The Fire Between High & Lo (Elements #2)

“For always, High?”

“For always, Lo.”

I shrugged.

She shrugged.

I laughed.

She laughed.

I parted my lips.

She parted her lips.

I leaned in.

She leaned in.

Our lips locked, and even though my feet were planted firmly on the ground, I’d never in my life felt so high.

His younger sister Julie sat on my shoulders, looking up. “Yeah, Daddy! Too high!”

“That’s too high,” my five-year-old son Kellan cried, as we walked over to the billboard ladder. He was named after his uncle, who still was chasing his dream of becoming a successful musician, and was getting closer each day.

She was the fire in my soul that kept me warm at night.

Alyssa and I were able to start one of our dreams together: High&Lo Restaurant and Piano Bar. We’d been running it for two years now, and after my children, it was one of my greatest accomplishments. Still, I strived for more.

Seven years, one wedding, one full recovery, two babies, and a stronger love later

“High?”

“Yes?” My palms were sweaty as I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small box. She took in a small breath when her eyes fell to the box, then her eyes locked with mine. “What are you doing, Lo?”

“Truth or lie?”

“Lie.”

“I’m doing absolutely nothing.”

Her bottom lip trembled. “And the truth?”

“I’m beginning to rise from the ashes. I’m only in the early stages of rebirth, but I know as I ascend, I want you to be locked with me forever.” The small box opened, and I pulled out the wedding ring, which showcased two phoenixes coming together, intertwined with a diamond in the middle of their wings. “You’re my healer. You’re my strength. You’re my ever after, and if it’s all right with you, if you’re okay with it, I’d love for you to be my wife.”

“Really?” she softly spoke.

“Really,” I replied.

“To the good days, to the bad days, to the unconditional love that these two taught me to believe in. May we all search for that kind of love, may we all discover that kind of love,” his eyes moved over to me, and a single tear fell down his cheek, as one rolled down mine. “And when we find it, may we hold onto it for always, and always, and always.” I blew him a kiss, and he caught it in his heart before turning back to the couple. “To Kellan and Erika, and their forever kind of love.”

My eyes danced across his face, taking in all of him. His smile was wide and spread to his eyes. His beautiful locks of hair were missing, though. All of his hair was gone, freshly shaved to match his brother. Not only did Erika tear up, but water fell from my eyes.

I loved him.

For always. For always. For always.

“Why is my wedding dress here, Aly?”

I smiled, almost feeling her overwhelmed energy. “I thought you knew? You’re getting married today.”

“What?”

“I said, you’re getting married today.”