Author's Note: And then I regretted creating this story because I don't know why I wanted to make myself cry ;-( . Enjoy though! I've got an idea of where I want this to go…

Song: You and Me by Lifehouse

It had been a couple of days since I received a letter. I didn't know what I was doing. Every minute, I watched the mailman drop the mail into the mailbox, hoping that I would see Denny's familiar handwriting.

I knew that holding onto something as silly as his letters would simply just prevent me from moving on. Despite the letters, Denny was able to get me out of the house. I even talked to my boss about coming back into work and he was more than happy to hear that I wanted to go back to work. I was even able to go through his things, though, it took me an entire day to do so.

His lingering scent still wafted throughout the house, reminding me of the man I had fallen in love with.

Suddenly, I hear a knock. I walk towards the door and once I open it, the mysterious person had already left. I look down to see a large box and a letter taped atop of it.

It was Denny.

I smile.

He was always catching me off guard.

I excitedly bring the items into the house and quickly sit at the couch. I open the letter with care and notice the photo of Denny and I when I managed to take him out dancing – despite his protests.

Slowly, I open the envelope and begin to read the letter:

Dear Maisie,

You're probably wondering why there's a box attached to this letter. You're also probably wondering why I gave you that particular photo.

When we first started dating, I knew you loved to dance. You loved to let loose and the music did just the job for that. I'm sure you remember that night. Because I sure do.

I picked you up after my constant protests about not being able to dance. But the moment you opened that door, my breath was absolutely taken away. You were the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.

You were wearing a red, sleeveless dress with thin straps and the front slightly exposed your legs. It was classy, and it was sexy. You rendered me speechless, Maisie. I couldn't take my eyes off you. Even at the bar, in the midst of the crowded room, my eyes always found you.

Since we found out about my condition, we didn't have the chance to go out dancing again. I always urged you to go, but you said you couldn't imagine a night filled of dancing and drinks without me there.

But, you know what, tonight will be that night, honey.

There's the same red dress in that box, except it's in black. We can't have other guys staring at my girl. Go out with a few of your girlfriends. Have a few drinks. Dance…

Overall, have fun, Maisie. I know I won't be there, but it's time for you to stop worrying about me and start focusing on yourself.

Just, you know, remember that I'll always be your only dance partner. If you can't seem to dance tonight, shut your eyes, and I'll be there.

I'll always be there for you, baby.

Now, get yourself dolled up and have a good night.

Until then, Maisie…

I love you, beautiful.

xoxo, Denny

My heart breaks once I open the box. Denny was right. It was the same exact dress, just in a different color. I didn't know if I could do this. I didn't know if I was able to abide by his wishes in this letter.

Suddenly, I am broken out of my reverie when I hear a set of knocks at my front door. I wasn't expecting any visitors, so when I open the door to see two of my best friends, I knew that Denny planned this all along.

"Denny would be angry if he knew that you weren't getting ready right now," Charlotte says.

It was in that moment that I finally break down in a pool of tears. They quickly lead me back into my home, arms wrapped around me to quiet my cries.

"I don't think I can do this… I can't…" I tell them.

Emma sighs, rubbing my back soothingly. "I think we have to give you something else."

I wipe my eyes, looking up at the two other women. "What is it?"

Charlotte bites her lower lip. There was something they knew that they weren't telling me.

"Denny gave us something to give to you. He knew that you wouldn't be able to go out tonight, so… Here," Emma sets a USB into my hand.

"There's only one recording and it's to accompany this letter," Charlotte adds.

Quickly, I run to my laptop in my bedroom. I shut the door behind me and place the USB into its respective socket into my computer.

When I notice the recording, I immediately click play.

That was when I heard his voice.

And everything started crashing down.

"Hey, love." Denny began.

I gasp, shutting my eyes and wiping my eyes despite the continuous trail of tears.

"I had Charlotte and Emma keep this for me just in case you didn't cooperate. You miss me, huh?"

"Yeah, you jackass. I miss you so goddamn much," I mumble to myself. It was as if I was talking to him. With my eyes closed, I could imagine him speaking to me, waiting for him to wrap his arms around me and kiss my forehead.

"You know you deserve this night out. What can go wrong? You have a couple of drinks with your best friends, dance a bit, then head home. You gotta do this for me, baby. Please."

I bite my lower lip. I knew what the purpose of the letters were supposed to be. It was supposed to help me cope with his death, but instead, it was doing the complete opposite. I couldn't imagine myself living without him and here he was, making me relive every moment I shared with him.

"For once in the eight years we have been together, it's time that you put yourself first. Remember, shut your eyes, and I'll be there. Because like I said in the letter, I could never, and will never, take my eyes off you, Maisie. Now, get in that bathroom. Get ready. Wear that dress with me in mind, of course, and head out with your friends."

I could hear the faint noise of the hospital machines buzzing in the background. It makes me remember all the nights I spent at the hospital by his side, making sure he was okay. I knew there was no way that Denny would find out if I went out dancing or not, but I had to do this.

"I'll be right out!" I yell to my friends. They walk to the room and hand me the dress once I open the door.

"You're going to be a total knockout," Charlotte grins.

"We're going to have a great time. Get ready, Maisie. We'll be outside," Emma smiles.

I shut the door behind me and walk to the bathroom. I stare at myself for a moment. It had been so long since I found the need to put make-up on or even dress remotely classy.

It takes an hour before I walk out of the room, wearing the black dress and my nude heels. My hair was curled and I put just enough make-up on that it looked natural. The red lips added color to my monochromatic outfit and when I walk to the living room, I imagine Denny sitting at the couch with flowers in his hands.

As I stand before Charlotte and Emma, my eyes fall shut and I hear Denny's voice linger in the back of my mind.

