had dinner a lot and we even went shopping. She was doing so well, Trav,” JL said, unable to control the tears.
“I knew, darlin’.”
“You did? Twin telepathy?”
“No, I saw you at EE’s a few times,” he said with a slight chuckle. “I didn’t want to say anything because you’re a grown woman and I’ve warned you about her enough. I also know how much you’ve always craved a relationship with her. I watched you two from afar and she seemed better than I’d ever seen her. I trusted your judgment to do what you felt was right.”
“And I was wrong,” JL said.
“Were you?” Travis asked. “You had a great month with her. You made amends and you were happy. You got some sort of closure and I…” He cleared his throat. “She died thinking I hated her.”
JL threw her arms around her brother. He was grieving more than she’d realized. “No. We talked about you. She knew how much she screwed up. She didn’t expect forgiveness. She was proud of you and she loved you very much. She knew you didn’t hate her. She knew you were staying away for self-preservation reasons. Don’t do that to yourself. Don’t do the what-ifs thing. It’s not worth it and it won’t get you anywhere.”
“Love you, sis. We’re going to be all right, you and I,” Travis said. “We’ve had it tough, but we’re fighters and things will be okay.” It was as if he was trying to convince himself, and it hurt her heart to see her twin brother struggling.
“Of course they will, honey.” She hugged him back. “See you tomorrow, Travis.”
So many thoughts swirled around in her head, but nothing was as prominent as the pregnancy and Enzo. She needed him. Not just because of the baby, but because there was no one else she wanted to be with right now through the tough times that lay ahead. But he hadn’t been back and it had been weeks already. She didn’t want to be with a man just because she was pregnant, but suddenly it felt imperative that he know about the baby. She picked up her phone and rang his number, but he didn’t answer. She sent a simple text: I need you, please call me. Then she dragged herself to her room and slept the rest of the day and well into the early morning.
—
JL felt totally alone even though everyone she knew was at the funeral. The morning was hot and muggy, as was the norm for Florida, and Enzo had not called her back, which made her nervous and sad. He should’ve been back by now. Hell, he knew that the pregnancy was a real possibility and he hadn’t even asked once about it.
She felt numb, and all she wanted was to get home and hide under the covers. There was nothing anyone could say or do that could make her feel better; only time would make the pain in her chest feel less constricting. She was going through the motions, greeting people as they gathered by the entrance of the small church and listening to everyone’s pleasantries, giving the obligatory awkward smile. She was worried about Travis, who was standing quietly by her side in his black suit and matching Stetson.
As she was about to walk inside the church for the commencement of the service, a cab pulled up. From it emerged Enzo, looking ragged and uncharacteristically disheveled. He handed the driver some money, then looked around until his eyes met hers. He set his luggage to the side and walked in long steps toward her.
She didn’t want to need him. She didn’t want to need anyone, but for some reason seeing him was too much and the dam finally broke. He opened his arms and she threw herself on him, a long deep sob rushing out of her.
“Shh. I’m here, baby,” he said, and she continued to weep. “I’m sorry about your mother, sweetheart.” She cried for what felt like hours as he held her in his arms. When she felt the tears subside a little he led her inside, where everyone had been patiently waiting for her.
JL didn’t remember much about the service. It was very surreal. The only reason so many people were there was to support her and Travis. No one cared much about her mother, which just furthered JL’s sadness. Enzo held her hand throughout the entire service and was her anchor every time she felt herself losing her resolve to