o l i v i a

The world is against me. The universe has stolen every ounce of happiness I have ever felt. In a blink of an eye, my life has become a complete nightmare. I'm hanging on my a tiny thread. The only thing keeping me going is Parker and our baby girl. My lifelines. Because my other lifeline—she's gone.

As Parker drives us to Edgewater for the funeral service, I nervously practice my speech.

Mrs. Bronwyn's younger brother Maxwell reached out to me a few days ago, with a request for me to do the eulogy. Drafting my speech was no easy task. I went through many sheets of my paper, along with buckets of tears. I wrote about the many memories we shared back when life was simple. My only worries were my sisters.

Parker spares me a quick glance. "You okay, Golden Babe?" His right hand continues to stroke my thigh ever so gently.

I bite my bottom lip to prevent myself from crying. "I will be."

We pull into the chapel a few miles from my parent's house. When we step out of the car, I spot several familiar faces. An anxious feeling washes over me. As if he could read my mind, Parker grabs my hand. His presence alone has brought me an immense amount of comfort.

"You want to wait here for a bit, or are you ready to go in?" Parker asks.

"Let's head in. I want to talk to Maxwell before the ceremony starts," I say.

As we get closer to the entrance of the chapel, I adjust the sleeves of my dress. I decided to go with a modest black dress, with lace sleeves and heeled sandals. Thankfully, the dress somewhat conceals my baby bump. Not that it's huge or anything.

Parker looks stunning and clean cut in his black dress shirt and pants. I've seen him in formal wear tons of times before and after hockey games, but he always impresses me.

The soft, melodic music fills my ears, when we enter. Immediately, I spot my family standing toward the front of the church. Despite my bubbling nerves and anger, I suppress my feelings. Today is about Mrs. Bronwyn. I can't be selfish and steal the spotlight. Although, my family probably will. Who knows?

Maxwell stands near the entryway, passing out the funeral programs. "Olivia," he says with a friendly smile. He looks absolutely dashing, rocking the peppered hair look.

For some uncontrollable reason, my eyes start to water. His uncanny resemblance to his sister makes me miss her so much. As if sensing my sadness, he embraces me into a hug.

He hands me one of the programs. A beautiful picture of Mrs. Bronwyn that seems to be recent, is displayed on the front. Her smile that could light up an entire room puts a smile on my own face.

"You must be Parker." He holds out his hand for a shake.

"Yes, sir," Parker says.

Maxwell smiles. "May I talk to you in private? I have some business I need to discuss with you."

Parker looks to me for approval and I nod. Huh? Wonder what that's all about. The two walk over to an empty corner of the church, just as my family begins to approach me. Maybe I can run back to the car.

"Hi, Olivia," my mom says solemnly. Unexpectedly, she pulls me into a hug. A few seconds pass, then my family joins in. This is odd. Really, really odd.

When we all pull back, I watch their eyes roam my stomach. I want to blurt out, Yes, there's indeed a baby in there.

To fill the awkward silence, Emma says, "I'm so sorry for your loss, Ollie. I know how close you were to Mrs. Bronwyn. You were basically her daughter."

"Thank you, Emma," I say.

"We're glad you could make it, Ollie. Parker, too. I know his schedule must be very chaotic, right now," my dad says.

That's an understatement. Parker's schedule is always chaotic, especially now. The night I found out Mrs. Bronwyn has passed, Parker stayed beside me the entire night. He soothed my distraught self. The only time he left was for the Blaze's first game of the playoffs, which they won by the way.

Immediately after his practice this morning, we drove here. The fact that he's here, in the midst of the playoffs, speaks volumes about his character.

Staring at my belly, Abi says, "We saw you on the Jimmy Fallon show."

"Yeah," I whisper.

"You're expecting?" she says. His question is more like a statement.

Thought that was pretty obvious. "I confirmed that on the show." My voice was a sarcastic tone to it.

"Do you know what you're having?" Sophia chimes in.

