My brother looks almost sheepish as he shoves his hands into his pockets, shuffling on his feet.
“Hey listen, I won’t say a word. Your secret is safe with me. But I’m proud of you for facing this. Takes balls, man.”
“Thanks.”
I lean in and give him a hug. Two slaps on the back and typically I’d pull away, but this time, I hug him for a little bit longer. Because he needs it. And he’s my brother and I love the crazy motherfucker.
After dinner, Justin moves all of our stuff out to the cottage that Pop had so generously shared with me before we left for Iowa. A one-bedroom oasis nestled in the rear of the property, secluded from everything else. Wood fencing and beautiful crate myrtles that are now in full bloom. The wraparound porch is screened in, equipped with ceiling fans, patio furniture, and a swing that beckons anyone who dare walk past it with its soft looking cushions and floral throw pillows.
His grandmother had sewn all of the drapes, throw pillows, and quilts. Anything that required fabric, she made.
It’s so cozy and inviting. Walking in, I feel a sense of ease settle over me right away. It’s an odd yet comforting feeling.
“Well, what do you think?” Justin asks, curling an arm around my waist to pull me in close.
“It’s perfect.”
Grabbing my hand, he leads me to the bedroom. I gasp when I walk inside. The room is huge. A king-sized, four-poster bed dominates the space, draped in the softest looking duvet I’ve ever seen with a mountain of throw pillows.
“My grandmother had a thing for throw pillows.”
I smile. “I’ve noticed. Know what else I’ve noticed?”
“What?”
“You and Asher. When you spoke of your brothers before, I was under the impression that the two of you were close, yet you hardly spoke two words the entire time you were together.”
“You noticed that, huh?”
“I don’t miss much.”
Wrapping his arms around my waist, he kisses my mouth. “I can see that.” Then my jaw. “Nothing you need to worry about.” His captivating blue eyes lock in on mine. “We’re good now.”
His shoulders do look more relaxed, and whatever heaviness had been forged in his eyes before wasn’t there now.
“Okay.” Wrapping my arms around his neck, I lift up and press my lips to his. “But I’m here for you. If you ever want to talk.”
“I promise, if it is worth discussing I will talk to you about it; otherwise, I’d like to keep as much bullshit out of our lives as possible.”
The vow is sealed with a tender kiss. “I need to make some calls and grab a few more things from the main house but when I get back, I want you naked, in that bed, waiting for me.”
I nod, wrapping my arms around his waist, loving the way I fit against his body. “I think I can handle that.”
Justin’s lips press against my forehead. “Be back soon.”
When Justin leaves, I open my luggage and begin putting my things away. While we were away at Teddy’s, Pop had the cottage cleaned and stocked with fresh towels, bed linens, as well as food in the pantry and refrigerator. There was even a beautiful flower arrangement in the kitchen. Once I have everything organized, I take a shower, afterward dressing in my nightgown and climbing into bed.
I retrieve one of the notebooks from the side table where I have safely tucked them away. They are all dated, the first from the year I was born, so I open it up and begin to read.
March 17, 1998
I’ve been wanting to start journaling for a while now, but I never got around to it. However, I know if I don’t do this now, I never will. I surmise today is as good a day as any. The day God gave me one of the most precious gifts.
A child.
Selena Marie Allen was born at 7:03 am with a head full of jet-black hair and a healthy set of lungs.
I was in labor with her for twelve hours. The midwife said it was the most beautiful birth she’d ever experienced. I couldn’t agree more.
