Chapter 1

Several months had passed.  The warm summers were gone.  The days were getting shorter, and there never seemed to be enough time in the day.  It was unusually cold for an autumn day in Florida.  Even though the Sunshine State had a “winter”, it was unusual for it to be below freezing like this.  The air was still, no wind, no breeze.  The sky was clear, but the air felt so cold and heavy.

Nick sat atop the hill, overlooking the ocean.  He held a single chocolate rose in his hand as he watched the waves crash over the sand.

“Heather, if only you could see the water today.  The waves look so beautiful.  It is really cold, not like last year.  I remember last year when I was getting ready for the ceremony, that Brian and Howie were grabbing me ice water.  It was so warm, and there I was, all dressed up like a gentleman.  I complained about all the stuff I had to put on, but I knew that as long as it was for you…then it didn’t matter.  I remember your gorgeous body as you walked towards me.  I remember the glimmer in your eyes as you approached me and took my hand.  I will never forget the look of content and happiness on your lovely face when I put that ring on your finger.”  Nick said, closing his eyes to picture it all.

Everything in the church had been decorated in a beautiful Christmas theme.  The lovely arrangements were burgundy colored roses and poinsettias amid dark green splashes of ferns and evergreens.  Burgundy ribbons and bows were placed along the ends of the pews.  Gold highlights could be found throughout the church.  And soft candlelight provided a lovely glow to the church.

The sound of classical music could be heard playing in the background as the guests arrived.  Although the time and place was kept a secret, fans still found their way to the church to get a quick glimpse of everyone.  However, for the first time that anyone could remember, the fans were very respectable and didn’t make a scene.  They lined up along the roped off areas around the church and waited patiently as the wedding party arrived.

“Heather, it was a day we would never forget.  The music was so pretty, but not as pretty as you.  Dee had designed the most gorgeous dress I had ever seen.   You looked like a princess in it.  I will never forget.” he said as he wiped a tear off his cheek and shivered.

“But today, it is so cold.  I wonder why?  You would probably be saying something like, ‘Gosh, it’s Florida…it is supposed to be sunny and warm, why is it so damn cold?’” Nick said, imitating Heather’s voice.

He then started to think back on the events of the day, smiling as he remembered them vividly.  He closed his eyes again as he thought of the wedding.  Pictures and events passed through is mind.

“Heather, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage?  Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as you both shall live?  And, Nickolas, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage?  Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as you both shall live?”

Nick thought of the vows he made…which he remembered as: to love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health.  Did he do that?  Did he live up to his promises?

As he sat there in silence, he thought back over the events from the past year.  Finally, he just blurted out on the hill, “Heather…did I do everything I was supposed to?  Did I give you everything that you wanted and needed?  Please, just give me the smallest sign that I did.  Please.  I really miss you…and I am so afraid.” as he stood up over the grave.

Suddenly, there was a warm breeze that passed over his body.  The sun was shining brightly and the palm trees rustled in the breeze.  He knew at that very moment that things were going to be fine.  Heather had truly been watching over him.  He could feel her spirit there, and with a smile, he said aloud, “Happy Anniversary, Heather.  I love you baby.”

He carefully placed the chocolate rose in the vase at the base of the marble stone.  He touched his fingers to the words that were engraved so elegantly across the front.

“All things are ours because we love~~The earth below, the sky above~~The mountains, meadow, sand and sea~~All things surrounding you and me.   In loving memory of a daughter, friend, beloved wife, and wonderful mother.”

He smiled, and then slowly walked down the hill to where Katie Lynne, Dee, Kevin, Brian, and Leighanne were waiting.  They smiled at him as he picked up his daughter, now 7 ½ months old, and started singing…”You’ll be in my heart.”

And, the day was complete…he had his friends, his beautiful daughter, and in his heart…Heather.
 
 

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