Brody - Ellie Masters Page 0,89
home instead of inside a sterile and cold hospital room. I knew it would be hard, but I never thought it would be this unbearable, this devastating.
I hate cancer.
Her disease was horrible, heartbreaking in the way it bled away her vitality to leave only this husk of a body behind. She battled the cancer, enduring treatment after treatment, for me. To ensure I was able to complete my education before this day came.
That battle drained her finances, wiped out her savings, and put the future of Atwood Estates in jeopardy, but this is what she wanted. To fight long enough—to live long enough—for me to be in a position to take over her legacy.
“I won’t fail you, Mother.” I lift her hand to my mouth and kiss the back of her hand gently.
A soft sigh escapes her mouth. She hasn’t moved since I arrived, but I hope she knows I’m here. I’m here in the home where we pieced together a life of happiness, just the two of us. In spite of her disease, I’d like to think her last days were good.
Her strength and determination to fight and hold on for as long as possible is something I’ll never forget. Her laughter is something I’ll carry with me forever. She’s the bravest person I know.
“I’m going to miss you.”
A presence shifts in the doorway and I glance up. Brody stands like a guard, his back to me as he faces out toward the living room. He’s close, watching over me, but gives me the space I need to say my goodbyes.
“Do you want to come in?” My voice shakes, but I manage to get the words out.
“I don’t want to intrude.” He shifts, pivoting to face me.
“You’re not.”
“Is she…” Brody surprises me with the hitching in his voice.
This affects him.
“Not yet.”
While the drive home passed in a blur, I’m fairly certain Brody broke every speed limit to get me here as quickly as humanly possible.
“Do you mind if I come in?” Hesitation isn’t something I’m used to seeing in Brody La Rouge. I stretch out my hand, urging him to join me. I need him beside me, something to hold onto, someone to lean on.
This is harder than I thought it would be.
He crosses the room and takes my hand, then, he shifts around to stand behind me. Strong fingers dig into the knots in my shoulders. I close my eyes and feel him lending me his strength.
I take a deep breath for the first time since getting the call from Mark. My mother is going to die, but I won’t be alone. I sniff and look down at my clothes.
“I’m going to change.”
He shifts back to give me room to stand. “Do you mind if I stay and say a few words?”
“If you want to.” I wipe at my cheeks.
Mom isn’t happy Brody’s back in my life. She won’t be happy about what we did last night. He knows this, and I think he needs a moment to tell her he’ll never hurt me again.
“I do.” He sits on the stool. “I’ll just keep this warm for you until you get back.”
“I won’t be long.” As much as I love wearing Brody’s clothes and being enveloped in his scent, I’m not comfortable wearing them around my mom on what is surely her last day.
Mark sits on the couch, head bowed, hands clasped together, body shaking as he holds himself together. I thought that would be me, that the months watching her health decline would’ve prepared me better than this.
I’m falling apart, and I think the only reason I’m keeping myself together, even as poorly as I am, is because of Brody. Things changed between us last night. I hold on to that because there’s no way I’m making it through Mom’s final moments alone.
Thirty-Three
Brody
Grace’s mom’s thin frame looks so small and frail. It feels weird being alone with her, but I’m happy to have a moment. There are things I need to say, and maybe my words will give Lucy Atwood a bit of peace.
I keep my voice low.
This is private. I’m not ready for Grace to hear what I have to say, but it’s the truth. One I’ve known for far too long.
“I’m in love with your daughter, Mrs. Atwood. I think I always have been. I’m sorry I hurt her and ask for your forgiveness. I was young, stupid, and an idiot. I focused on things that didn’t matter. Out of all those kids I tried