“Connor-”
“I know, I know.”
“Then say it.”
He sighs but it isn’t out of annoyance. “I’m the best thing to ever happen in your life.”
She kisses his forehead and pulls him in for another hug. Pulling back she grips his shoulders and looks him straight in the eyes. “Which means you don’t ever blame yourself; you hear me? I don’t want to hear those words.”
“But-”
She says firmly, “But nothing, Connor.”
He sighs heavily, hanging his head. When he looks up at her through his lashes I see the tears shimmering in his eyes.“That future I see for us,” he begins on a hoarse whisper, holding back the tears, “I wish it would come faster.”
“It’s coming, Connor,” Grace assures him in a soft tone. “I promise you it’s coming.”
He nods his head. His eyes then find mine and I’m paralyzed by what I see in them. Hope.
Backing away from his sister he walks over to me and before I can get out a word he wraps his arms around me the best that he can given my large build.
Wrapping my arm around the little guy I become choked with emotion.
“You’re a part of our future, Oak. I want you to know that you’re one of the best parts of it.”
Thousands of bombs go off inside me obliterating everything. The lump returns in my throat but this one ten times worse. Tears burn like flames at the back of my eyes.
“I’ll make sure you get that future you see, Connor,” I promise him. Pulling him back I kneel I front of him and look him straight in the eyes. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
He smiles while his eyes look at me as if I’m a hero. “I believe you.”
I ruffle his hair again and his smile becomes wider. As I get back up I pat him lightly on the back. “Alright champ, you heard your sister. Time for bed. In the morning I’ll make breakfast for you.”
His eyes light up like a kid on Christmas. “Chocolate chip pancakes?”
“Chocolate chip pancakes.”
“Yes!” He fists pumps the air. “Alright, I’m headed to bed. Love you, Oak.”
My voice sounds strangled as I reply, “You too.”
Strolling away with more pep in his step and high spirits he gives his sister one final hug and tells her he loves her before finally heading to bed.
We stand on opposite sides of the room but as soon as we hear Connor’s bedroom door shut we both close the distance to each other.
Bending at the knee I wrap my arm around her lower back and hoist her up. Her arms automatically lock around my neck as her legs wrap around my back.
And I feel the all the tension leave her body as she melts against me. Her face is buried in the crook of my neck and I can feel her lips press the softest kiss on my skin.
I weave my fingers through her hair and cradle the back of her head. Then I press a kiss to the top of her head.
Her body relaxes further. My touch offering her solace.
“What’s wrong, baby?” I ask her in a soft tone.
She kisses my neck again before tangling her fingers in the ends of my hair. “I don’t want to tell you, Oak.” Her voice is muffled.
My brows furrow. “Why not? I can help you fix it, Grace. I promise you that.”
