“I promise to give you stability,” Nathan said, as he walked up to us. “Emotional, physical, and financial stability. I know our emotional stability is that of a teenager, but we have all talked to someone since you left, and worked on ourselves to be better for you. Cal has even seen a doctor to make sure he isn’t suffering from the lasting effects of fighting. I promise to hold us accountable because we need to give you everything you deserve, and that means a better version of us. We know you’re financially stable, but give our egos a boost and let us pay for stuff.”

Aiden walked up to me last. “I promise to give you love. It’s been a while since I’ve given a piece of myself, but a life without you, Jane, is dull, damaged, and dark. I need your laughter, I need your positivity, and I crave your love. I used to think I only needed the guys to live a full life. That’s not the case anymore, because without you, Jane, we don’t make sense. I promise to hold us accountable, to keep our love honest, stable, and everlasting.”

Aiden put the necklace around my neck. “This is to remind you that we will chase you beyond the horizon every day.”

I sobbed in relief, crying into my hands as they all hugged me, surrounding me in their love. Each of them kissed my face, whispering how much they missed me, needed me, and loved me. I told them I had a speech all ready for them and they beat me to it. They each kissed me with tenderness. Cal was the last one to share a kiss with me. He kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear.

“I once told you it’s ok to lose your breath to feel the burn of life, but when you come back up to the surface, we just want to be your reasons to breathe.”

Epilogue

JANE

1 year later

Aiden, Nathan, and Callum stood around my daughter’s grave. They smiled and laughed, talking about God knows what. I come back as often as I can to tell her how I’m doing, and how much I love and miss her. The guys have taken it upon themselves to speak to her too, but I’m not privy to that information. I think they just do it to get brownie points from me and it’s working, but it makes me happy that they take the time to speak to her.