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April 10 th

“Thank you all for coming. I’m Aaron Matthews, your father's attorney. As I informed you over the phone, Mr. Graham gave strict orders for how he wanted his estate to be divided. We went over his requests thoroughly, and he made sure to express that his word was final. In his own words, ‘ You motherfuckers better be grateful. ’ Aaron read Prosper’s message from a piece of paper. I laughed while dabbing the oncoming tears from my eyes.

Although he’d done his best to prepare us for this, that didn’t make things any easier. It’s been a month since Prosper passed, and the fog has just begun to lift from my mind. Those last few days with him broke me down completely. Watching someone you love slowly deteriorate does something to your soul. The last few days were the worst when he became non-verbal and could no longer communicate with us. Sometimes, he’d smile while throwing up the middle finger. He maintained his zeal until the very end.

“Alright, I’m going to go ahead and get started if that’s okay with you all. I, Prosper Elias Graham, a resident of the City of Jonah Hills, Country of Richland, State of Ohio, being of sound mind,-” I tuned out the rest of his words, and I thought about how quickly life had changed. It’s almost been a year since Renegade found me and brought me back home. I never saw myself moving back to Jonah Hills, let alone moving in with Gee. We sold my house and moved my dogs into his home. They loved all the extra yard space, and it felt good to call his place my home.

When Renegade proposed to me on Valentine’s Day, I thought we would have a long engagement. However, we ended up having a small ceremony a few weeks later. At the time, Prosper was barely hanging on, and we wanted him to be a part of our celebration. He told me that he loved me and to take care of his boy. I made a promise to him that I would, and I had no intentions of breaking that promise.

“Did you bring the chest with you,” the lawyer asked. I nodded my head before setting the chest on the table. We talked about opening it but decided to wait until after the reading of his will.

“Mr. Graham requested that everyone reads their respective letters, and they will explain what is included in your inheritance. I also have some paperwork for you all to fill out, indicating that you understand the terms and conditions.” He opened the chest and then began passing the letters out. I thought I should step out in order to give them some privacy, but Renegade told me to stay. When the lawyer handed me an envelope, I stared at him in confusion.

“Umm, there must be some kind of mistake. I’m not one of his children,” I explained. He gave me a puzzled look before glancing down at the paperwork in his hands.

“You’re Saya Williams, correct?” He asked for clarification.

“It’s Graham,” Renegade interjected. I stifled a laugh because he did not play about people getting it mixed up.

“My apologies, Mrs. Graham. Anyways, there is no mistake here. This letter is addressed to you.” He attempted to hand it to me again before walking away.

I stared at the envelope with butterflies in my stomach. This came as a complete surprise, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from this. Glancing around the room, I watched everyone read over their letters. I could see the emotions all over their faces as they read them. Law’s girlfriend, Asha, rubbed his back as he covered his face with his hands. They’d recently moved in together, and I loved to see how happy Law was. They came and got Saint often, which I appreciated more than I could express. This family spoiled my baby rotten, and I had no complaints. River comforted Triniti on the other side of them, and my heart broke for them.

They were still so young and Prosper had played such a major role in his daughter’s lives. I couldn’t imagine the pain, but I made sure to check on them daily. Our bond had grown even closer now that Renegade and I were married.

After a few more moments of stalling, I finally decided to open the letter. My hands were shaking as I unfolded the paper. I took a deep breath and started from the beginning.

Dear Beauty,

I’ve always prided myself on being a good father. It’s the only thing I’ve ever gotten right in this world. You may not have been my child by birth, but you belong to me all the same. I’ve beaten myself up over the years because I’ve always felt responsible for what happened to you. You were mine to protect, and I let you down.

I know this won’t make up for the pain you’ve endured, but I wanted to make sure you never need a single thing for as long as you live. Enclosed in this letter is a check for 10 million dollars, plus the deeds to two of my apartment complexes. I’ve also added a trust fund for Saint that he will be able to access once he turns 21.

I know my son will take care of you because I raised him to do so. However, I wanted you to have something from me as well. I love you, my daughter. I may not be there in body, but I’m with you always. All I ask is that you pour out a little whiskey for me, every once in a while, and remember the good times. I don’t want y’all to cry over me because I’m in a much better place. I’m sure there are some fine angels up in Heaven to keep me company or maybe a few badass she-devils, depending on where I end up.

Thank you for coming back to us, beauty. Your presence was needed, and I know you’re going to help hold this family together.

Love you always,

Pops

I felt a hand squeeze mine, so I turned to face my husband. His eyes were puffing, letting me know he had been crying, too. I gave him a small smile that barely reached my eyes.

“You know we’re going to get through this, right?” He spoke with so much confidence, I had no choice but to believe him.

“What makes you so sure?” I challenged. I could see a little glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“Well, Pops just made us millionaires, and I got my heart back with me forever. I’d say the odds are looking well for us,” he smirked, kissing the back of my hand.

“I’m blessed and thankful. These last few months haven’t been easy, but I know it’s going to get better. Pops taught us that all a man has is his word, his dick, and his money. One of those things has to count for something.” I couldn’t contain my laughter as I covered my mouth. If nothing else, Prosper left us with so many memories and laughs. Renegade's words were true. Our family was strong, and there was nothing we couldn’t overcome.

“I love you, beauty. Do you know that?” I blushed, staring into the eyes of the man I’d be spending forever with.

“I know. You used to tell me I was made for you when we first started dating.” I smiled while reminiscing about our younger days. Our love has grown so much stronger now, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him in it.

“Damn right! You were made for me then, and you’re still made for me. Don’t you ever forget it,” He leaned over and pressed his lips against mine. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world to have a man who loved me to weather the storm with me. Love is such a powerful thing, and when it’s with the right person, it gives you confidence to take on the world. I thought I’d lost my chance at love, but Renegade had proven that love can conquer anything.

“Thank you for coming back for me.” I rested my head on his shoulders and said a prayer that our good days would always outweigh the bad.

“I’m never letting you go again.”

The End