. “Both Daddy, both.”
“Now that’s what I like to hear.”
“How are you doing?”
“I’m getting by. I enjoy each day I wake up.”
I sighed. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and I don’t know how I’ll cope when you’re gone.”
“Don’t think like that, Sweetie, think as if I’ve only left the room and will be back soon.”
I grinned. “Wish I could think that, Daddy, but I can’t.”
He leaned over and kissed my cheek. It made tears trickle down my cheeks because I started thinking about him not being here to celebrate my marriage and so many more milestones that will occur in my life.
“Don’t cry, Sara. I’ll always be here.” He gestured as he touched my heart.
“I know, Daddy. I know,” I took his hand in mine and kissed it. He smiled. “How’s Mom holding up?”
“She’s making every day I wake up as exciting and joyful as she can.”
“How’s Riley been coping with you not being able to get up and play with her?”
“She doesn’t seem to mind me being in the bed all the time. Your Mom just tells her I’m resting.”
“I wish everyday this wasn’t happening to you.”
“We can always wish for things to happen or not to, but it doesn’t mean it’ll always be granted.”
“Kaden’s been helping me through all of this. I wouldn’t know what I would have done if he wasn’t there for me.”
“I know Kaden will always be there for you, Mom and Riley.”
“He’s such a wonderful person!”
“The one thing that I wanted in life for you has come true already; the one thing I wanted more for you than anything.”
Love Goes On Page 30