Photos decorate the walls. Nature shots and family pictures. First, with Davie and a woman who must be Jessica, then more with Jesse added to the mix.
“You don't have to be polite. I know it's not what you're used to at the ranch, but we get by alright.”
“It keeps you and Jesse safe and warm. That makes it good in my books.” Leaning closer to a framed photograph resting ona side table, I point to the woman smiling beside Davie. “Is this Jessica?”
“You don't recognize her?”
Shame burns the tips of my ears. “I sound like an asshole, but no, not really.” If I really tried, maybe she'd become more familiar, but I doubt it.
The anniversary of my dad's death is the one time I give myself permission to cut loose. Grieving and drinking. Those two things are all I have the capacity for, though clearly, I worked up enough energy to father a child this last time.
“Maybe it's for the best.” She sighs and carries a sleeping Jesse to her room. “Sometimes I barely recognize my sister, and I practically raised her.”
“You did?”
“Please don't count that against me. I love Jesse and would never?—”
“Whoa…” My hands land on her shoulders to stop the spiraling. “No one is using anything against you. I was just curious. You can’t be blamed for your sister’s actions.”
Davie droops beneath my palms, and instinctively, my thumbs dig into her stiff muscles, praying a massage might soothe her nerves.
“A judge might blame me,” she whispers. There’s a brittleness to her voice, like she’s worried about this for longer than just tonight. Like one careful strike of a judge’s gavel may cause an irreparable crack in her life.
“That’s not going to happen.” Unable to resist anymore, I tug her into my arms for a hug.
Jesse lays sleeping in the crib where she placed him earlier, and as I stare at my son over Davie’s shoulder, my hold on his aunt tenses.
No one will separate Jesse and Davie, least of all me.
I’ve claimed them as my own, and that’s all anyone needs to know if they decide to fuck with them.
Because I will fight to protect them—always—with everything I am.
11
CORMAC: Made it home safe.
DAVIE: *Thumbs up emoji*
CORMAC: …
CORMAC: There’s something that’s been on my mind, but I don’t want you to take it the wrong way.
DAVIE: Okay…
CORMAC: You said you ‘practically raised’ your sister. Why? Where were your parents?
DAVIE: That’s a fair question. Our dad abandoned us when we were young. Our mom kind of checked out after he left, until she started dating again. The man in her life was always more important than her kids. Honestly, Jessica inherited some of that, though she tried to be better for Jesse at first.
CORMAC: I’m sorry they failed you. Thanks for telling me.
DAVIE: Well, if we’re gonna have awkward conversations… LOL Might as well do it over text.
DAVIE: I’m not judging, but why don’t you remember Jessica? She usually makes a splash wherever she goes.
CORMAC: The answer doesn’t reflect well on me.
DAVIE: Does that mean you’re not going to tell me?
