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Chapter 53
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This is the last chapter. (Epilogue doesn't really count, you'll see why.)
It has been a wonderful experience writing this story. I will sincerely miss Kay and hope that you, my dear readers, will always remember her.
Now enjoy:
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"Kay."
I ignored the voice.
"Kay," The voice made a noise of annoyance, "Wake up."
I pressed my face deeper into the pillow.
"Darling," A hand lightly massaged the back of my neck, "Don't you want to join your husband for breakfast?"
At the word 'husband' my eyes snapped open. Sitting up in a panic, I gasped, "What on earth are you talking about- Oh!"
The very handsome face of Peter Pevensie stared down at me with amusement, "You already forgot?"
My face burned with embarrassment and I brought my left hand to my face. The ring glittered in the sunlight that streamed into the room from the open veranda doors. A single, lovely sapphire sat on top of a simple silver band. Although some may have called my ring mundane, I thought it was beautiful and perfect. I had never been one for large, flashy jewelry. Peter knew me well.
"No," I grumbled, "I just thought it was all a dream..."
"What kind of dream?" Peter kissed my lips without warning and gently pulled me from the bed. "A nightmare?"
"A fantasy," I corrected with a grin. Waking up to Peter? I could get used to this. As I stood up, I glanced at his side of the bed, "What time did you get up?"
"Only an hour ago," He lifted a robe from the hanger in the wardrobe. Like the considerate man he was, Peter held it up so I only had to slip my arms in. I noticed he wore a robe as well. "Some maids brought up breakfast. It's out on the balcony."
I yawned and leaned into his chest, "Can't we go back to sleep?"
"I'd like to eat my food before it goes cold," Peter chuckled and began to lead us outside. The bright light irritated my eyes, but after a few seconds they adjusted. Our quarters had a lovely view. We could observe the entire capitol city with privacy and out in the distance was the river and forest.
Surprised at how high the sun shined, I inspected the food. "This doesn't look like breakfast, more like lunch. Who has beef for breakfast?"
"Well, we did sleep past breakfast and lunch," Peter pulled out my chair for me. After I sat and settled in, he claimed the chair across the small table. "Actually, I think most of the country missed breakfast and lunch."
I laughed, "Last night did get a bit wild."
Peter snorted, "No kidding."
After the formal meal and dancing, the celebrations became much more lively. The dancing transformed from strictly court music into local folk songs. Elves, Narnians, and Telmarines all performed their people's folk tunes much to my pleasure. At one point, Redwens, who was very drunk, began to sing. However, his horrible attempt ended abruptly when Tervian dangled another barrel of wine in front of his face. Enticed, the pathetic screeches from Redwens ended when he began to drink heavily. And Redwens was not alone in his drunkard state. Wine, ale, and spirits seemed to flow like rivers throughout the celebrations. Peter had only two goblets of wine and I just one. We refused to risk losing the precious memories of the night in order to have a hangover the next morning.
Alyssa, Will, and Duke were besides themselves though. Considering the fact that drinking at our age back in our world is illegal, they jumped at the chance to down as much alcohol as possible. Duke handled his drinks well, much to my surprise, and even managed to best the tipsy Edmund in a mock duel. Lucy, Susan, and Vicern watched their sibling and friends with much amusement.
By the time Peter and I were shown to our room, by a giggling and swaying servant, it was dawn. And we had been one of the first to leave the celebrations!
"Could you heat this up for me luv?"
Peter's voice brought me out of my reminiscing. My eyes focused back into reality and found a piece of meat being held up by a fork. My husband's face was hopeful, "It's gone a bit cold..."
"Sure," I smiled. Holding out my palm, a large flame appeared.
"Thank you," Peter proceeded to grill his beef. Once he had finished, we both returned to our meals. We ate in a comfortable silence and just as I set down my utensils, he spoke. "Do you think our kids will be able to do that?"
"Do what?" I raised an eyebrow. The mention of children didn't surprise me. I had already known that both Peter and I wanted children if we ever married.
"Sit around the table and casually heat up their dinner with their hands," Peter grinned. "Do you think your magic will be passed on?"
I tapped my chin, "I have no idea. I mean, there hasn't been another human witch right? Anything is possible."
