Author's Note: It has been such a pleasure writing this story and I hope that you have enjoyed it. A huge thanks to Kat097 for her invaluable guidance and feedback during this long process. I'd like to dedicate this final chapter to her.Thanks so much, Katie! Also, a great, big thanks to all those who have reviewed/commented. The feedback means so much to me. Please leave a review and let me know what you think!
Chapter 25
Epilogue,
Dear Bob,
I hope that all is well with you on your ship. I just received your last letter. Congratulations on your promotion. No one deserves it more than you. I don't regret retiring, Bob. But we sure did have our fun, didn't we? I'm grateful that you were there for me when I needed a friend. I will never forget it. I meant to tell you all this the last time I saw you, but you know me. It's just easier to put down in a letter.
Since the two weeks that you've sailed, we've finally settled into the beach house. We bought new furniture and my lovely wifey has made the empty house into a home. I thought I would have a hard time staying here because of all the bad memories but surprisingly have found that it's easy when you're surrounded by people that love you. I love them all and can't imagine life without them.
Frankie is brilliant. He learns anything I want to teach him. He's one smart cookie, I'll tell you. I've taught him a little about what I learned about photography back when I was in school and he's really taken to it. We bought him a camera for his tenth birthday and he never misses an opportunity to amaze us with his new found talent.
Lizzie's mum, Ma; she insisted that I call her that, is surprisingly pleasant to be around. She smiles a lot more now than I've ever seen and she keeps pretty busy with our closest neighbor, the retired officer. Needless to say, she doesn't spend a lot of time at home.
Things at the fire department are going really well. They tell me that in a year or so that I may be able to promote to engineer. Just imagine your old pal driving a fire truck! Who knows? Maybe in 5 years they'll be calling me Captain Connelly. I love my job and I work with some really great guys. They're like my second family.
There's just one more thing, Bob. It's hard for me to put down in words. I realize now that I have you to thank for my happiness. You knew me better than anyone and mailing Frankie's letter was the best and kindest thing you could have ever done because God knows I probably wouldn't have done it myself. So thank you, my friend. Thank you so very much. Lizzie thanks you too from the bottom of her heart. I am truly blessed and will always be grateful to you.
I can smell banana nut muffins and Lizzie's calling me for tea now so I'll end this here and look forward to your reply. Make sure you call us next time you're in town. Take care of yourself out there and don't forget to save some jokes for me.
Your Friend,
Patrick
"dddda."
"Da. That's right!" Patrick's eyes opened widely. "Lizzie!" he called out excitedly.
Lizzie came out of the kitchen carrying a large cake. Setting it down on the table she glanced around to make sure that everyone was inside.
With eyebrows raised Lizzie looked from her husband to the 7 month old baby in his arms.
"Lizzie! She said da. I heard her!"
Lizzie looked at him doubtfully with a smile. This was the third time today he alerted her to the baby's first word only to his disappointment nothing but various sounds lumping together to form baby gibberish came out of her precious little mouth.
"No seriously...watch! Katie?" Patrick told the little one snapping to get her attention. The baby was focused on the colorful balloons that were hung from the ceiling.
Her turquoise eyes met her daddy's and she gurgled. "Say da," Patrick coaxed.
Katie gurgled excitedly and took off her little fire helmet for the umpteenth time that day revealing curly brown locks. She swiftly inserted the rim of the helmet into her mouth.
Lizzie narrowed her eyes at her husband. He was brilliant with the infant and she adored watching the two of them. "Sure she did." she said and leaned in to kiss Katie on her cheek. She pulled the baby helmet from Katie's mouth and placed it back on top of her head then kissed her husband on the cheek, slapping him playfully on his behind.
Patrick frowned at his daughter's uncooperativeness and Lizzie turned away, heading back for the kitchen.
"dddda."
Lizzie's eyes opened widely and she pivoted around noticing Patrick's delighted expression and looked at her beautiful daughter.
"See? Say it again, Katie. I'm your da….say da!" he said excitedly again pointing to himself.
"da da ddddddda," the little one uttered with a delighted expression. Lizzie and Patrick joyously embraced kissing one another in celebration of their daughter's first word.
Lizzie glanced at the clock and noticed the time. "It's time to sing Happy Birthday to Frankie."
The small group gathered together in the festively decorated dining room. It was a beautiful July day. The sun was shining and the waves could be seen crashing into the shore.
Marie, Lizzie, Patrick, Catriona, Nell, and Ally stood in a line while the rest of the group sang along. Ally held the baby as they signed the Happy Birthday song to Frankie.
"Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Dear Frankie,"
The group signed and sang. Katie, who was inspired by the singing voices and hand movements clapped and wiggled her own chubby fingers attempting to mimic them.
"Happy Birthday to you," they finished enthusiastically.
Frankie had a huge grin on his face as he looked out and saw that all the people he cared about were there just for him on his special day. He appreciated that Patrick had learned some sign language even though Frankie spoke regularly now.
"Thhank you," Frankie told everyone as they applauded.
"Blow out the candles, Frankie!" Catriona waved and called out.
Frankie smiled to his best friend, bent over, and blew out all twelve candles.
Marie made her way to Frankie and embraced this boy whom she shared a close affinity to. They parted and Marie dutifully began removing candles and cutting and serving slices onto plates while Patrick snapped pictures.
Lizzie gratefully accepted Baby Katie back from Ally's arms. Patrick put his arm around Lizzie and kissed her gently on her cheek feeling a wave of happiness wash over him.
Marie smiled and winked to the birthday boy and handed him a plate. "So what did ya wish for, Frankie?"
The birthday boy looked up thoughtfully, then to his mum holding his baby sister, and the man he now affectionately called dad. Patrick smiled proudly and gave him a thumbs up. Lizzie and Patrick looked at each other lovingly then back at the twelve year old. Frankie grinned widely and thought to himself that here in this house he already had everything he could ever want.
The End
A/N: In case you haven't already, come read "The One" where Patrick's life takes a different path. Prior to meeting Lizzie, he contemplates his future with another woman. Check it out!