I lift the key from the bottom of the box with tears in my eyes.
On the surface, there’s nothing special about it. It’s plain, brass, a single key on a ring, but the significance, what it means… that is what makes it so special.
It’s the key to my own place.
When I was getting ready to graduate from high school, I wanted to move out on my own right away. It didn’t make sense financially, especially when I had years of schooling ahead of me still, but I wanted to do it anyway. Then my dad explained how important it was that I stay close to the funeral home—and him—if I was going to make that my career, stating the facts about being close when emergent calls come in, or when a grieving family shows up unannounced. It all made sense, so I conceded, but not without mentioning the old pole barn my grandpa built when they needed it for his car.
It’s sat empty on our property most of my life, ever since my dad had an actual garage built for the car as well as the hearse and lawn care equipment, and I made a half-serious comment about turning it into an apartment for me, and two years ago, my dad started doing it.
I was just as surprised then as I am now, mainly because I didn’t ever think my dad would let me move out of his house, but my need for some level of independence has always been strong, and knowing my dad took that seriously made me love him more than I already do.
“Oh, Dad…” I barely choke back the sob as I throw my arms around his neck. “Thank you. Thank you so so much.”
He hugs me back just as tight and the smile in his voice has a few tears rolling down my cheeks. “I’m glad you’re happy, honey. And I’m really glad they had it done on time.”
I giggle as I let him go, then look up to meet his dark eyes. “This means so much to me.”
“I know it does. That’s why I was happy to do it for you.”
“I can’t wait to get in there and start decorating.” I grin. “It’s going to be the most morbid part of this entire property.”
My dad chuckles as he glances around my bedroom. “Which is saying something, considering there’s a funeral home about thirty feet away and a cemetery across the street.”
I laugh and follow his gaze as he stops at a few different skull knick-knacks, several Tim Burton movie posters, framed photographs of supposedly haunted houses as well as antique medical drawings. There are ravens and multiple Edgar Allan Poe themed pieces, miniature tombstones and tiny little graves. My curtains and sheets are black, my body pillow is a full size stuffed skeleton, and I have no less than thirty red wax candles scattered about other macabre trinkets and oddities.
What can I say? I grew up rather morbid and ran with it as soon as I was old enough to.
“Thank you so much, Dad.” I smile and hug him again. “This was the best birthday present ever.”
Just as he goes to speak, the unmistakable rumble of a motorcycle coming up the drive meets our ears, so he sighs again while excitement swirls in my belly.
“Be careful, please.” He walks over to the window, peering out at my boyfriend who has probably pulled right up to the front porch again. “And check in at some point so I know you haven’t been killed on that death trap.”
“I will.” I grab my purse and sling it over my shoulder, then pick my phone up off my desk and drop it inside along with my shiny new house key. “I love you.”
“Love you too, honey. Have fun… I guess.”
With another giggle, I run into the hall, down the stairs and right out the front door to greet my other best ever birthday present who I haven’t seen in three days thanks to his latest run.
“Damn.” Sam whistles as I lock up and start toward him. “You sure it’s not my birthday?”
I roll my eyes as I stop next to his bike. “That was cheesy as hell.”
“But no less true. You look good enough to eat, Cookie. That dress is really doing it for me.”
“I could be standing here in a burlap sack and you’d say the same thing.”
Sam takes off his sunglasses and tucks them into his pocket as I do a slow spin for him to get the full effect, those beautiful hazel eyes scanning me from head to toe in a sweep I can practicallyfeel. When I walk even closer, my man doesn’t waste any time, just reaches out and grabs my hand before tugging me to him and planting a hard kiss on my lips. A kiss that still manages to make my toes curl despite how quick it was.
“Taste good enough to eat, too.” He grins as he licks my lower lip.
“Speaking ofeat… please tell me that dinner is part of this super secret date you have planned.”
“Maybe.”
“Better upgrade that maybe to ayes, Sofie, or else I’m going to ditch you and walk to McDonald’s.”
Sam chuckles as I throw my leg over the back of his bike and snuggle in close. “I’ll feed you, baby. Don’t you worry about that.”