"I suppose," Peter leaned back in his hair and stared out in the distance. The capitol was finally waking up. The usual noises of business, chatter, and crowds drifted up to the balcony. It was a bit unsettling to have limited hearing again. I rather enjoyed being able to hear the sound of a butterfly's wings or a children yawning from the homes below as they woke up.
But I didn't need to have super hearing to know someone was knocking on our door. Peter got up and strode inside, allowing me to remain seated. I smiled at his retreating form, very appreciative of my husband. He did little things like this that truly separated him from other men. No matter how small the task, he always attempted to spare me movement or unnecessary effort. It was like I was made of glass and he needed to protect me.
I heard Peter speaking to someone, but didn't make any effort to actually listen in. Several minutes later, Peter came back outside. Instead of sitting down, he walked behind me and leaned forward. Wrapping his arms around my shoulders, Peter inhaled deeply in the crane of my neck.
"Aslan, you smell like heaven."
I tried to remain calm, but my body trembled in pleasure anyways. The feeling of his breath on my skin was powerful. And the compliment only worsened my attempt to remain cool. "Y-You," I struggled to speak clearly, "You don't know what heaven smells like."
He said nothing.
Fear crept into my heart. My previous nerves vanished and I spun around in my chair, so this his arms fell limp. "Peter?"
"Let's go inside," Peter's voice was wary. "That was Ed, he came to tell us that Aslan's asked to see us. We need to get dressed."
"Peter," I crossed my arms stubbornly. "What's going on? Stop trying to distract me."
"Inside," He pleaded.
"Fine."
We returned to the room and I withdrew our clothes from the wardrobe. I placed Peter's fine tunic on the bed as he slipped off his robe revealing his muscular chest. I had discovered last night that he usually wore only his undershorts to bed. Considering this was our first morning together, I still couldn't help but redden as his exposed skin.
Mine.
The concept of him belonging to me brought an indescribable sensation of happiness to me. It didn't overwhelm me this morning, because now I was worried. As I pulled out a light blue dress from the wardrobe, I asked, "What's the matter?"
"Do you remember my first words?"
I frowned as I untied my robe. "Uh, what do you mean? When?"
"On the battlefield," He murmured as he began to change swiftly into the tunic. "After Lu saved me."
Immediately, my stomach tightened. Where was he going with this? If it had to do with his close encounter with death, I didn't know if I wanted to have this conversation. It frightened me to think about his limp body. I knew the experience would haunt me for the rest of my life. Realizing that this was going to be a serious conversation, I sat on the bed and watched him pull nervously adjust his clothing.
"You said 'that was weird' I think," I answered quietly.
Peter sighed and joined me on the edge of the bed. Instinctively, I moved my arm closer to his body while he reached out for my hand. Once our fingers were intertwined, Peter watched our united hands with a strange expression.
"I've died once before," He began. "But in spirit and heart, not in body. I never thought anything would hurt as much as that part of my life. It was after Marie controlled me into killing you. When I finally woke up, I fell apart. Kay, I died on the inside and I until a few days ago, nothing else had ever compared to that sort of pain."
"And then you thought you saw me die again," I whispered. Peter must have been beside himself to see the Shadow Kay 'kill' me with the wand.
He nodded stiffly, "I lost it. All I could see was the Shadow and hate filled me up. So when I saw you were alive, I couldn't think straight. It was too much to go from completely broken to ecstatic in less than a minute and so I managed to get myself stabbed. I was distracted and I'm sorry."
"Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for! You couldn't have stopped the attack-"
"I'm sorry that I had to put you through what I endured all those years ago," Peter's thumb rubbed against the side of my hand. "No one should have to see their love die like that."
"Yeah..." I mumbled, completely agreeing.
"Well, when I nearly died I went to this strange world... So beautiful..." Peter's voice trailed off. After a few moments of silence, he cleared his throat and continued, "I don't know how to describe it. The grass, I've never seen such green grass! The trees seemed to glow and whisper to me."
"It sounds like the Land of the Dead," I whispered, horrified. "Vicern told me about it."
"That's what I thought too," My husband nodded. "Which is why I refused to cross the river."
"There was a river?"
