“Just so you know, I wasn’t planning on going anywhere. I like it here.” She smiled. “And while I am thinking about it, aren’t your brothers going to wonder where you are?”
“Darlin’, there’s not a man out there who doesn’t know where I am and what I’m doing,” I teased.
A light blush crossed her beautiful face as she said, “Seriously? You had to say that?”
“It’s the truth,” I laughed. “But, you’re right. We should grab a bite to eat, and check on the kids.”
We both lay there silently for a few minutes until she finally said, “Okay … I am going to pry myself out of this bed and take a quick shower.” She eased herself up. As she headed into the bathroom, she added, “I’m glad you’re home.”
As soon as I heard the water turn on, I pulled myself out of bed and joined her where I couldn’t help but have one more go with her before we headed outside.
It had been months since I’d seen my brothers, but when we started talking, it was like I’d never been gone. Smokey and I were talking when Cotton walked over and said, “I need a minute.” I nodded and followed him into the bar. As soon as we were seated, he said, “Looks like you got your shit sorted.”
“I did,” I agreed. “Appreciate you giving me the time.”
“You did good, mapping out the pipeline. Everything will be set to go in the next couple of weeks. You gonna be ready for that?”
“Absolutely,” I answered.
“Good to have you back, brother,” he told me as he stood to leave. “You need help getting Olivia and the kids settled, just let us know.”
“Will do.”
I reached into the cooler for a beer and followed him back outside. Cassidy was standing by one of the picnic tables talking to Olivia, and when she saw me coming towards them, a warm smile spread across her face. Only a few months ago, I thought I’d never want to see her again, thought it would be too hard, but seeing her there talking with Olivia and being the loving person I’d always known her to be made me realize just how much I’d missed her. It was nothing like the way I had missed Olivia. The feeling I had for her was much different. She was a good friend, and I’d let my misguided feelings for her almost ruin everything. But time had a way of putting things in perspective, and I knew if anyone would understand why I had to walk away, it would be her.
I walked over to her and gave her a quick hug as I said, “Good to see you, Cass.”
“Glad you finally made your way back. We’ve missed you around here.”
“It’s good to be back.”
Cassidy looked over at Olivia and smiled as she said, “You got a good one here. She fits right in.”
I wrapped my arm around Olivia’s waist as I pulled her to my side and said, “Yeah, I think she’s a keeper.”
“Definitely a keeper.” Cass smiled.
Olivia cleared her throat and smiled as she said, “Umm, you do know I am standing right here. Right?”
I looked down at her and, just before I kissed her, I said, “Yeah, I think you’ll fit in just fine.”
Three years later.
I’d heard that time had a way of healing all wounds, but for a long time, I had my doubts. I never thought I’d be able to find true happiness after I lost my parents and the life I’d created back in Boston, but I did. I was truly happy, and the kids were, too. Clutch and I had built a life together, a good life, and each day seemed to get better and better.
“Every one of these cereals has marshmallows in it,” I told Clutch as he walked into the kitchen.
“And?” he smiled.
“And … they all have marshmallows, Clutch,” I scolded.
“Not sure I get your point.” He shrugged his shoulders and laughed as he said, “Besides, the kids like them.”
“The kids like ice cream, too, but that doesn’t mean they should eat it for breakfast.”
“Ice cream has dairy in it. It’s not so bad.” When I just stood there staring at him, he eventually said, “Next time, I’ll get some of that gross fiber stuff that you like.”
“It’s not gross. It’s good for you,” I insisted. “Are you almost ready to go? We’ve got to be there in thirty minutes.”