"Absolutely gorgeous…"

I must have begun to daydream because before I know it, I feel a set of hands gently shake my shoulders.

"Maisie, are you okay?" Charlotte asks.

"What? Oh, yeah. Sorry." I sigh, glancing over at her. "Should we get going?"

"Just going to grab dinner first then we can head to the bar," Emma replies.

The entire ride to the restaurant allows me to stare outside the window of the back of the cab. I couldn't help but allow myself to imagine that Denny was the one sitting next to me. I could practically feel his hovering hands from the night that he decided to join me for a night of dancing.

"So, this place has the best pasta. Denny suggested this place," Charlotte says.

I turn my head and smile, "He knows how much I love pasta."

Emma smiles sadly. "How are you doing, by the way? Your mom says she can't get a hold of you these days."

I shrug, "I've been doing better. These letters are helping me cope, I guess. I still think of him, still imagine that he's here."

"He was good for you. Eight years… I can't even imagine myself and Ethan being together for that long before he popped the question," Charlotte chuckles.

"Denny always enjoyed hanging out with Ethan and Jason," I tell them.

Charlotte and Emma were married now and when they found out that Denny had a heart condition, they didn't press the subject of marriage any further.

The dinner was quiet. Charlotte and Emma were talking about both of their husbands and all I could do was listen. I glance around the restaurant, imagining Denny sitting next to me. He never did like to sit across from me when we were out for dinner.

"So, Denny's got these letters all planned out, huh?" Emma asks.

I shrug, "I guess so. So far, I've got three. I don't know how many more I'm supposed to receive. I just – I read these letters. I see these pictures and I miss him even more. He wasn't supposed to leave me so soon…"

Charlotte sighs. "You both would have made such adorable babies."

I laugh quietly, biting my lower lip. It was different. I was able to talk about him without any tears stinging my eyes.

"That's what he always said, too…"

Slowly, I shut my eyes despite how odd it may have looked.

"You do know I want at least ten kids with you," Denny teased.

"Ten?! What do I look like to you?" I laughed, snuggling up to his side. We had finally been released from the hospital

"Well, I just want as many kids as I can have with you. I mean, can you imagine what our kids will look like? With your eyes and my dimples… They'll be breaking hearts left and right."

I smiled. I always loved talking about our future.

"Ten is a bit too much though, Denny."

"Fine. Seven?"

"Oh, you're funny," I smiled, kissing his cheek.

He smiled, looking into my eyes. "I love you, Maisie."

"I love you too, Denny."

"First, we get the wedding out of the way and then we start baby making," he winked.

"I don't mind starting now."

"Oh. Now, you see, teasing me like that? That's not good when I've got a new heart," he grinned.

I could hear his voice and I could see just how lively his smile was with the deep dimples that I always had a weakness for.

"Why do you keep closing your eyes?" Charlotte asks.

"Oh, nothing."

Once we make it to the bar, I hear the music coming from outside. I didn't know if I could step inside. All I could think back to was Denny and how I practically dragged him to the dance floor.

We spent that entire night dancing.

"Come on. I'll buy first rounds," Emma offers, walking inside and heading straight to the bar.

I follow hesitantly, looking around the familiar area. I didn't know why Charlotte and Emma decided to come here, but everywhere I looked, I see Denny.

"So, are you going to dance with me or what?" I teased, running my hands up along his chest.

Denny sipped from his beer, looking down at me. "I'm a man of my word. I said I was going to dance with my girl and that is exactly what I'm going to do."

He led me to the dance floor. I was surprised. Denny had rhythm and he knew exactly how to dance to the beat of the music.

Though, throughout the night, we spent majority of our time staring into each other's eyes while our bodies moved absently to the playlist. It was as if we were stuck in a trance.

I shiver once I feel someone's hand rest on my shoulder. I look up to see that it was Charlotte motioning to the bartender of what I would like to drink.

"Just a beer for me," I mumble.

"Let's dance!" Emma grins, taking me to the dance floor with Charlotte trailing behind.

For a brief moment, I begin to enjoy myself. I allow myself to let loose. I let Denny become an afterthought.

I finally focus on myself.

However, an hour into our stay at the bar, I hear someone clear their throat. I was leaning against the counter of the bar and glance over my shoulder to see a handsome man staring down at me with a charming smile.

"Hi," he says nervously.

"Oh, hi."

"Would you like to dance?"

Immediately, I shake my head and decide to lie.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I'm engaged," I smile politely, holding up my left hand to reveal the engagement ring that Denny had given me after he proposed.

"No, no! It's my fault. I should have taken notice. Have a good night though." He walks away with a nod and instantly, I sigh.

I realize that I would never be able to get over Denny. There was no other man out there that would amount to Denny.

Charlotte and Emma walk over to me. They must have seen the entire situation unfold.

"Is everything okay?" They ask.

"Yeah. I just – I would like to go home now."

"We just got here," Emma says.

"I didn't say we could go home. You two can stay here. I'm going to go home. I can't do this."

Charlotte walks after me and sighs, pulling me into a hug. I force myself to hold back my tears, desperately trying to prevent myself from crying.

"We're here, okay? Please, don't forget that you're not alone, Maisie."

"Thanks. Good night, guys. Honestly, I appreciate it. Tonight was fun," I give them a half-smile and immediately leave the bar to hitch a cab.

I make it back to the house within thirty minutes. Immediately, I remove the dress and the make-up that I was wearing.

I didn't know what courage I had to go out tonight, but I realized that I wasn't ready.

I didn't know if I ever would be.

I settle into my bed and sigh.

All I could think and see and hear is Denny.

There was no way I was going to ever come to terms with his death.

Now, I was just counting the days until I was reunited with him. Slowly, I allow myself to fall asleep to the sound of Denny's voice and his charming smile.

"I couldn't take my eyes off you…"