"There was a bridge and it was almost like..." Peter struggled for words. "Like the trees were asking me to cross. The beauty, the glowing, everything seemed to pull me towards the other side of that bridge. But then I heard your crying."
I could only stare in disbelief.
"And I knew I couldn't cross," He inhaled deeply. "I knew that if I did, I would die and leave you behind. So I waited and sure enough the world vanished away. Next thing I knew, I was back at the battlefield."
"Wow," I pinched the bridge of my nose, "We have far too much drama and encounters with death to be considered normal."
"Darling, we travel worlds. We never had a chance at being normal."
"Oh yeah, good point."
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"There they are!" Duke waved from where he sat. He was currently engaged in a game of chess with Edmund. As we approached, I was shocked to see Duke was winning.
"Ed, you're losing?" Peter sounded surprised as well.
His younger brother glowered, "Oh shut it."
I laughed, "I don't think anyone has ever beat you."
Duke leaned back cockily in his seat, "I'm incredible. I know."
"Shut up man," Will rolled his eyes. Will sat in an armchair with Alyssa on his lap. She continued to read the book in her hands, clearly uninterested with the rest of the world. Despite her social nature, Alyssa really could be a nerd.
"Where's Aslan?" I asked, still laughing.
"Gone outside with Susan and Vicern," Ed answered. "He's asked to see you four privately."
Lucy walked into the room from an open doorway on the other side of the room. She was carrying a basket of fruit and kindly offered some to everyone. "What does Aslan want? Why can't we be there?"
"I'm not sure Lu," Peter replied honestly. "We don't mean to exclude you. I'm sure Aslan has his reasons."
"Come on," I pulled lightly on Peter's sleeve. We waved goodbye to everyone before exiting through another door. This one led outside, to some private gardens only open to the ruling King or Queen. Of course, Caspian had offered all his private rooms and gardens to us. He was nearly as kind as Lucy in my opinion.
Sitting on a bench were Susan and Vicern. Their faces were grim, setting off alarms in my head. Seated on the grass before them was an equally grave Aslan. I glanced at Peter and saw that he too had noticed something was wrong.
"What's going on?" I inquired as we approached the group. Upon seeing our arrival, Vicern politely got up from the bench and offered the seat. Nodding in thanks, I sat down besides Susan. She reached out and took my hand. That made me even more nervous.
Aslan waited patiently as Susan began to explain, "We can't come back to Narnia ever again..."
My mouth fell open.
Peter ran a hand through his hair, "What? Why not?"
"You have learned everything you can from Narnia," Aslan spoke calmly. "There is something else for me to teach. And Makayla, you have fulfilled your Guardian duties, you are free from this world."
"B-But," I tightened my hold on Susan's hand. "What about the others? What about Caspian and- WAIT!" I pointed desperately to Vicern, "What do you mean we can't return? This is Vicern's home!"
"I have been given a choice," Vicern spoke without hesitation. He kept his eyes trained on Susan, "I can either remain here until I die, helping to rebuild the Elvin civilization. Or I can go with Susan to her world and live a new life there."
"A choice?" I whispered, "And you've decided..."
Vicern kept his eyes on his wife, who looked down in shame. "I would never leave Susan's side. Never."
"But what about your people?" Susan's eyes snapped up. "You can't abandon them-"
"Yes he can," I cut her off. "He loves you. He has to."
"What about Kay?" Peter asked Aslan, his voice cracking slightly. I froze at the question. Yes... What about me? What would happen to me? What would happen to Peter? We were married like Vicern and Susan. We were in love like Vicern and Susan. Would we receive the same options? Would I really leave behind my home world for Peter?
Yes.
The answer came without hesitation or doubt. Of course I would leave for Peter. I would follow him anywhere, any world or time. My parents wanted me to be happy and that would mean to remain with Peter. My friends would understand, they had now seen for themselves how deeply and truly Peter loved me. My family and friends loved me... And so they would let me go. I knew they would.
"She knows what she must do," Aslan smiled sadly at me.
I stared into his eyes. The great lion could read minds apparently. Slowly, I nodded, "I do."
"Kay..." Peter reached out and placed a hand on my shoulder, "Are you sure?"
"Peter, my family will understand," I murmured.
