“What?” I freeze in disbelief. Has my sister really been pushing us together this whole time?
“I could see there was something between you two since Royal Harbour. Isabelle folded like paper, but you took a little more coaxing.”
“Paper is a little easy.” Isabelle looks over at me, running the stone of her necklace up and down the chain. “Cardboard, at least.”
“Babe, you folded likewetpaper,” Beth states.
“Speaking of Royal Harbour,” Caleb says. “What exactly happened that weekend?”
“Oh yes, I want to know too,” Mum says. “How long have you two been canoodling in secret?”
“Mother, don’t saycanoodling.They were totally fucking.”
“Beth.” Dad sighs, dropping his face in his palms.
“We were not.” Isabelle’s words come out high and squeaky. “Not since then, anyway. Feelings yes, but things really changed, I guess, after that brunch I had with you and Tenley.”
When Isabelle raises an eyebrow at my sister, it’s like there are words unsaid, especially when my sister splutters on her cider. I definitely want to know more about this brunch they had.
Grandpa clears his throat, redirecting the conversation. “When can we expect my first great-grandchild to be here?”
That’s another thing that has made Isabelle feel truly heaven-sent. I look at her now, and I don’t think there’s any denying the stars I have in my eyes just for her.
“Early October.” I brush Izzy’s hair over her shoulder, leaving my hand at her nape, caressing the back of her neck.
It used to be a time of the year I’d dread, marking the anniversary of when I lost my best friend. Now, it’ll be the time I celebrate the life of my child.
It makes me wonder if I’ve ignored other signs August might have sent me before now. Helping to guide me onto new paths of happiness, or was he waiting until I was ready to be led, ready to be the man they needed me to be? The man I wanted to be.
Five years ago—hell, even a year ago—would I have entertained the idea of sharing a life with someone? No. I would have pushed them away, scoffed at the remote possibility of letting someone into my mind, my space, and definitely my heart.
I watch as Isabelle talks easily with my parents, smiles at my brothers, and laughs with Beth, proud that my journey has led me here.
A man who has dragged himself out of the shadows and welcomed the opportunities of life. Accepting that things don’t always go your way, no matter how hard you try to control them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a good life.
August should’ve had more time. He should’ve had a full life. But I still carry him with me everywhere I go, honouring his memory and living for both of us.
A rough exhale passes my lips as I try to picture what August would do if I told him I was going to be a dad. What he might look like now, what his life would be.
“Are you alright, angel?” Grams puts her hand on mine, and I nod.
“Yeah. Just thinking of August.”
The table falls silent, and I know it’s because I never talk openly about him. I see it now, how much I’ve hidden him along with my grief, and that needs to stop.
“Isabelle, how have you been feeling with your pregnancy?” Lex asks.
“A little more tired than usual, but mostly fine.”
“They offer prenatal yoga at the studio Caleb and I go to. If you ever wanted a buddy to go with, I’d be happy to join you.”
“Oh, thank—”
“Wait, wait, wait. I’m sorry, Lex.” Mason snorts. “You and Caleb do yoga together?”
Caleb leans forward, glaring around Lex at our younger brother. “Yeah, so what?”
“Oh, nothing,” Mase says on a wheeze. “I’m just imagining you doing something like downward dog, and looking so—”
