Love Lasts Forever

We were all taking Garret’s unexpected departure rather hard. Even though we knew that it would happen eventually, it was still difficult to accept. He called us every evening and talked about his new life. I never heard anything about him finding a girl, it was always about his job, or some new thing he bought for his house. While I felt happy for him, I always thought about that old man from when I was 25. The man who had given me this land, and when he left he told me, “Don’t let your mind become overwhelmed with one task, or your legacy will end as mine has.” I knew I had done everything I could to ensure the Greymane name would be carried on. Garret seemed too focused on work though, and I wondered if someday he would be like that old man.

That was Garret’s life though, I could no longer interfere with his plans. Instead, I spent more time getting to know Joshua. I hadn’t told him my plans for him becoming my heir, but I was sure he knew. There were a few times that I almost told him as I passed by, but my nerves would get to the best of me and I would end up awkwardly walking away.

Joshua and Layla had bonded unexpectedly after Garret left. I would always find them together laughing, joking, and goofing around.

It was a joy to see them so close. Joshua really opened up and I saw him at home more often. He would openly play guitar for us and Carlotta had been giving him painting lessons.

I watched him paint one day and couldn’t help but see that same artistic passion that Carlotta always had.

I guess you could say, my life was pretty grand. I may not have become a top scientist, or a famous anything, but my family made me feel like I was the best thing that ever happened to the world. I owed it all to Carlotta. Without her love, none of this would have ever been possible. Our days were becoming more and more limited, and we devoted ourselves to be together until the very end.

After a day of gardening for me, and painting for Carlotta, we always made sure we ended our night together. Only the creator would know when we were going to part, so we would tell each other how much we were still in love. We were blessed for all we had and for everything that had happened to us.

We were ready to go, life had just become a waiting game. Of course we worried what the afterlife was like, but our fears were comforted by the knowledge that we would always be together no matter what.

Love was always budding in the least expected places. I knew that Joshua still had his lady friend, although I had never met her, nor did I know her name. His song lyrics were always about her, though, and I could tell his feelings for her were as strong as the ones I had felt for Carlotta so many years ago. He told me he had asked her to prom; she told him yes.

Layla had a male friend that she always hung out with. His name was Alex, and he was a cute kid. I didn’t see the passion between them, even though I knew she really liked him. I was surprised when she received a call one day from a kid named Kevin. He asked her to the prom, and I heard her tell him she would love to go with him. I hadn’t met him before, but love works in strange ways.

A few days later, Layla and Kevin were an item. I would constantly be witness to them lip locking in my house. I wasn’t thrilled about the idea, but I wasn’t about to break up any chance at love.

The day of the prom, Joshua was in a frenzy to get cleaned up and looking good for his lady friend. I learned that her name was Connie, but I still had not met her. Layla get prettied up for Kevin, and he arrived via limo to take them all to the dance.

Connie had told Joshua that she would meet him there. I don’t know why she didn’t want to come to our house and meet us; but we all respected the relationship Joshua had with her. I assumed that someday she would be my daughter-in-law. That is, if I was even lucky enough to witness it.

When Joshua arrived at the dance, Connie was nowhere to be seen. He stood outside and waited for her for almost an hour.

Layla finally came out and told him that Connie had been inside the whole time, dancing with other guys.

The rest of the night was kept secret by both Layla and Joshua. It seemed that everything went well, since they were crowned King and Queen. All the next week they always sharing little glances followed by sneaky smiles. I never questioned what happened. It wasn’t my business, if they wanted to share with me, they would have.

A few months after the prom, it was time for Joshua to graduate. A beautiful gal named Kirsten Quinn was the valedictorian, her speech was nothing compared to what Garret’s was. After she finished, we all applauded. Diplomas were handed out and the ceremony was over. Joshua was ushered out behind Kirsten.

Joshua searched the crowd for me; when he finally saw me headed his way, a huge childish smile spread across his face.

“I did it dad. I am finally an adult, free to take control of my life. Free to make a name for myself.”

I nodded my head, “You will go far, son. You just have to put your mind to it.”

I put my hand out offering a congratulatory hand-shake. Joshua grabbed my hand and pulled me in, throwing his muscular arms around me.

“I love you dad.”

It was the first time I had hugged Joshua since he was a toddler. It was wonderful to hold him in my arms again. I had made up with my son, and it was one of the best feelings in the world. I couldn’t have been more proud of my life at that moment.

Chapter Ten: Another Day