Epilogue
Everyone had gathered around the Carter residence. It had been a few weeks since Heather’s death. Nick was okay, but never smiled. That boyish grin was gone…and the pain of having a lost love shone through.
“Nick, Heather asked me to give this to you when the time was right. She had it made for you, Katie and all of us. I thought that maybe you would want to watch it. Then she made something for us to listen to.” Dee said.
“Please, put it on. What is it?” Nick asked.
“Heather made us a video…and she has something for each of us.” she said.
Nick and the others sat around the living room, watching the television silently.
“Dear Nick and Katie Lynne! Hiya, it’s me…Mommy. I wanted to tell you that I love you both very much. I am sure that since you are watching this, I am gone now. Nick, I hope that you are okay. I know that you must be feeling lots of pain right now…but please know…I don’t hurt anymore…and I am in a better place. Remember the day you saved me from the beach? Well, that was the most beautiful day in my life. No, wait, the was the most special day in my life. The most beautiful day was the day you asked me to be your wife.” he heard Heather say.
“Well, then Katie came along…and our lives were blessed so much. I am so sorry for putting you through so much pain. But, I would never have done anything differently for you or for Katie. I am glad that our daughter is okay. She will grow to be a beautiful young lady, with a father that cares and loves her more than anything in the world. Nick, remember that I will always love you…and you will be in my heart. Oh, and Nick, when you go outside at night…look up at the stars…When you see them twinkling at you…remember me. That is me winking back at you or smiling at you. When you see me…there you will know…that I am by your side. Please take care…and until we are together again…remember…I love you with all my heart, mind, body and spirit. Always and forever.”
Then the others heard their special messages. Dee’s hit her hard, as she soon realized that her very best friend in life was gone.
“Denise, I know that our time together has been so short. In fact, my time with everyone was short. But, you have always been that bigger sister that I never had. You were my best friend, and my sister. I thank you for giving me all the opportunities in life that I never would have had without you. You are the greatest. I hope that your designs go on to make you the biggest and richest fashion designer in the world! And, when you get here to heaven, please bring some of those cool outfits with ya…cuz, girl, these togas and wings are for the birds!!! No, not really. But I want you to know that I will always be right behind your shoulder…watching you. I’ll be standing by your side…in all you do. Forver! Love you!” Heather finished.
She passed on her best wishes to Brian and Leighanne, Kevin, Howie and Kat, and AJ. Fatima was thanked for all the times she helped make life easier for everyone. Jean Louis and Ivan were even thanked, although Heather always knew that they couldn’t stand her.
And after all that had to be said, was said…Dee handed a CD to Nick.
“Nickolas, this is the surprise that Heather wanted to give you. She knew that she couldn’t be with you forever…at least here in the physical form, so she recorded a few songs…for you and Katie. And she also wrote in a journal, every single day for you. That way you could read them to Katie, so that she would know who her mother was.” Dee said as she put the CD in the stereo.
At once, everyone turned their heads toward the music. Heather had recorded several songs that touched their hearts. But it wasn’t until Nick heard the song, that he realized that Heather was there…watching over all of them forever.
“You’ll Be In My Heart”
Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
And hold it tight
I will protect you
from all around you
I will be here
Don’t you cry
For one so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
can’t be broken
I will be here
Don’t you cry
‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You’ll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You’ll be in my heart, always
Why can’t they understand
the way we feel
They just don’t trust
what they can’t explain
I know we’re different but,
deep inside us
We’re not that different at all
And you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more.
Don’t listen to them
‘Cause what do they know
We need each other
to have to hold
They’ll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you have to hold on
They’ll see in time
I know
We’ll show them together
‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Believe me, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more…
Oh you’ll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You’ll be in my heart, always
Always.
And with that, Nick, Katie Lynne, and the rest of the group knew in their hearts that life would live on, and the memory of Heather, a daughter, a friend, a beloved wife, and loving mother, would be in their hearts always.
The End…