Stanly Walker's funeral was held at the church where he and Karen married. His heart had simply failed to keep him alive, he died instantly. The funeral was quick and to the point, leaving her more time to think of her regrets. She felt nothing at all when they announced that she inherited her husband's vast fortune, his companies, and their home. The material things suddenly seemed so meaningless. There was still so much she needed to say to him, so much time they had wasted.
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A week had passed since Stan's funeral, and Karen was finally beginning to place his belongings in boxes. She had already had some of the maids pack away his clothing, but she felt it was her responsibility to clean out his desk. He must have felt it was her responsibility as well because she found a letter with her name on it, in his authoritative handwriting.
"Are you alright?" Will's voice startled her and she quickly turned to meet his gaze.
"Yes." She walked over to him and hugged him, using his body as comfort for a moment. She backed away and handed him the envelope. "He must have left this before he went to prison. I just found it."
"Are you going to read it?" She shrugged and placed a hand on her hip.
"I kind of feel like it's the least I could do. I mean, I was fucking around on him." Will felt guilty. He always did when their situation was brought into the light. He handed her the envelope and she opened it, without another thought.
"I'll leave you alone. Call me when you feel like talking." She placed a hand on his arm, stopping him from leaving.
"Please stay." Her eyes pleaded with him and he couldn't leave her. He sat down on the couch and waited for her to do the same. When she followed, he pulled her legs across his lap and placed his hands over them, bringing her comfort while she began to read.
Karen,
I know you're probably angry with me right now. By the time you read this I will have already been taken to prison. I didn't tell you about it because its better that way, being left in the dark.
I also know that I will probably not make it out alive. I have a heart condition, and I'm sorry I haven't told you. I've known for a week or so, but for some reason I don't want you to know. Its incurable and they say that I don't have much longer. I only hope I get to touch you again.
I love you. You haven't heard that from me enough over the years and I am so sorry. You took my name, my ring, and my heart and I was far from a good husband to you. I'm so hardened, Kare, and I don't know why. I don't ask your forgiveness though. I know it is too much to ask when I don't deserve it at all. I've treated you so badly at times when all you needed was a kiss, an innocent one at that. I can't tell you how sorry I am for being so blind to your needs. I love you.
My unsatisfactory ways are why you turned to him. Yes, I do know about your lover. I know that he treats you well because I've seen you smile more than I have in years. It hurts, I won't lie to you, but I understand. What hurts me the most is the fact that I drove you into his arms, your wedding ring absent from your finger. You're such a strong woman for staying with me as long as you have. He makes you much happier than I ever could. Please don't feel guilty, and if you want, tell him not to feel guilty either. It's a matter of staying alive, inside and out. You needed him to breathe.
You're beautiful. Your eyes sparkle when your happy, which I haven't seen enough in the past few years. Your shoe size is six, and your favorite color is dark green, because it always seems to get forgotten. You hate all of our friends, but you love your new ones, who see you for who you really are. You would much rather wear jeans, tee-shirts, and your glasses than dressing up, even though I have never heard you complain. Those are just a few of the little things that prove I still know you, and I always will. You're unforgettable.
I hope you find someone in your life who can treat you the way that you deserve to be treated, maybe your lover. Please, don't let him act the way I have been acting. Don't settle for less than you deserve. You deserve the world. I kissed your lips when you were sleeping tonight, though I know it isn't the same as if you were awake, but I at least owe that to you. We've grown too far apart for me to kiss you for no reason at all. I'm sorry, Karen, and I love you so much. Raise our children right and tell them how much they mean to me. It hurts me sometimes to see the way they love you more than me, but they were always your children too, no matter what I said. Stay beautiful, inside and out.
I will love you forever,
Stanly
Tears fell down her cheeks as she read the words from her late husband. Will didn't move to touch her, knowing that she needed a moment for herself. She bit her lip and met his eyes before handing him the open letter. She silently gave him permission to read it, and he did.
"Wow." The word escaped his mouth in a sigh as he turned to face her. He had no idea what to say.
"That was the man I married, honey."
"Come here." He pulled her into an embrace, hoping to ease her sorrow. "Are you okay?"
"It was just a little too late, wasn't it?" She sniffled and took a deep breath before pulling away. She kissed his lips. "I'm going to check on the kids."
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The water was warm around her body and the bubbles were relaxing. Will's arms held her tight from behind as she settled further into the bath. She loved moments like that, when they could do simple things together like bathing. He wrapped his arms tighter around her chest, allowing her to kiss his hand, feeling his soft skin against her back.
"Why are you with me?" Her words were so soft that they were barely audible.
"We're good for each other." She smiled and turned her face so she could meet his eyes. They never spoke about their situation with much sincerity, and she felt as if she needed honesty at the moment.
"How am I good for you, honey?"
"You make me realize that there's a part of me that I tend to hide. I like that part of me, and I love that you always know how to make me see it." He leaned down to kiss her lips, wrapping his legs around her waist. She could feel his pelvis pressing against her lower back and she smiled.
"Don't stop talking. Tell me more."
"I love the way that you fit in my arms, like we were made to be together. You always know what to say to make me feel better when I'm upset or angry. You respect me, and I respect you. We go together."
"I feel the same way, honey. Is that wrong?"
"I don't know, but I don't care if it is." She smiled, feeling strange warmth at his confession. He kissed her and they continued their bath, never feeling the need to move.
