It's been five years since we lost Nonna, and nothing has been the same...I haven't been the same. What I used to think was nonsensical wisdom, I now know holds everyday truths. Either I've become quite the detective or she was speaking clearly all along, and I was just too naïve to see it. I'm betting the latter is right. Her wish that one day I'd hear her voice in my head and start piecing together all the things she said to me is now a reality. And I hear her quietly guiding me.

The spring wind blows through the trees outlining the meadow where we spread her ashes. Wildflowers are in full bloom, their scent carried on the warm breeze. Birds hide in the trees, providing a natural soundtrack with their songs. And I sit in the very place I stood on the day I physically let her go.

I can never leave my dad's property without saying goodbye; it's silly since I know she's not really here. The wind carried her away to be with the others who passed before her, but I feel close to her in this place.

The past few weeks have been filled with making brand new memories in the cottage. It remains how it was when she left it to me—the same furniture and decorations. Everything is now worn in from use over the years. I don't think I'll ever bring myself to change the décor. As impossible as it seemed after her death, I did make the best memories of my life in that house. It's seen long passionate nights, conversations that lasted until the sun came up, the happiest of tears, and new beginnings.

Approaching footsteps pull me from my reminiscing. My husband emerges from the trees; his ebony hair remains an unruly mess, his eyes the shade of warm honey, and his jeans still look exceptionally sexy on him. People say time has been good to him as he has moved away from his twenties, but I still see the young man who stole my heart years ago.

Wrapped in his arms is the newest member of our family, Isabel Liliana, Isabel after my mom, and Liliana after Nonna. Kade started calling her Izzy even before she was born, and it's stuck. She's so perfect and small at a year and a half. The pigtails on each side of her head are the same color as her father's. Kade says she has my blue eyes, but I think they're more beautiful. Izzy has his sweet disposition and my unyielding love for our family. As her parents, we both agree she is the most incredible tiny person we've ever laid eyes on.

Kade sits next to me and sets Izzy down. She places each of her little hands on the sides of his face and kisses him on the lips.

"Love you, Daddy," she says in the smallest high-pitched voice and runs out into the field to chase butterflies and pick flowers. She's a daddy's girl through and through, and I can't blame her. The sight of the two of them together ignites a feeling in me unlike anything else. The way she mimics everything he does and his eyes lock protectively onto her, watching her every move. Hell itself couldn't wipe the smile from his face when he's in her presence.

The day I ran after him was just the beginning of our life together. I've spent the last few years on the road with The Remnants as their stage manager. I remember telling Dad how I wanted to work with the clients on tour and not in the office. It wasn't the full truth; I only wanted to work with one act, and that's what I've done.

I checked off the last task on my To-Do list as I spent day in and day out with Kade. He wouldn't let me miss any of the band's milestones. Whether it was award shows, movie premieres, or just a night out, I was there holding his hand and stealing kisses when we thought no one was looking.

Three years ago, Kade stood down an aisle waiting to make me his wife. It was a small service comprised our family and closest friends. He chose not to wear a tie, and I went without shoes. It was exactly what we wanted, and the media applauded us for keeping our wedding a secret. Kade has given so much of himself to the public for so long, and we refused to let them have that day; it was ours.

But the most significant change came two years ago with a bittersweet goodbye. Kade and his four best friends took their place in history as one of the most prominent recording artists ever and left the spotlight for a while. I watched from the side of the stage as they said their goodbye. But new adventures await each of them and the bond they have can never truly be severed. One day when they have accomplished their solo dreams, they'll take the stage again.

Kade has opted to work behind the scenes of music. His love of songwriting has blossomed in the past years, and he's highly sought after. He says he's content for now, but I know there is a piece of him itching to record new music and tour with The Remnants again.

It was after the band separated that I realized I only wanted to be on the road with Kade, so I gave Nicky my portion of the business. He loves it so much, and with a husband and daughter who need me; I can't imagine being away from them for months on end. Besides, Nonna passed too much wisdom down to me, and I have to be here to bestow it upon Izzy.

With a smile, Kade rests his arms on his bent knees and his eyes roam over my face. I'd love to say after so many years together I have him all figured out, but I don't. He surprises me daily. Whether it's seeing his complete fascination when watching Izzy, creating a mind-blowing song, or showing the endless extent of his love for me, there is always something new.

"What?" I laugh.

He plucks a purple follower from in between his long legs and twirls it with his fingers. "I just realized there's something I've never told you."

I raise my eyebrows. "Really? What is it?"

"The day you spread Nonna's ashes, I was here."

"What? How? Why did you never tell me?"

"I hid in the trees." His face is somber and at the same time holds an infinite amount of love for me; it takes my breath away. "I couldn't let you do it alone. You were absolutely beautiful as you stood right here. The image of you letting her go will be engraved in my mind until the day I die. As to why I never told you, you were just learning how strong you are, and I didn't want to take that from you. But I wanted to be present just in case you needed me."

I rest my head on his shoulder, and say, "I always need you. There's something about having you by my side that makes me a stronger person. I'm glad you were here that day, even if it was from a distance."

He tucks the flower behind my ear and kisses me on the forehead.

There was a time in my life when I thought love stories like Nonna's or my parents were limited to a cosmically selected few. I believed I wasn't destined for an all-consuming, undying love like they had, and my story would never hold a flame to theirs. I was so wonderfully wrong.

Our story may not be epic like that of Juliet and her Romeo, but it's ours. The struggles, fights, tears, joy, and love are all part of this phenomenal script that focuses on the love Kade and I have for each other. I wouldn't change one scene, not the heart-wrenching tragic ones or the dark violent ones. I wouldn't undo the deceit or the lost love. Every act is the way it should be, and I live each day in anticipation of the next twist and turn to our story. It's all been staged with extraordinary perfection.