"What if I went to her world instead?" Peter started to plead with Aslan. "That way she wouldn't have to leave her family-"
"And you would leave yours?" I argued. "No, you have more people counting on you. Your father is back from war, but he's still hurting from it. Emotionally, he's distant. Your family needs you Peter. Your mother relies on you. You can't leave them all behind!"
"But you can leave yours behind?" Peter snorted.
"My parents were ready to live alone, I was going to college remember? And my sister is already an adult, she'll be fine without me," I shrugged.
"But-"
I raised my hand, "Please, don't. I'm okay with this Peter, I really am. As long as I have you, I'll be okay."
"The time to leave Narnia is approaching," Aslan spoke up. "Make your preparations."
"What will happen after we leave?" Vicern asked.
"Caspian will be a strong leader," Aslan said confidently. "Narnia will have its second Golden Age."
"What will happen when I don't go home?" I asked hoarsely. "Will they even remember me?" Tears fell out of my eyes.
"You will be forgotten by everyone who does not know of Narnia," The lion informed me. "It is easier this way."
"So my parents and friends will remember me?"
"Yes."
I paused then asked, "Will I ever see them again?"
At this, Aslan smiled sincerely. "Yes... When the time comes, yes."
In the land of the dead.
I didn't know how I came to this conclusion, but something inside of me told me this was true. One day, when we all passed on to the next world, we would reunite. And that settled all distress I felt in my heart. I was at peace with this... I could live a long happy life with Peter and when the time came, live another with my family, friends, and love. I would even get to see Stilden and everyone again.
Suddenly, I wasn't afraid of dying. One day, it would happen, and I would welcome it.
"When?" Susan bit her lip, "When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow."
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"Dude, what's up?" Duke poked me.
I sighed, "I love you Duke."
My friend grinned, "I knew you would finally realize it one day. Too bad you're married, I don't do rings."
Rolling my eyes, I replied, "And I don't do idiots."
"Ouch," Will sniggered.
"I love you too Will," I said seriously.
Alyssa frowned, "Okay, now you're scaring me. What's going on Kay? Why did you ask us to meet you here?"
I had requested their company after dinner. I had spent the entire afternoon in my room, writing furiously. Now, with cramping hands I sought out to spend precious time with my friends. I didn't want to tell them about my decision to leave home though. If I did, it meant spending our last evening and possibly day arguing. I wanted to leave with happy memories, not fighting.
"You've been the greatest best friend ever," I hugged Alyssa. "I love you!"
"She's lost it," Duke announced. "I guess fighting so many wars has finally caught up with her."
"Actually," I lied smoothly, "It's because of the war I'm saying this. It made me realize how we could lose each other within a second in battle, in life actually. And so I just wanted you guys to know that I love you and you are very dear to me."
Will gave me a funny look, "Are you lying?"
I raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"
"I asked if you were lying."
My eyes narrowed into a lethal glare.
Will paled, "Uh, never mind."
"Sissy," Duke laughed out loud.
"He is not!" Alyssa threw a flower at Duke. It hit him softly on the side of the face, but the young man didn't even blink.
"You have the guy wrapped around your finger!" Duke exclaimed, "He needs to grow some balls-"
"WHAT?!" Will threw himself at the older modern man. The two wrestled on the cool grass below while Alyssa screamed at them to stop their stupidity.
"Take it back!"
"Oof!" Duke gasped for air when Will's fist collided with his stomach. "No way!"
"You're the fruitcake here!"
"At least my girlfriend doesn't boss me around!"
"At least I have a girlfriend!"
Alyssa threw more flowers at the two of them while shouting, "Grow up! God how stupid are you two? What the hell is your problem Duke? Leave Will alone! And Will, just ignore the retard. No one cares..."
My eyes watered in the moonlight as I watched my three closes friends. I would miss this. I would miss their immaturity. I miss would miss their laughter and anger. I would miss their company. Most of all, I would miss their love.
"Kayla?" Duke's voice was laced with concern. Will and Duke both ceased their wrestles as they stared up at me in uncertainty. "Babe, what's wrong?"
Will got off Duke and rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "We were just kidding. We weren't really fighting."
"Why are you crying?" Alyssa approached me quickly and wrapped her arms around me.
