One month later ...

As a cool September breeze picked up, Henry stepped up to Sarah's grave and kneeled on his haunches. He laid a bouquet of white roses in front of the tombstone. Next to the flowers, he placed the game-winning baseball that Coach Taylor had given him after the Championship game.

For a while, Henry remained kneeling, staring at her name, SARAH LOUIS, etched across the light gray granite. He brushed his fingers across the smooth stone letters, and it filled him with relief that Sarah had gone to a better place.

Overhead, the afternoon sun peeked out of the feathered clouds, casting a golden light over the cemetery grounds. A yellow butterfly fluttered from flower to flower, riding a gentle current of air.

Finally, Henry stood up, his breathing steady and calm. He took a moment to gather the many thoughts rising inside his head.

"Sarah, I might be moving on with my life, but I'll be thinking of you. You can count on that." Henry would always keep a special place in his heart for her. "I was so lucky to find you...to get to know you...and to call you, my wife."

The memories came flooding into Henry's head, each moment a soothing reminder of just how much they loved each other. "You taught me how to be a better man. And I'll never forget you for that." He tried to fight back the tears, but one thin stream trickled down to his chin.

A few moments later, Albert came up beside Henry and put a hand on his shoulder.

"You were the right man for Sarah."

Henry flashed a trace of a smile.

Albert cleared his throat. "I guess I'm pretty lucky I got to know you too." After a beat, curiosity settled into the old man's expression. "Any idea what you're doing next?"

Henry nodded. "I hear the police could use some help with the Vigilantes."

Albert quirked an eyebrow. "You, a cop? Are you serious?"

Henry's lips curled into a grin. "More like a private detective."

Albert shook his head. "That's a bit of a stretch from baseball, don't you think?"

Henry met the old man's eyes. "As much of a stretch as someone trading in his ball cap to start an auto repair shop."

Albert squinted like he was trying to make out what Henry had said.

Three seconds later, the two of them burst out laughing, bent over and slapping their thighs...like a couple of big kids.

After the laughter faded, Henry and Albert started for the black Model T, parked on the dirt road that wandered through the cemetery.

Above, a small flock of birds rose towards the blue horizon. Robins!

Albert shot Henry a wide-eyed look, pointing at those birds like they were some kind of divine message.

Henry shook his head in disbelief. Then a warmth began to fill his heart.

And for the first time in weeks ...

Henry felt a brighter future ahead.