It was nice to think Lauren would see them.

His throat was tight, and everyone was looking at him. Right. He was supposed to talk now.

“Lauren was . . . remarkable,” he said, and his voice was strong and full of emotion. “The best sister, daughter, aunt and friend anyone could have. I was so lucky to be her husband.”

He glanced at Rose, who gave him a watery smile and a nod. The only thing she’d ever said about Lauren was how much she wished she could’ve met her. They had a lot in common, Josh thought. Kindness. A huge capacity for love.

“Lauren died too soon,” he continued, “but she lived with such love and happiness, such joy and purpose. In my eyes, she was perfect.” He stopped, swallowing. “She taught me how to live, even when she was dying. Even after she died—especially after she died—she was my best teacher. It’s my honor today to dedicate this tree to her memory. She loved this place, and she loved all of you.”

Everyone clapped and sniffled and wiped their eyes. A gardener was waiting by the tree, and as Josh approached, he set it in the hole and gave a nod.

Everyone was quiet. With his back to the crowd, Josh reached into his jacket pocket, took something out and dropped it into the hole.

His wedding ring. The one Lauren had given him. It gleamed there, nestled against the dark earth. Maybe it would grow into the roots themselves and become part of the tree itself. Josh hoped so.

Then Josh covered it with a shovelful of dirt and handed the shovel to Donna, who did the same. Then it was Jen’s turn, and Sebastian’s and Octavia’s. Darius helped Leah, who said, “I did it, Daddy!” and everyone laughed. The shovel was passed from person to person. His mom, Sarah, Asmaa, Ben.

“You too, Rosie,” Jen said. “You’re family. Don’t be shy.”

Rose looked over at him, and he nodded. Her cheeks flushed, and he knew she was glad to be included.

A little while later, as everyone left through the garden gate, Josh stayed, holding back. They were all going out for lunch, the first time they’d all be together since his and Rose’s wedding a few months ago.

When no one was left and Josh was alone in the garden, he turned back to look at the tree. It seemed as if it had always been there. He couldn’t wait to see it grow.

A small breeze rustled through, ruffling his hair.

For a second, he felt his wife, felt her love wrap around him. She had promised to always be with him, and he believed her. I love you, he thought. I always will.

Rose was waiting for him just outside the garden walls. “You good, honey?” she asked.

“I am.” He kissed her gently and, unable to resist no matter who might see, put his hand against her stomach. “I love you,” he said, because it was true. Then he took her hand, and they caught up with the others, and the sun seemed to glow just a little bit brighter in the vast and brilliant sky.