I hastily wiped the tears away and waved her off. "Sorry, I just needed to sneeze."
"Bull," Duke immediately retorted.
"Lies!" Will pointed accusingly at me.
"Yeah right," Alyssa rolled her eyes.
I did my best to appear amused, but really I was surprised. Was I really that easy to read? Then again, they did know me quite well. But was I that bad of a liar? Scoffing, I crossed my arms defensively, "What? Now I'm not allowed to sneeze?"
"We'll pretend we believe you," Alyssa shrugged. "But you've been acting funny all day. We've got our eyes on you."
"For sure," Will agreed.
Duke remained silent, but I could feel his eyes burning through my very soul. I winced.
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At breakfast, Aslan came for us. I had just finished my bowl of porridge when the lion strolled into the great hall. Everyone continued chatting and laughing, completely oblivious to what was about to happen... Everyone except for Peter, Susan, Vicern, and I. The four of us shut our mouths and exchanged sad looks. I felt my stomach drop and suddenly wished I hadn't eaten. I felt like throwing up.
"Please join me outside to the courtyard in the city," Aslan said pleasantly. "The Telmarines have gathered at my request and are waiting."
Everyone (except for a certain four people) glanced at Caspian. The Narnian king sighed, "We planned to give the Telmarine people a choice. Come, let us join them outside."
Chairs scraped against the stone floor noisily. I moved like a zombie, completely out of it. I couldn't believe it. It was happening. My hands tightened around the small shoulder bag I carried. At least Aslan had given us a fair warning.
Peter walked at my side, the two of us didn't speak. I was too busy trying to focus on remaining strong, otherwise I would have broken down, sobbing. I felt numb and confused.
Could I really go through with this? Could I really abandon my family and friends? My parents were sweet, caring people. They didn't deserve this. They had treated me with love and respect all my life... They were the best parents in the world. And my sister, she was just as lovely as our folks. She had been a wonderful role model as we grew up. She had taught me that anything was possible and most importantly, to follow your heart. She had tossed aside an academic scholarship to become a doctor in order to pursue a career in dance...
Follow your heart.
Well, my heart was currently inside a man named Peter Pevensie. He had taken it the moment we had met. Peter had my heart... And I intended to follow it. I would follow him. I would follow my husband.
As we came out into the sunlight, I was taken aback at the crowd. So many people had crowded into the streets! People peered out of windows and balconies, all chattering away. I noticed that while the majority of the group were Telmarines, there were many Narnians, elves, and dragons too. At the arrival of us royals though, a hush fell over the large crowd.
A group of familiar faces already stood on the raised platform before the crowd. I managed to give Trumpkin, Repisheep, and Badger a weak smile. But I didn't need to greet the two dragons. Tervian and Redwens were talking in low voices besides a large, gorgeous tree. They hadn't raised their heads to see us arrive, something that confused me. But I didn't have the energy or mood to linger on this.
"Narnia belongs to the Narnians and dragons as it does to man!" Caspian declared to the crowd with confidence. "The Telmarines who want to stay and live in peace are welcome to. But for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the land of our forefathers."
A man from the crowd cried, "It's been generations since we left Telma!"
Aslan responded, "We're not referring to Telma. Your ancestors were seafaring brigands, pirates, run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm which brought them here from their world... The same world of our Queens and Kings. It is a good place for any who wish to make a new start."
Peter and I exchanged bewildered looks. The Telmarines were from our world?!
Caspian leaned towards me and whispered, "I guess we are from the 'Spain' which you speak of."
I could only nod stupidly.
"I will go," A voice announced. I recognized the man a moment later. It was the Telmarine general, the same very man who had fought me in battle. He gave Caspian a nod of respect, signaling peace.
A familiar woman besides him stepped forward with a baby in her arms. Another man, one I did not know, followed her.
"Lady Miraz?" Duke murmured in surprise. "Damn, she's got dignity."
Aslan took this all in stride of course. "Because you have spoken first, your future in that world will be good." Opening his mouth, he gently released a soft, magical breath of the group of Telmarines. Then, a strange sound came from behind me. Turning, I gasped to see the tree splitting apart.
