Chapter 25

Although I have moved on and married Happy, I still visit Herm's grave once a week, bringing fresh flowers each time. As I sit there with EJ and Anna sitting next to me, I start to talk to Herm. "Hey babe. I know you are watching so I know that you know what's going on. I did as you asked and moved on with Happy and I honestly love him babe. He's been great with the kids and they love him so much. We still have your pictures up around the house. That won't change and when the kids get old enough to understand, we will tell them all about you. But, a couple of things have changed in this past week. Happy and I got married yesterday. I know you are happy about it and he has put our wedding picture on the dresser next to mine with you. It was his idea. But we also filed adoption papers and just like with you, I made him get life insurance and we have a living will so if anything happens we know what will happen with the house and the kids. I miss you so much but I know this was what you wanted. At first, I didn't know if I could move on from you but Happy has been a blessing. Thank you for that. I love you babe. I always will." I say and we sit there for a little while longer before EJ speaks up and asked. "Mommy, who is this?" and points towards Herm's headstone. "This, baby, is someone very special to me and your Daddy. He is the reason that me and Daddy are together and the reason I have you and your sister." I say as a tear falls down my face. "Why are you crying mommy?" he asked. "Because I miss him, baby." I say. After a few more minutes, I press my lips to the stone and say "See you next week Herm." and walk to the car to take the kids home.

That evening, Happy is in the living room while I am cleaning up the kitchen and I hear EJ talking to Happy. "Mommy started crying today Daddy." I see Happy turn to look at me before turning back to EJ. "Why was she crying?" he asked. "She said she missed your friend. She said she loved him and missed him." Ej told Happy. Walking into the living room I say "We went to see Herm's grave. Thought I needed to tell him about us getting married and the adoption." I tell him and he nods his understanding. "You okay with it all?" he asked. Smiling, I nod my head and say "Very much so." Happy gets up and we get the babies in the bed and head to the bedroom. Once we are in bed, Happy pulls me to him and we look at the pictures that are sitting on the dresser and I smile. "You know, I never thought that I would ever fall in love, or ever have anyone love me but here I am and it has happened twice." I tell Happy. "You know, when we were getting the plan together to come and get you, Pres asked which one of us were going to take you as our Old Lady and we both raised our hands. We actually talked about it after church to decide which one of us got to have you." he tells me. Sitting up, I look at him shocked. "Are you serious?" He chuckles and says, "Yeah. very." I sat there a minute, taking it all in. "How did he talk you out of it?" I asked. "He told me he needed you more. He was tired of the endless hookups and ready to settle down with a family and didn't think he would find someone. He knew he was a little older than you and didn't think that women his age would take him seriously." he said. Smiling, I say "Well, looks like you both got me." He looked at me, "Can I ask you something?" he asked. "Yeah." I say. "When he was still alive, you took care of me like I was your Old Man too. Why?" he asked. "Happy, a part of me loved you too and I think Herm knew that. You needed someone to take care of you and you were his best friend but truth be told, if I hadn't ended up with him, I would have wanted it to be you." I answer. He pulls me to him and kisses me softly. Rolling me over so that he was hovering over me, he starts to undress me before pushing himself into me and slowly making love to me.