Dylan held her, struggling not to break down again. “He was crying, Rae. My father was crying when he told me. He didn’t even do that when my mother died.”
“Maybe he’s accepted his role in this.” She straightened and looked up at him, dropping her arms. “Poor Jayden.”
Dylan’s stomach knotted. “Will you come be with me when I tell him?”
She reached up and cupped his cheeks. “Of course I will.”
He almost kissed her then. If they’d been the couple they should have been, he would have. Dylan would have had the right to, but he didn’t. He wouldn’t risk rejection on top of losing Nora.
“Thank you. I’ve got my payments for the day.” He fumbled for the papers he’d set on her desk earlier.
“Let’s get this done, so we can take care of the important stuff,” she said, her voice still rough with emotion.
Numbly, Dylan went through his end-of-day routine. Rae kept shooting him concerned glances, but she didn’t say anything more about his sister.
“I only have one more route to process,” Rae said when they’d finished. “Do you want me to come with you to pick up Jayden, or do you want to tell him later?”
“I think it’d be better if we tell him at home.” Dylan rubbed his temples, his head throbbing. He couldn’t shake the sense that he was in a bizarre dream and would wake at any moment. “Even though I’ve been preparing for this, I can’t believe it’s happened.”
“Just tell me whatever you need.” Rae covered his hand with hers. Her voice warbled as she said, “Idounderstand.”
“I know you do.” Dylan threaded his fingers with hers, worried for her. “This is bringing back too many memories, isn’t it?”
Her chin trembled, and she blinked her eyes rapidly. “The one-year anniversary of Mike’s death is in a few days. I’ve already been a little emotional because of that, but I really want to be here for you.”
“Thank you.” Once again Dylan had to fight the inclination to kiss her. He released her hand and stood. “How about I pick up Jayden and get some pizza to bring to your place? Once Preston and Beth are in bed, we can break the news to Jayden.”
“All right. I’ll make a salad.”
“My father’s going to call tonight to talk about the funeral. I think I’ll text him to do it late tonight.”
“That’s a good idea.”
Dylan turned and left the office with a heavy heart.
* * *
Rae hada powerful sense of déjà vu as she stood with Dylan. It was even the same cemetery where Mike was buried. Rae had brought flowers for her and the children to put on his grave before they left. Her heart swelled at the sight of Beth and Preston holding Jayden’s hands as they watched his mother’s coffin.
Dylan had commented on how emotional his father had been while working on the funeral preparations. The manwasholding himself responsible, and it appeared to be tearing him apart. She wondered if it would change him from the cold man he’d been.
When the service was over, Nora’s coffin was lowered into the grave. Dylan, who’d been holding her hand the whole time, made a convulsive movement. Rae moved closer to him, and he put an arm around her, squeezing her tighter than was comfortable. Understanding, she said nothing. The mourners gave their final condolences and left.
“I need to talk with you, son,” Mr. Rademaker said.
“I’ll take the children to Mike’s grave.” Rae stepped back.
“I wanted to be with you for that.” Dylan glanced at his father.
“I won’t be long, and you can join her.” Mr. Rademaker extended a hand to Rae. “I appreciate the support you’ve been to my son and grandson.”
“That’s what family is for,” she said, her eyes brimming. Sniffing, she stepped back. “Come on kids. Let’s get the flowers from the car.”
* * *
Dylan’s fatherwaited until they were out of earshot before he turned to face him.
“I’ve been wrong. I’m sorry. It appears Nora’s death might not have been a simple overdose. This came to me in the mail two days after she died.” He handed Dylan an envelope.
