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analyssarenae

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2 Months Later

“Derek Nicholas Lato was a good man,” Mark began his speech, speaking into the microphone and holding back tears. He looked over at all of the pictures and then at the casket. He listened to the muffled sniffling and crying and then began speaking again. “He was my best friend. When we met in the seventh grade, he was the new kid and I helped him. I thought after high school we would grow apart but we only grew closer.” He paused. “And most importantly, he introduced me to the love of my life and my wife, Bella.” Mark smiled at Bella and looked up at the ceiling. “Derek, bro, I love you and you’ll be dearly missed.”

The crowd applauded as Mark stepped down from the podium and took his seat between Bella and Danielle. Danielle stood and made her way to the podium. “Hi everyone and let me thank you all again for coming. I know I already made a speech but I left a tidbit out that may help lift your spirits.” The crowd looked puzzled. “Derek Lato will live on…I’m pregnant!” she smiled as the crowd applauded once more.

After everyone else who wanted to speak had spoken, the crowd filed out of the funeral home, once again giving their condolences to Danielle. Bella gave Danielle one last hug after everyone had left.

“Are you sure you don’t need anything?” Bella asked, whispering in Danielle’s ear.

"Yeah. I’ll be alright,” Danielle whispered back.

“Alright,” Bella said. “But if you need to, or want to, you can always stay by us.”g.  between Bella and Danielle. lped.

Danielle shook her head. “I’ll be fine. Really! You go home and relax. You’re due any day now. We don’t need you being stressed so go relax.”

“But…” Bella began.

“GO!” Danielle insisted. She hugged Mark and said, “Thank you so much for everything.”

Mark hugged her back. “Anytime,” he replied.

The drive home was hard. Bella could tell Mark wanted to cry but she knew that he wouldn’t cry in front of her because that would make him seem like a baby. Dinner was even harder. Bella had made grilled chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes. They ate in silence until Bella said something.

“You know, it’s alright to cry,” she said quietly. Her eyes met his and he smiled meekly.

“Real men don’t cry,” he replied gruffly. Bella laughed softly and set down her silverware. She pulled her chair closer to his and wrapped her arms around him. Mark began to sob into her chest and Bella consoled him.

“Shh,” she cooed. “It’ll be okay. Shhh.”

Mark stopped and looked up at her. She smiled weakly at him and he kissed her hard on the mouth. Bella returned the kiss and pulled away. Mark knew it was time.

“Bella?” Mark asked.

“Yeah?” Bella smiled.

“I have to tell you something,” he revealed, kissing her cheek. He whispered in her ear, “I love you.”

Bella smiled. “Really?” she asked.

“Really really,” he confessed, his face hopeful.

“I love you too,” Bella confessed as well.

Mark smiled and lifted Bella in his arms, spinning her in his arms. “I was so scared to tell you.”

“I’ve always loved you Mark. I don’t know why because you make me so mad sometimes,” Bella laughed. “But ever since the night we conceived our child, I knew you were the one.”

Mark kissed her and carried her up to bed. He snuggled in next to her and they fell asleep together watching a movie.