And it didn’t.
Chapter Twenty-Three
A month had passed, but they never spoke about that night. There was nothing left to say. Jonah had said it all and finally got the much-needed closure. But it didn’t happen at that abandoned house. It happened at Jonah’s. They’d gotten back late, expecting to find it empty with Cord and Holden out or sleeping. Cord was in the kitchen when they arrived. Jonah had said nothing to her, but she knew what he was doing when he asked to speak to Cord alone.
She retreated to his bedroom. Telling Cord everything would be Jonah’s final closure, and she didn’t need to be a part of that. It was between the two of them. In time, when Jonah saw fit, he’d probably have the same conversation with Holden. And when he did, she’d be there to support all of them.
It was a miracle she fell asleep at all, and when she woke up the next morning, Jonah was beside her.
And life moved on.
“You nervous?”
Roxanne shifted in her seat in the truck as he pulled up behind Ethan’s car. She was hoping to be the first one to arrive. Unfortunately, her brother shared her incessant need of being punctual.
“Rox?”
She glanced over at Jonah, who had a small smile playing on his lips. “Nervous?”
Roxanne looked up at her father’s house. Her childhood home. It was a perfect setting for a comfortable gathering. Still …
“I just want Pearl to feel welcome. She means a lot to my dad.”
Roxanne knew all the details weeks ago and coordinated dinners and gatherings. She was reminded to leave some time for her dad and Pearl to be alone. Roxanne just wanted everything to be perfect.
Jonah opened the door and scoffed. “If there’s anyone who can make her feel welcome, it’s you.”
“Hey Rox?”
She glanced in the truck's backseat. Holden was leaning forward, looking up at the house through the windshield. She’d invited both brothers, but Cord was working.
“You sure it’s okay that I’m here?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well, I don’t know.” He shrugged. “It’s family.”
Ah, this kid.He didn’t get it just yet. But he would eventually. She’d make sure of it.
“Yes.” She smiled. “And you’re family, so let’s go.”
They rounded the bumper of the car when Jonah veered toward the yard. He lifted the cooler. “Just gonna put this on the deck.” With the chilly night, it would probably stay cold and save space.
Roxanne and Holden walked inside the house. It was eerily quiet. Aside from Ethan and Emory, no one else had arrived. However, she’d expected to hear voices. Was it going so bad no one was talking?
“You grew up here?” Holden glanced around.
“Yeah.”
“Cool.”
Yes, it was.
“Come on.” She waved for Holden to follow her, and they walked into the kitchen.
Pearl was standing near the breakfast bar fiddling with the edge of a napkin, clearly nervous. Roxanne was about to change that.
“Hi.”
