“Come in, please.” She squeezed his hand.
“Of course. I’ll stay back though by the door. Give you some space to talk.”
“You aren’t living up to your nickname,” she teased him gently, then kissed him. They went into the room.
Brian was awake. He smiled at Brianna when he saw her, tearing at her heart. There was nothing but boyhood innocence in his expression, the same smile he’d give her a thousand times growing up before their lives diverged so drastically.
“Bri,” he said, reaching out his hand. After a moment, she took it. His hand was limp and cool to the touch.
“Love you,” he said, smiling wider. She couldn’t stand hearing the words.
“Then why did you betray me?” A tear slid down her cheek.
Brian’s expression went from a sweet smile to sheer anguish. “No. I didn’t.”
“You did. You told those men I knew where the money was and there was nothing there. Watchdog searched, nothing. You don’t remember?”
He shook his head slowly as pain gripped his features. He grimaced and closed his eyes.
“You don’t remember.” She started to let go of his hand and he gripped her fingers.
“No,” he said loudly. That caused him more pain. He swallowed and said, “Drugs are sold. Money’s gone. I gambled it in Central City.” He winced. “Couldn’t run away. They tried to… Used you. To get to me. To tell them. If I ran… They’d kill Brian and Luna. Killyou.” Tears streamed down his cheeks, wetting his pillow. “I lied to them, Bri. Knew they’d take me there, find nothing, and kill me. Then they’d leave you alone. Didn’t happen like that.”
“But why did you ask me about the secret place that night before they took you?” She wiped her wet cheeks.
“Bri,” he slurred. “I asked you about the secret place because… Because I had to know. Had to know you didn’t go there. Anymore. That you wouldn’t find me there. After.”
Chills ran down her spine. She’d thought the same thing about Brock finding her. She and her twin had thought alike after all.
Brian squeezed her hand. “Tried toprotectyou but I fucked up. Always fucking up. Love you.”
Brianna held back a sob. Brock made a noise behind her but stayed where he was, respecting the moment. She lifted her brother’s hand and kissed it. “I understand now. Brian, I love you, too.”
He rewarded her with another innocent smile before closing his eyes and falling into an exhausted sleep.
Brianna wiped away her tears. She didn’t let anyone see her cry as she and Brock left the hospital. They didn’t say a word on the drive back to her apartment. When they got inside, Brock carried her to bed and quietly held her for the rest of the afternoon. They watched the rain from a late-summer monsoon twist in little rivulets down her windowpane. Brianna pictured the secret place flooded with water, washing away any and all traces of what happened there. Cleansing it.
Brock’s sigh brought her back to the present. Later today, it would be Brianna’s turn to support Brock in every way she could. She rolled on top of him. “I’ll be standing right next to you when you scatter Sean’s ashes,” she said.
“I know, babe. I appreciate it.”
How could she tell him that she hoped he could let go of the past once and for all? To stop blaming himself for Sean’s death? She hoped he would find peace after today.
* * *
It was perfect Colorado weather—bluebird skies, a light breeze, the occasional white cloud drifting east, the promise of another cleansing afternoon storm. The St. Vrain ran fast and cold and clear as everyone gathered along the bank watched the dancing water, each wrapped in their own thoughts.
It was a day of new beginnings and a day of letting go and saying goodbye.
Brock couldn’t believe how good and full his heart felt while at the same time, a great weight pulled down on it. His future had never looked brighter. The woman he loved stood at his side, ready to spend the rest of her life with him. Rachael had put Brianna in touch with her tour manager and she would be joining the band for the North American tour. After that? A shot at recording her own album. He wasn’t sure where they’d end up, but as long as they were together, that’s all that was important. He’d miss Lyons though.
Brianna stared down at the water intently.
“What are you thinking, babe?” he asked quietly.
“I was thinking about how I’ve been so eager to leave Lyons, but now? I think I want to stay. I’ve got nothing left to prove, you know? Instead, I’ve seen proof that my little town supports me, and I’m ready to accept it. I want to stay close to Brian and my parents for now, too. They’re going to need me.” She held up her hand before Brock could protest. “I’m not turning down any touring or recording opportunities or giving up my dreams for them, I promise. But, I think I’m learning how to balance what I need with what people want from me.” She looked up at Brock. “How do you feel about staying here for a while?”
“I love that idea.” A little of the weight pulling on his heart lifted.
