Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 67490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
I walked inside arm and arm with Garrett, my heart in my throat as I walked up to the front of the room.
Garrett let me go when I pulled the box of ashes from my massive purse and placed them on the pedestal.
My mom sniffled, and I looked over at her to see her standing there without her walker.
“Where is your walker?” I asked.
She patted her thigh. “I’ve been in pain so long that this is nothing.”
I smiled sadly at her.
The thought of her in that much pain was like a stab to the heart.
“That’s good, Mom,” I said as I walked to her and leaned my head against her shoulder.
She pulled me into her arms, and then we were both crying.
God, would it ever get easier?
All I had to do was lean against my mom, and I was crying like my world was falling apart.
And maybe it was.
Maybe it’d be like this for a really long time.
I was twisted and turned, and I wasn’t sure which one of my brothers had me, but I let them take me to the pew at the front.
I leaned my head on said brother’s shoulder and felt everyone fill in beside me.
The pastor mom had asked to say some words about Addison started to speak, and I closed my eyes as I thought about how I would spend the rest of my life missing a piece of my heart.
The funeral was fairly quick.
With so few people, and Addison not being super religious, we’d wanted to be respectful of her faith as well as what she always wanted after her death.
By the time the pastor finished—not once quoting any scriptures or giving any Jesus talks—I was left feeling depleted.
“Shove over, please,” Shayne said.
I peeled my head off of Quincy’s shoulder and stared at Shayne who forced her way into the small space between the pew’s end and Quinn.
Quinn didn’t balk, giving her the space so Shayne could get to me.
The moment she sat down, her arms were around my shoulders, and we were crying with one another.
A long time ago, when I’d found Shayne as a best friend, Addison had been hurt. But eventually, Addison had found her own friends as well, understanding that we didn’t need to be the only one there for the other one hundred percent of the time.
We’d matured a lot, and though Shayne was always friendly with Addison, she wasn’t Addison’s best friend like she was mine.
And I was so thankful that I’d reached out and spread my wings, because I would be a whole lot more debilitated right now if it wasn’t for her.
“What’s next?” I heard Shayne ask.
I turned slightly to see Shayne asking Quinn.
For once, being civil to each other.
Miracles did happen…
“We go home.” Quinn shrugged.
“Actually, I have to go back to Addison’s after this.” I looked at Shayne. “You want to come with?”
Shayne was already nodding. “I just have to tell my brother that I don’t need a ride. My truck is having issues starting.”
I felt the entire pew stiffen.
Shayne’s brother, Costas, was here.
Personally, I loved Costas.
I knew he did bad things.
But it wasn’t like I was going to hate him based solely on the stupid shit he did.
I mean, my brothers probably wanted me to, but this world wasn’t as black and white as they liked to pretend that it was.
“Mom,” I said softly, wiping my tears. “What’s the plan for tonight? Dinner still?”
“Yes, seven.” She stood up, wincing slightly.
My dad stood up beside her and threw his arm around her shoulder.
The two of them looked at me for a long moment before saying, “Do you have something you want to tell us?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Why isn’t your new boyfriend here?” one of my brothers asked.
I looked toward the speaker and found Gable glaring at me.
I nearly laughed.
They really hated that I had a boyfriend. Especially one they couldn’t control.
“The service was beautiful.”
I whirled in Shayne’s arms and found Keene standing directly behind me.
All of my brothers stiffened, having not heard him come in.
“You’re back!” I replied, excited.
“I’m back.” He looked tired.
But him in that suit… rawr.
He reached for me, and I immediately fell into his arms.
He caught me up, pulling me tight against him.
I closed my eyes and breathed in his woodsy scent.
I hadn’t realized how much I needed this until I was right where I belonged. In his arms.
“I’ll give you and Shayne that ride,” he said. “And what’s this about dinner?”
“I forgot,” I mumbled into Keene’s chest. “We’re having dinner at my parents’ house because it’s tradition. Also, I was supposed to invite your sisters.”
“You don’t want my sisters there, because they come with their kids.” Keene chuckled. “But I’m all about dinner.”
“What’s wrong with their kids?” Atlas asked.
He sounded curious, not offended that Keene didn’t want his sisters there.