"We're having a girl." That alone brings a smile to my face.

"Girls are fun. I should know, I have four," my mom says.

Before I can respond, Maxwell and Parker join us. Parker has a slightly shocked reaction on his face. I scrutinize his expression and he tries his best to give me a reassuring smile. That's strange.

"Olivia, we're about to start. I reserved a seat for you and Parker up front," Maxwell says.

My mom puts a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Why don't we meet at our house to catch up?"

I glance at Parker, then back to my mom. Although I'm hesitant, I remind myself that it's time to make amends. "Parker and I have to drive back early for his game tomorrow, but we'll be sure to stop by."

•••

"Leigh Elizabeth Bronwyn. The sweet lady who lived next door. The one that made the best chocolate chip cookies. The woman that encouraged me to follow my heart, no matter what. Without her, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. While that sounds cheesy, it holds so much truth.

She had an immense impact on my life. Her constant determination and loving spirit inspired me, every day. This one time when I stressed about what I was going to do with my life, she told me, 'Olivia Monroe Windsor, you have to get rid of the fear that is holding you back. You must embrace the unexpected. You have to stay true to yourself. There will be people in your life that don't agree with the decisions you make, or judge your actions. Remember, you can't please everyone. Don't let that set you back. Just be you. Be the truest form of yourself.'

Her words are forever engraved in my brain. I never really understood the gravity of her words, until recently. I realized that she was put into my life to guide me through those moments of doubt. Her grace, beauty, and nurturing character serves as an example of the woman I strive to be."

I pause for a moment to collect myself. I told my head back and look up. I want my next words to be directed toward her. "Mrs. Bronwyn, I want you to know that I miss you dearly. I miss every single thing about you. I'll especially miss those chocolate chip cookies. But most importantly, I'll miss your bright, vivacious, sensible nature. I love you so much."

My vision blues with tears. When I finally compose myself enough to look back at the audience, everyone seems in awe of my speech. Maxwell stands from his seat and escorts me off the podium.

"That was beautiful, Olivia. I know my sister is smiling wide at you, right now," he whispers into my ear.

"Thank you. I hope I make her proud," I reply.

•••

When the ceremony is over, all the guests make their way out of the chapel, saying their condolences as they leave. Maxwell comes over to Parker and I. "As we were cleaning up my sister's belongings, we found a box with Olivia's name on it. I have it in my car for you."

My curiosity peeks as we follow him to his car. Maxwell retrieves a medium sized box with Ollie written on the side in black sharpie. "Thank you, Maxwell," I say.

I reach for the box, but I'm intercepted by Parker's arms. He shoots me a knowing look. He's worried I'll hurt myself by carrying it. I am so in love with this man.

Maxwell smiles. "Thank you for the beautiful eulogy, Olivia. And, thank you both for coming out. I know you both are very busy people."

"Never busy for you guys," I respond.

"Good luck, young man," he tells Parker. My boyfriend smiles sheepishly but there's a determined glint in his eyes. I give him a questioning look but he simply flashes his dimples. Oh, those dimples.

We say our goodbyes to Maxwell and head over to my family. "Dinner at our place?" My dad offers.

I nod, then Parker and I head over to his car. Once we're settled, I grab the box from Parker. I excitedly rummage through the contents. I find pictures of me with my horribly self-fit bangs, along with photos of me going through my awkward, puberty phase. Ahh!

To my surprise, I also find her chocolate chip cookie recipe. I never asked her for it because I loved going to her house to eat them. It was our tradition. I'll have to start a new tradition with my daughter, in Mrs. Bronwyn's honor.

I even come across old Vogue magazines. The pages have a yellow tint and the corners are tattered. Tears threaten my eyes when I spot her locket. Inside, there's a picture of her and her husband.

I gasp when I find a few knitted items in pastel colors. I lift them out of the box and inhale sharply. Baby clothes. There's a beanie, and coat, and socks in a soft yellow shade.

Lastly, there's an envelope addressed to me. I quickly tear it open.

