all my heart
by unique
chapter 10

Everybody watched silently as Kevin stood up from his seat at the front of the small chapel
    and made his way to the podium.  He cleared his throat nervously, then spoke into the
    microphone.

    "Good morning..." He greeted. "I'm happy to see so many of you here today... to honor my
    wife's... passing.  Cassandra would have been happy to see all of you... again... but..."
    Kevin took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.  He looked up and saw Tyler staring at him
    with wide green eyes.  Kevin straightened and smiled bravely at his son.

    "Cassie loved us... all of us..." Kevin said with a small smile, "And she wanted us to know
    that. Before she died, she wrote me a letter.  If it's okay with you, I'm going to read
    it."  Kevin cleared his throat again, then took out the letter he had found the day Cassie
    had died.

    "'Dear Kevin,'" He read her words again, hearing her voice in his head, "'If you're reading
    this, then you've already found me.  I'm sorry I couldn't say good-bye in person... but you
    know me.  I tend to leave without a word.  Sometimes, though, I regret that I do that.  When
    people leave without warning, the people they love so much think that they weren't loved at
    all.  You know what I mean... Well, I didn't want that to happen this time...'"

    Kevin smiled slightly, then continued. "'I want to start by saying that I love you very
    much... and I will always love you, wherever I go and wherever I am... my heart is with you
    and our baby, Tyler.  Tell Tyler that I love him too... and I will always be with him.  I
    will not break my promise.  I'm watching out for our baby, Kevin... and just because I can't
    kiss him goodnight before he goes to bed, or be there to give him a hug when he gets home
    from school every day, he should know that I haven't left.  I will always be in his heart,
    just like you're both in mine...'"

    Kevin met Tyler's gaze momentarily, then he went on, "'Remember to tell your mom that I love
    her too... and that I considered her the second mother that I always wished for.  The same
    goes for Denise... These two special ladies welcomed me into their arms without a question
    or doubt... for that I am grateful and will always remember them.  As for the guys, tell
    them that they have a place in my heart as well.  AJ, with his silly stories and goofy
    grins... Nick with his generous nature and boyish grin... Brian with his jokes and ability
    to make the saddest day a happy one... and Howie with his quick wit and caring personality.
    All five of them came to be part of the family that I longed for... And the Uncles that
    Tyler never knew...'"

    The guys felt tears slide down their cheeks as Kevin paused, and they could all feel Cassie
    with them.  Kevin had to clear his throat again, but he was determined to finish reading the
    letter.

    "'You are all indefinitely a part of my heart... and I will always love you.  I'm just sorry
    I can't be there to tell you this in person... but I know you'll understand.  Just know that
    I love you... all of you... and I will always be here for you when you need me.  Just close
    your eyes, look in your heart, and I'll be there... with open arms.  All my Heart,
    Cassandra'."

    Kevin folded the letter back up and tucked it back into his pocket.  He looked out at
    everyone in the chapel and smiled slightly. "Cassandra James Richardson might not be able to
    be here physically, that's true... but she left with us the greatest gift that anyone could
    ever offer... She left us her love... and offered us her heart.  I will always remember
    her... and I know that you all will too..."

    Having said his part, Kevin stepped down.  As he headed back to his chair, everyone around
    him started to clap.  Slowly at first, then they were applauding him... well, he and
    Cassie.  Kevin smiled and glanced up at the picture of Cassandra that smiled out at them.
    This one's for you, Cassie, Kevin thought with a grin.

    Years ago, Cassie had admitted that all she ever wanted was love, happiness, and a standing
    ovation.  As Kevin looked around and saw people standing up, dabbing at tear-filled eyes,
    and smiling brightly up at Cassie, he knew Cassie was watching. And she was loving every
    minute of it...

    "I love you, Dad." Tyler said softly, holding Kevin's hand tightly.

    Kevin looked down at Tyler, seeing the same smile Cassie had.  Kevin smiled back. "I love
    you too, Tyler."

    Pulling the little boy into his lap, Kevin kissed his cheek, then looked at Cassie's
    picture.  She seemed to be telling him she loved him and Tyler... reminding them that she
    wasn't completely gone.  Kevin smiled and hugged Tyler again, feeling Cassie's love surround
    them and keep them all safe... with all her heart.

    THE END