Chapter 9 - The Empty Chair
Their wedding was small.
No celebrities.
No business executives.
No reporters.
Just family and friends.
There was one empty chair.
For Mr. Walter.
Lily placed a small yellow knitted hat on it.
Adrian stood beside her.
“He should be here.”
“He is.”
She looked at the hat.
“He helped us find each other.”
After the ceremony, Adrian gave Lily a surprise.
A restored canvas bag.
The same one she had carried every day.
Inside was a note.
For every person you ever helped.
The foundation had funded medical care for hundreds of elderly residents.
Lily cried.
Adrian kissed her forehead.
“You taught me something.”
“What?”
“That a house isn't a home.”
She smiled.
“A little late.”
“I know.”
They laughed.
Then Ellie appeared.
“Mommy! Daddy! Walter spit up again!”
Adrian sighed.
“I'll handle it.”
Lily smiled.
“Look at you.”
“What?”
“You're a father.”
He looked toward the baby.
Then toward Ellie.
May you like
Then at Lily.
“I finally understand what that means.”
