Epilogue
Rain fell softly to the ground. Kevin watched sadly as one of his best friends was lowered into the earth.
"I guess this means goodbye, AJ," he whispered, "Forever."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nick leave with his family. As Nick passed him, Kevin said, "Wait!"
Nick looked at him sadly, "Yes?"
"Nick, you must stop feeling guilty about that fight between you and AJ. He knows you didn't mean those things you said."
"I know he doesn't" Nick said as tears started to flood his eyes, "I just wish we talked, before he...before he..." he stopped unable to control the emotion.
Nora put her arm around her husband, "We're really sorry, Kevin," and she led Nick away.
The little girl in his arms shifted uncomfortably, "Uncle Kevin, can we go home now? Maybe Daddy will be there." Crystal asked.
Kevin tried to sound reassuring to his niece, "Yeah, maybe Crystal. Don't worry, you'll see him again...someday," his voice cracked.
Kevin felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned to come face to face with Howie.
"Are you sure you don't want me to take Crystal today? My lawyers said my adoption of her is almost final." Howie asked.
Kevin shook his head, "Not yet, Howie."
Howie frowned, "I am her father, you know."
Kevin looked at him with pleading eyes, "One more day, please. I made a promise to AJ. I would like to keep it for some more time."
"I understand" replied Howie. He leaned over to tuck her hair behind her ear and give her a kiss on the cheek, "Bye, honey."
"Bye Uncle Howie," she answered with a smile.
"You better start calling me dad," he told her.
"Why?" she asked, looking at him, confused.
Kevin gripped Howie's arm, "Not yet, How, it's too soon."
"Ok," said Howie as he turned to leave.
Kevin noticed Brian sitting by himself in one of the chairs, even though the ceremony was over. Paige's funeral had been the day before. This might be too much for Brian to handle. Kevin walked over to his cousin.
"Time to go, Bri," but Brian still didn't move.
"Bri?"
Brian looked up, "We were too late, Kevin. I should have known it was Paige. I called her from the station, and if she didn't confess, I would never have known. If I did, this would never have happened."
Kevin frowned, "C'mon, Bri, all of us didn't know she had a problem. Don't blame yourself, you had no control over her. Let's go home."
The two got up and left the cemetery, wondering if the physical and emotional bruises would ever heal. All they knew was AJ was finally happy, in heaven with his beloved wife. Kevin tightened his hold on Crystal, vowing to himself that he would make up to her all of her losses.
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