My dear Ollie,

As you know, I've taken up knitting. I made a few baby clothes in class. They're not the best, but I hope they'll do.

I am so glad you had a chance to visit me. It was great seeing you so happy with that handsome lad of yours. The way he looks at you reminds me of the love I shared with Mr. Bronwyn. Parker is surely a keeper.

Olivia, you make me so proud. Watching you grow into a young, independent woman has been my greatest honor. I can't wait for your next chapter in life as a mother.

Please, come visit after your little baby is born. This child is going to be so blessed because they already have two exceptional parents. And they will be blessed with you and Parker's genes.

Anyways, I cleaned out my house and came across these items that I want you to have.

Always remember, listen to your heart, love wildly, and live freely.

Love, Mrs. Bronwyn.

________________________

p a r k e r

"Come in, come in." Olivia's mom steps aside so we can enter the foyer.

Olivia's father is outside on the grill making burgers, as the kids play outside. We take a seat on the couch in the living room with Olivia's sisters and their husbands.

I brace myself for the awkward tension. "So, how are you, Ollie?" Emma is first time break the silence.

"I'm good. I have tons of shoots and interviews when I get back to New York," she replies.

"What about you, Parker? Your team is doing really well in the playoffs," she says. "I mean, I'm not much of a hockey watcher, but Colton here, has been filling me in on your victories." She points a thumb at her fiancé.

"We're looking super good, right now. Hopefully, we'll make the playoffs," I say with confidence.

"We're rooting for you!" Emma says. "And, how's the baby?"

"My obstetrician said she's doing well. I've been feeling little flutters in my stomach," Olivia smiles.

"Why didn't you tell us you were pregnant when you came last time?" Sophia blurts out. Abigail elbows her for the accusatory tone.

Olivia swallows and I put my arm around her shoulder, trying to bring her comfort. "If I'm being honest, I was scared."

Frowns replace everyone's features. "I was never the perfect daughter like you all were," she says. "I didn't go to college, I didn't go to medical school, I didn't marry a surgeon..." She turns to me, stifling a smile. "I never wanted a surgeon, by the way. Hockey players are much more my type," she whispers, then turns back to her family. "What I'm trying to say is, how was I supposed to tell you guys I was pregnant, without facing your harsh judgement?"

Her mom shakes her head. "Ollie, you were more than good enough," she states with a solemn look on her face.

"Was I? It didn't seem that way, especially when I last came here," Olivia explains. "You guys criticized me on my weight, despite knowing that I struggle with body dysmorphia. You guys teased my modeling career," she adds.

Understanding takes over their features. To my surprise, Sophia is the first to talk. I don't know much about her, but she seems the most reproving toward her little sister's life. "I'm sorry, Ollie." You can tell from the tears brimming her eyes that she's genuinely sorry. "Honestly, there's no excuse for how I treated you. I guess, I thought I was fulfilling my duty as your older sister, when I was really hurting you. I'm sorry I made you feel like your accomplishments never measured up to ours. If anything, your accomplishments are ten times better than mine," Sophia adds.

Olivia's quickly wipes the tears sliding down her cheeks. Sophia stands up and takes a seat next to us, wrapping her arms around her sister. "You are a rockstar, Ollie. I'm truly sorry I made you feel the opposite. I'm the worst older sister ever." They both laugh.

Emma and Abigail join their embrace and apologize profusely for how they've treated her. I can't tell if they're crying or laughing. Oh, the estrogen. Their mom decides to get in on the embrace, adding her share of tears. Even I'm a little emotional.

Papa Windsor comes in with a platter full of freshly grilled burgers. "Food is read- woah, what did I miss?" His face looks horrified by the huddled crowd of women with wet eyes and mascaraed cheeks.

"We're apologizing to Olivia. Something that is long overdue. Dad, did you know how badass your youngest daughter is?"

He smiles proudly. "I knew that since the day she was born, when she refused to come out of your mother's womb." Everyone chuckles at his comment.

