Chapter 9 " Alright , Leroy . You've had a long day . My turn . " and He tried to argue , but I shoved him into the chair . He caved with that helpless smile . " Fine . Just ... be careful . Traffic's insane . " I nodded and stepped outside . Cars jammed the street , horns blaring . I spotted someone in the crowd and waved - then- " Watch out ! " A car shot straight at me . I stumbled , hit the pavement , and the world snapped to black . When I came to , I was in a hospital bed . Leroy clutched my hand , voice shaking . " Thank God . Just a few scrapes - they'll let you out soon . But seriously , be careful . I was freaking out . " He pulled me into a tight hug . I hugged him back , slow , uneasy . Something felt ... wrong . Then it hit me - Grandma . " I yanked away and checked my messages with Jace . The last one still stared back : [ Ava's the only one I see as my girlfriend . ] If Grandma had caught me rereading that trash , she'd have lit me up . But now ? Nothing . No snarky comments , no voice in my head . Just silence . She was really gone . It finally sank in . She'd seen me marry the right guy . She was at peace - and gone for real this time . Three days later , Grandpa took Leroy and me to her grave . We set fresh roses down . Grandpa sighed . " You two go on ahead . I want a minute with her . " Leroy and I traded a look , then walked off quietly . *** Alone , Demi's grandpa traced his late wife's name on the stone . " You came to me in a dream , said Demi married the wrong man . You bargained with the heavens for another chance ... " Always the odd one , talking like you belonged in a storybook . But I know you - your only wish was for her happiness . " Don't worry , I'll protect her while I'm here . When I'm gone , Leroy will step in . Rest easy . " He talked a while longer , then patted the headstone . " I'll be back next year " Five years flew by Leroy and I had a daughter , and somehow we were still disgustingly sweet together . The little trio that used to visit Grandma's grave had officially become four , Leroy crouched down , cradling our baby . I smiled at the headstone . " Grandma , this is our daughter . Her name's Gwyneth . We want her life to be as blessed as her name . " Evelyn - tiny , swaddled , eyes huge - stared at everything like it was brand new , making Grandpa and Leroy crack up " Let me hold her , " Grandpa said , hands already out . Chapter 9 Leroy turned away , scowling . " You've hogged her all day . My turn . " " Oh , quit whining . Five more minutes- " I covered my mouth , laughing at them bickering like little kids . A small bird watched us from a branch , then spread its wings and disappeared into the sky .