Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 74450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Legend nodded. “Yeah, she did. I know what you mean. The three of us got even closer ’cause of her. She dealt with us individually and had us come together when needed, to help each other out. She knew how to handle us after her death, just like she knew how to deal with us in life.” They all nodded in agreement.
“We’re back together ’cause of her… the three of us.” Caspian shook his head, the strong emotions growing within him. “This is where I belong. Right here in Kentucky, with my wife, my cousin Noah, and my brothers… And it’s crazy, all the stuff I was concerned about going wrong when this all began. Worried about how working from here would go instead of being in Georgia, givin’ up my life there and starting fresh here. I found out that basically, there wasn’t nothin’ to worry about at all. My career is better than ever. I’m accepting speaking engagements and have a deal with Apple podcasts, and now I get hired to narrate true crime books for audiobooks, too. I make more money than I can shake a stick at, which allowed Azure to quit her job and be an artist full time, just like she wanted.”
“She’s so talented… She and Melanie are discussing creating that children’s book together. I think Azure is a good influence on my sister, too.”
“And Azure loves Melanie like she’s her sister. A blood sister. Now, we’re expectin’ a baby… I sometimes can’t believe it. I’m gonna be a daddy…” He knelt down and ran his palm over the cool tombstone, brushing some of the debris away. Then, he lowered his head, paying his respects. Praying silently. He felt Legend’s hand on his shoulder, rubbing it, giving him comfort.
“Caspian, I thought we lost you for a minute there. I didn’t think you were going to pursue your mother’s case, even though you promised you would, and I damn sure didn’t think you’d move back here.”
“Look, Mrs. Florence made us make those promises for us, not her. Just like she showed us. I had no choice, and once I went over to her niece’s house and everything blew up in my face, I knew why she didn’t offer any resistance to me going there. She expected me to—and she was prepared. I think I’m smart, and I am, damn it, but I can’t outsmart that woman. I couldn’t do it when she was down here on Earth with us, and I damn sure can’t do it now.”
“Everything I could have wanted has happened.” Legend stared at Mrs. Florence’s grave, shaking his head in disbelief. He pulled out his cellphone, and selected Dionne Warwick’s, ‘De Ja Vu,’ one of Mrs. Florence’s favorite songs. She always had it playing at the end of the school day. How fitting. “It’s crazy how she knew exactly what we needed, who we needed in our lives to help us achieve these goals, and the perfect woman for each of us. We know the truth… Mrs. Florence picked our wives.” They all murmured their assent. “But she picked women we would have wanted anyway… and that’s what I found so amazing. We weren’t drawn to our wives because of Mrs. Florence. She just found a way to get these women in front of us at the right time.”
“Yup. I almost skipped over English but then, somethin’ clicked. I couldn’t get her out of my mind after our first date. She even used your sister, Legend, to help get the wheels moving. Unlike some husbands, I actually love coming home to my wife, my son and my daughter. I love seein’ their faces and being with them. It’s the best thing in this world.” He gave Legend a pound.
“Man, I never wanted to get married… then Mrs. Florence dropped Desiree in front of me and I was a sitting duck. I looked at them titties and was like, shit!” They all chuckled at that. “But then I looked inside her mind, and her heart…and I was fucked up. She made me feel seen.” He put the song on repeat, and placed it at the grave.
Legend blinked back tears as he ran his hand up and down his arm. “I’ve got my restaurant—me and Desiree are runnin’ that shit like a dream team. The place is paid for in full. We’ve secured some great contracts with various food distributors, and guys, most importantly, I got somethin’ to show for myself. I’m leaving a legacy to my children. My stepdaughter, who’s mine completely as far as I’m concerned, sees what a man is supposed to do… be a provider and take care of his family.
“I love her mother—tryna lead by example. When me and Desiree are gone, we’re going to be buried right next to one another, but I’ll be able to die in peace ’cause my kids ain’t gonna want for nothin’. My son will always be able to say, ‘Daddy made something. He built something. He left me something to work with.’ Generational wealth. My sister, Melanie, is about to get married and is tryna go back to school. I’m so proud of her. I was able to make peace with my father to some extent… We’re not close, but I accept our relationship for what it is, and I’ve made peace with it.”