"Whoa!" Alyssa covered her mouth in horror, thinking the tree was dying. But to our relief, it merely spread into two thinner trunks. A sort of door was formed. Ah, how I will miss magic!
Without needing directions, the band of brave Telmarines stepped through the space... And disappeared. Suddenly, I knew that this was how I would leave Narnia. We would go through the tree too.
Angry voices came from the crowd.
"Where'd they go?!"
"He killed them!"
"How do you know that he is not leading us to our death?"
Repisheep bowed to Aslan and said without fear, "Sire? If my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice through with no delay."
And then, to my dismay, Aslan looked at us. He looked at four of us to be exact.
Peter straightened up, "We'll go."
Edmund gave his brother a wary look, "We will?"
"Come on, time's up," Peter said. "After all, we're not really needed here after all."
Suddenly, Peter left my side and strode towards Caspian. Withdrawing his sword, he handed the legendary weapon to the newest Narnian king. I smiled at the gesture... I really had married a good man.
"I will look after it until you return," Caspian promised.
"That's just it," Susan spoke up. "We're not coming back."
A stunned silence ensued.
"We're not?" Lu sounded devastated.
"You two are," Peter motioned towards his younger siblings. "At least, I think he means you two."
"But why?" Lucy cried to Aslan. "Did they do something wrong?"
"Quite the opposite dear one, but all things have their time. They have learned what they can from this world. Now, it's time for them to live on their own."
"It's alright Lu," Peter spoke soothingly to the distraught young girl. "It's not how I thought it would be, but it's alright. One day, you'll see too. Come on."
Lucy shook her hear furiously, "No! We can't leave! How can you be okay with this? You can't leave Kay again!"
Peter looked expectedly at me. I cleared my throat, "Well, uh, I'll actually be coming with you Lu."
"WHAT THE HELL?" Duke's voice screeched.
"NO WAY!" Will gaped at me, as if I were insane.
"ARE YOU NUTS?" Alyssa threw my arms up.
I winced at their outbursts, "Guys..."
"You're not going with them," Duke closed the space between us and grabbed me roughly by the shoulders. "I made a promise to your father to bring you back. I intend to keep it."
"I'll see him again," I sniffed back tears. "I'll see you all again."
"Oh really?" Alyssa snapped, "It'll be 40 years for you until we're born. And then you'll have to wait another decade until you can talk to us! Sorry, but I really don't feel comfortable calling some old granny my best friend and water polo captain."
"You'll be older than your parents," Will shivered. "Gross."
I ignored them and shrugged off my shoulder bag. Pulling away from Duke, I held out the bag. "Take this."
"No," He growled. "You're coming home with us."
"Duke," I smiled. "I'll see you again... I promise. But I need you to promise me something, okay? There are letters inside this and I need you to deliver them. My parents need to read them... I need to say goodbye to them."
"But-" Alyssa began.
"Don't," I cut her off. "Don't argue with me. I've made my decision and no matter what you say will change it. I love Peter, he's my husband. I can't let him go again... I can't survive a second time."
At that, the three of my friends all gave up. I think the memory of me being nothing but an empty shell after I returned from Narnia the first time, after my death, made them accept my leaving. They didn't want to see me in so much pain again.
"I love you," I whispered urgently as I embraced Alyssa. "Take care of yourself."
"Okay," She started to weep.
As I hugged Will I murmured, "Take care of my girl. Don't let her go."
"Alright," Will nodded.
And then it was time to say goodbye to Duke. He was staring at the ground, looking completely lost. As I wrapped my arms around him, he remained still. "Don't be angry," I pleaded. "Please, don't be angry. Just understand-"
"I do," Duke slowly returned my embrace. "You love him... I get it, I really do."
"You're going to find an incredible woman," I told him seriously. "Someone who makes smile and heart pound just by walking into the room... You're going to find love, I know it. I can just feel it in my bones."
"There's no one like you Kayla," Duke kissed my forehead.
"You're right," I told him. "There's someone better."
And with that, I retreated away from my friends. I retreated from my life of modern technology, high school, American culture, and loving family. I left my old life and began my new one.
Slipping my hand into Peter's, I whispered, "I'm ready."
My husband nodded. Together, we stepped through the doorway.
