“Jesus,” Rhett grumbles from the kitchen, where he and Kade are cleaning up after dinner. “How many years have you been loading this damn thing? You know the plates don’t wash well that way.”
Across from me, Grandma Jo tosses a look over her shoulder toward her rowdy grandsons. “Don’t make me come in there and force you to scrub those pots and pans by hand.”
A snigger bubbles past my lips. “God, I missed this house.”
Lifting her wineglass from the table, Sage raises a toast. “To Grandma Jo and her ability to turn a couple rough-and-ready cowboys into the Real Housewives of Black River.”
Once again, my laughter bursts free. “I’ve definitely appreciated Rhett’s more domesticated side the last two weeks. Nothing like a man who can take care of you as well as cook and clean.”
“Glad to hear my grandson is treatin’ you right, babydoll.” Her eyes turn more serious as she scans my face. “Not tryin’ to pry, but how’ve you been holdin’ up?”
“I’m doing as well as you’d expect. Being back here with Rhett has been good for my soul.” My gaze flicks toward the kitchen, and I release a sigh. “Honestly, I’m more concerned about your grandson. Today’s been hard on him.” I recall the chat he and I had before we came to dinner and decide to let them know that Rhett caught me up on what’s been going on. “More so with what he learned a few weeks back.”
Sage sighs, a heavy exhale accompanying her relief. “Oh, thank god he finally told you. I was going to bring it up at the wedding, but then everything happened, and I thought it best if it came from him instead.”
“If what came from me?” Rhett enters the living room with Kade trailing behind him. He takes a seat at my side and settles his arm along the backrest.
Silence fills the room, but Grandma, true to form, pipes in without hesitation. “Just talkin’ about how you’ve expanded the branches of your family tree.”
I wince, hoping Rhett doesn’t assume I was airing our private conversation. Then, he draws me closer, and places a kiss on my forehead, easing that doubt. “I’m glad you brought it up. I actually wanted to talk to y’all about that.” His gaze flicks to Kade and Sage, then Jo before he adds, “I’m thinking I might go see Laurel.”
“Are you fuckin’ crazy? The woman is committed.” Kade growls, squeezing Sage’s hand.
She adds, “Rhett, I don’t know if it’s a good idea. Can we really believe anything that comes out of her mouth?”
Rhett scrubs a hand over his brow. Frustration ripples outward when he grits, “I have questions, so unless you want me to start talking to dead people, she’s the only option we have.”
“You’re right. I think this might be good for both of us,” Sage agrees, glancing at Rhett. “I’d like to come with you.”
Taking Rhett’s hand, I gently show him my silent support. His gaze flicks to mine, and he smiles softly before addressing everyone. “Great, we’ll organize a trip to see her soon, then.” He hesitates a moment before adding, “Anyone who wants to come is welcome. I need this in the past to move forward. Honestly, I think we all do.”
“If that’s what you want, I’ll support you,” Grandma Jo comforts. “But in my opinion, some things are best left buried. And some truths are better left to rot.”
RHETT
32
A few hoursafter we arrive home from my birthday dinner, I’m in Noah’s studio. I glance around and scrub a hand over my bearded cheek. The night I first saw the love of my life again, I’d lost my motherfucking shit, rage and despair and grief taking the wheel as I crashed hard.
It’s taking a very long time to repair the damage I did, but it’ll be worth it. She’s worth it. I’ve found solace in making everything just right for her again. In the first hours and days after our arrival home, I had no idea if or when Noah would emerge from the darkness, and fixing her studio was something tangible I could do. I haven’t decided when I’ll show it to her, because don’t know if she’s ready or what her response will be.
Squatting down, I run my fingers over the rough spot in the hardwood that got damaged when I threw onething after another to the floor. I’ve sanded down the gouge I made and repaired it as best I can for now. Maybe someday I’ll replace the section that took the worst of my temper. For now, it’ll be an ever-present reminder of everything I almost let slip through my fingers. And maybe that’s a good thing to have.
I lift my gaze to the wall. Replacing the vintage guitars I’d destroyed that night had cost a pretty penny. But losing her? That would have cost me my sanity. Letting her go never should have been an option. I love her more now than I did even then. My heart expands in my chest. She feels the same. I know it. The truth is hovering in the air around us, waiting for the day when we can express it in words as well as our actions.
Seeing her in this house, in my space, and how well she still fits into my life, well, it’s everything. I will probably always ache for the years we lost, but none of that matters if I have her in my arms. Safe. Cherished.
Rubbing a hand over my tired face, I close my eyes and let this bit of happiness wash over me, because I still have work to do. Removing Bradley from Noah’s life—avenging her and protecting her from any further hurt—will be happening soon.
With a heaved breath, I open my eyes and jolt with awareness. The other half of my heart stands absolutely still in the doorway. The sight of her takes my fucking breath away. She wears nothing but one of my T-shirts,and I greedily drink her in from bare feet to the confusion etching lines in her forehead.
“Rhett? What—? What’s this?” she breathes out, her stunned gaze locked on me.
My mouth hitches up on one side as I stand and brush my hands over jean-clad thighs. I’m not certain what I should say or that anything is necessary. She slowly steps into the room, lips parting gently as she takes it in. Her hands reverently touch the sound equipment panel, then the mic, eyes drifting to the framed photos of her on stage singing her heart out and pouring her soul into the music. Her gaze lingers on a framed setlist from her first gig—the same one I’d sent crashing to the floor in my anguish after telling her to go back to LA.
Never should have done that.My chest tightens as she inspects a chip in the console where I’d slammed a gorgeous vintage guitar, and she turns her head to peer at me. “You know, Sage and I wondered the other day what was locked up in here. This is the last thing I expected.” Her hand shakes as she brings it to her face, fingers rubbing over her lips as she sighs.
I slowly exhale, steadying myself. My tongue slips out to dampen my lips. “I wanted it to be perfect for you. If you ever returned to me.”
