“Of course. Just trust me, big brother. Grab onto her and don’t let go.” Molly’s crying now. “You think you have all the time in the world, but you don’t.” I wrap my arms around her. “I’m okay, Keet. Just get back in there and do what I say.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I watch her pull out of the lot and feel a warm hand on my arm. “Your ex-wife is amazing and cool. I can see why you get along so well with her.”
“Yeah, she’s alright.” I turn to face her. Bringing my arms around her, I pull her into me. Sighing, I realize it’s been hours since I’ve even touched her.
“Your sister is so nice and pretty. And that baby, Keeton. So beautiful.”
“She is.”
“I can see Madalyn’s got Molly’s mouth but her eyes. Do they look like her daddy’s?”
I’m quiet for a minute. I’m not sure if she knows. “She looks a lot like Adam.”
“Where is he?” she looks toward the shop. “Does he work here?”
Nope, they didn’t tell her. “Adam...Adam is dead.”
“Oh, no!” she says shocked. “How?”
“He was an Army Ranger. He was killed in Afghanistan a week before he was done.”
“Oh, no.” Lainie’s voice has gotten so soft. Her chin and bottom lip are quivering. “Did he get to m-meet her?”
“No, baby.” I use my finger to swipe a tear that just slid down her cheek.
“I-I think that’s just about the saddest thing I’ve ever h-heard.” She’s full-on crying now. “Poor Molly,” slips out between sobs, “and Maddy.”
I hold her tight against me, running my palm up and down her back attempting to soothe her. “Shh, it’s okay. Molly’s strong. She’s got all of us to support her to love her and Maddy.”
“I know,” she cries, “but, it’s not the s-same.”
“Shh, honey. I know. Adam was my best friend. We all miss him. It’s a loss we feel every day.”
“Your best f-friend?” she wails. “Oh, my gosh, Keeton. I’m so sorry. It makes my troubles seem so insignificant. My heart breaks for all of you.”
I know she means it. Her heart is all in with the people she cares about––even people she just met. “How’d I get so lucky to meet you?”
She blinks up at me, tears are clinging to her long lashes, mascara is staining her cheeks. “Really?”
“Really. Now, come on. Let’s close up shop. We’ve got a date tonight.”
“Oh,” she sounds disappointed. “I’m not sure I’m up for a date now.”
“Alright. Another night?” Shit, I was looking forward to it.
“Why don’t you come over to my place. I’ll cook dinner. I’m sure my sister can find someplace to go.”
She lives with her sister? I guess I knew that since she’s driving her car, or she was. “Let’s go to my place. I’ll cook dinner foryou. I’ve got some steaks in the fridge. We’ll watch a movie and be cozy.”
No fucking way did I just saycozy.
“That sounds nice. I want to go home and change first.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven like we planned and give you a ride on my bike back to my house.”
“Yes!” she says excitedly. “That’s perfect.”
Walking hand-in-hand back through the shop, I spot the flowers I bought her. I must have set them down. “Oh, I bought you these.”
“Pink roses?”
“When I think of a color for you, it’s pink.”
“I love pink.” She smells the bouquet. “Thank you. No one has ever bought me flowers before.”
Jesus, what did that piece of shit husband ever do for her? I know he wasn’t sleeping with her, but he could at least be nice to her. I’m not getting into that now. No way. It’s date night and I’m taking my girl home with me. Maybe I can even talk her into staying. Forever.
