Broken

Epilogue

Today was always going to be an emotional one, and always would be he supposed. It was Elyse's first birthday... and the first anniversary of Maddy's death... a bittersweet day.

Someone had suggested they hold the party they were planning to have either the day before or the day after but Paddy had said no, that there was no reason they couldn't mark both events without one overshadowing the other.

They hadn't organised anything fancy or over the top as far as the party was concerned, they'd save such do's for when Elyse was older... a lot older. No this was going to be a traditional birthday tea, with ice cream and jelly, birthday cake and of course party games. Something both old and young alike would enjoy.

He and Jackson had spent the morning helping Paddy get things ready, had been blowing up balloons, wrapping up the gifts for pass-the-parcel, packing party bags, getting well and truly involved in the preparations and loving every minute of it.

They still hadn't moved out of Paddy's, didn't plan to any time soon. It was home to them both, especially so now they had Elyse. They loved her, loved helping look after her and in all truth couldn't bear the thought of leaving her behind.

The sense of responsibility they'd felt towards her those first few days of her life had never left them. It had intensified when Paddy had not only asked them to be her godparents but also her guardians should anything ever happen to him. He'd had his solicitor put it in black and white, make it legally binding and by doing so the older man said he'd given himself immense peace of mind. He couldn't quite believe Paddy had so great a measure of trust in him.

It had been a difficult year for Paddy, losing Maddy had broken him emotionally but he'd fought his way back and was to Elyse what he had been and still was to him... the best kind of father... the best kind of dad.

Those last twelve months had seen him and Paddy grow even closer. He and Jackson had grown still closer too, Maddy's death had made them realise just how fragile life was, had taught them to appreciate and hold on tight to what they had together... you never knew what might be waiting for you around the next corner!

It was early afternoon now; Elyse was asleep, curled up on the sofa with her favourite teddy. Bonnie her ever faithful four legged friend lying on the floor beside her. While the little girl slept the three of them took a well earned breather. Everything was ready, all they had left to do now was change into something more presentable and Elyse into her party dress.

Several fun filled hours later and with the last of their guests gone, they found themselves left with the party remnants to clear up and one very tired one year old to bath and put to bed. After the usual round of hugs and goodnight kisses Paddy had carried his daughter up the stairs leaving them with the less enviable job.

They were just finishing off when Paddy had stuck his head around the hallway door, the bouquet of roses he had bought the day before now nestling in the crook of his arm.

"I'm just... well I won't be long."

They hadn't needed any further explanation; they knew exactly where Paddy was going, knew the sentiment held in each and every one of the twelve red and twelve dark pink blooms.

End