the passenger door, he murmurs, “Ladies.”
“You can sit in the middle, Brie.” Cassie nudges my back lightly.
Getting in, I scoot up to make space for Cassie. Once we’re all in the cab, and Colton puts the truck in reverse, the back of his hand brushes against my knee. It sends sparks racing over my skin.
“Goosebumps,” he whispers before placing his arm behind me so he can pull the vehicle out of the driveway.
I shouldn’t be grinning like an idiot right now, but I can’t help it. Sitting so close to him has all the butterflies throwing a party in my stomach.
I’m so going to hell.
“Can you stop at the flower shop? I want to get fresh ones for Brady,” Cassie says, and it instantly changes the vibe in the cab from happy to sad.
“Sure.”
My eyes dart up to Colton’s face, and when I see the hard line of grief around his mouth, I move my hand from my lap to his thigh. His hand instantly covers mine.
Colton pulls up to the store, and while Cassie runs inside, he leans down and presses a soft kiss to my mouth. His lips linger on mine for a couple of seconds before he lifts his head. “How are you holding up?”
“Good.” I scrunch my nose. “I’d rather be home watching movies, but…” I let out a sigh, then ask, “And you?”
“I’d also rather watch movies.” He grins. “Lying on the couch with you. Stealing kisses.”
I smile back at him. “I meant, how do you feel about going to the cemetery? Are you okay with it?”
Colton nods, and his eyes dart over to the sidewalk before they come back to me. “I’ll be okay. Plus, I think it’s a good opportunity to introduce you to Brady.”
Cassie opens the passenger door, and I take the bouquet of lilies from her, so she can climb in.
A couple of minutes later, Colton parks outside the Methodist church. I watch as people I’ve never seen before walk into the building.
Cassie opens the door, and it has me asking, “Can we wait until everyone’s inside?”
“Sure.”
A weird feeling spreads through my chest as I watch everyone go inside, and I mutter, “So many people. Did any of them even know my mother, or are they here for my grandparents?”
“Probably here for the press,” Colton replies as he points toward the news vans.
“That’s not good,” Cassie adds. “Stick between Colton and me. If any of them start asking you questions, we’ll leave right away.”
“Okay.”
When the sidewalk is quieter, we climb out. Crossing the road, I ask, “Can we sit in the back somewhere?”
“Of course.”
Colton takes the lead as we near the church. It’s cold inside, and I’m glad I’m wearing a cardigan. My gaze darts over the rows filled with strangers, and knowing my grandparents will be upfront, my eyes settle on the couple in the first row.
I expected to feel something… anything, but instead, there’s nothing as I look at them. Colton takes my hand and pulls me into the second last row, where we take a seat.
A preacher clears his throat and begins to welcome everyone. My eyes go to the massive portrait of my mom that’s standing next to the coffin. She’s smiling in the photo, and even though there’s a haughty gleam in her eyes, the smile seems real.
I keep staring at her eyes, waiting for the guilt to return. But instead, all I feel is uneasy.
There really isn’t anything good I can remember of her.
You hurt me. You made me feel worthless.
I won’t miss you.
Bye, Mom.
When the service is over, we slip out the doors as the other people get up from their seats. Once we’re in the truck, I take a relieved breath.
If Cassie didn’t get flowers for Brady’s grave, I’d ask them if we could just go home. Instead, I keep quiet as Colton steers the vehicle in the direction of the cemetery.
We’re the first ones there, and after climbing out, Colton and I follow Cassie to where Brady is. Colton’s hand finds mine, and he interweaves our fingers tightly.
My eyes dart over the words on the headstone. He was only sixteen.
Sadness fills my heart because his life ended so soon. I’m sure he would’ve been just as happy as I am if he had held out.
“Sorry for only coming now, my baby,” Cassie whispers as she sets the flowers down by the headstone. “I miss you so much.”
Tears well in my eyes, and I struggle to blink them away.
Cassie glances at us and