We all stand to head in the dining room to eat, but Olivia grabs the sleeve of my dress shirt. "I know I told you this a million times in the car, but thank you for coming today."

I kiss the corner of her mouth. "I'm always going to be here for you."

"And I never doubted that."

•••

Peaceful and content snores come from beside me. I glance at a sleeping Olivia. I place my right hand on her growing belly, while my other hand controls the steering wheel as I drive us home.

My hand moves in little circles over her baby bump, careful not to wake Olivia. I reflect back on the events of this year: being named Blaze team captain, finding out I'm going to be a father, falling in love with the one person that makes my heart burst, and making the playoffs.

I think back to the days when Greyson and I played for the local hockey team. Just teenage boys with big dreams. Grey is probably watching me from above, laughing at me. He'd say, "You are the luckiest bastard on the planet.  You have the most beautiful woman beside you, the cutest baby girl on the way, and you're destined to win the Stanley Cup." Grey, I owe it all to you.

Being at the funeral, brought back memories of Greyson's funeral. When he passed, my entire world felt like it was crumbling. After months of grieving, I turned my pain into a renewed passion. And, here we are today.

Which reminds me, Grey's parents are coming to one of my games. A tradition they've done since I was drafted into the NHL. It'll be nice to see them again and it'll be a nice reminder of their son.

Before I know it, I'm pulling into the parking lot of our condo. I exit the car and head over to Olivia's side. When I reach over to unbuckle her seat belt, I remember the envelope I stuffed in the glove compartment when Olivia wasn't looking. Well, it's probably a good time to read it, while Olivia is asleep. I quietly grab it and close the passenger door.

a few hours earlier...

"Sorry to steal you away from your girl," Maxwell apologizes.

"No worries." I look over at Olivia, who's talking to her family far away from where Maxwell and I are.

"So, I wanted to talk to you about something very important," he explains.

He takes out a letter and a box from inside his suit jacket. "Olivia can't know about what I am about to tell you."

My brows furrow. "Okay," I reluctantly say.

"As my family and I were going through my sister's belongings, we found a letter addressed to 'My Dear Ollie's Love.' On the back, there was a post-it note that said, 'Please give this to the lucky guy who captures Olivia's heart. I hope that man is Parker Baylor. Fingers crossed.' Maxwell and I both chuckle, mine more nervous than his.

Maxwell puts a hand on my shoulder and looks me straight in the eye. "I know you must be overwhelmed. Leave it to Leigh to bring pressure. I see the way you look at each other. You're the guy for her."

present...

I take a deep breath, then exhale loudly, before opening the envelope.

Dear Mr. Lucky,

If you're reading, congratulations, you've stolen my dear Ollie's heart. But that also means, I died and didn't get the chance to give this to you myself.

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Mrs. Bronwyn, Olivia's neighbor, or was her neighbor. I keep forgetting that I'm possibly dead when you read this. My apologies! So, you're probably wondering, what the purpose of this letter is.

Well, I wanted you to know something. Olivia is very precious to my heart.... And, if you're reading this, you are very precious to hers. That comes with a huge commitment that you MUST fulfill. First, you need to make her chocolate chip cookies, every Sunday. Second, be her biggest cheerleader and support all of her aspirations. Lastly, love her with ALL of your heart.

Honestly, if you're the one for her, you should already be doing this. Anyways, I hope you're not freaked out by this note. Don't be! Feel honored that the most beautiful and kind woman to ever grace this earth, loves YOU!

Love, Mrs. Bronwyn

P.S. Hi, Parker Baylor! If you are not Parker, this is awkward... Anyways, good luck ;)

I guess, that chocolate chip cookie recipe will come in handy for Sunday's.

________________________

a u t h o r ' s   n o t e

hi, friends! i hope you liked this chapter. this will most likely be the last update of the week. i'll try to post a new chapter every saturday and sunday (not including this week).

stay tuned for more :)

xx,
moony