“And who might that have been?” He crosses his arms and steps just a hair closer to lean against the kitchen counter.
He looks at me with those brown eyes, his smile threatening to grow wider, but he won’t allow it.
“I don’t know. You’re just being really nice is all.”
He shakes his head and laughs, pushing off the counter, “Karissa, I’m gonna find your ex one day, and let’s just say…it’s not gonna be a good day for him,” he jokes, making his way to the door.
And I just laugh.
* * *
“So you and Wesley…you guys serious?” I ask, glancing over at Addison from the passenger seat.
We’re headed to one of my doctor’s appointments. She offered to take me since everyone else is tied up working on her cabin today.
It’s the last one to go up on the family property—makes sense, her being the youngest. Still, I think it’s pretty cool. Everyone having their own place, all tucked into this land they’ve always called home. There’s a rootedness to it I can’t even wrap my head around. Being this close to your family, physically and emotionally. Having people show up for you like it’s no big deal. Like it’s just what you do.
That’s never been my reality.
Addison smiles, blushes even, but her eyes stay on the road. “Yeah. Definitely plan on getting married one day.”
I clear my throat. “That’s exciting. Will he move in with you once your cabin is done, or are you wanting to live alone for a while first?”
She glances at me, eyebrows raised a little. “Oh, no. He wouldn’t move in until we’re married.”
“Oh.” I nod, trying not to feel stupid. “Right. That makes sense.”
Of course it does. I don’t know why I asked. I guess not everyone grew up the way I did, watching people move in and out of each other’s lives and bedrooms like it was nothing. Commitment wasn’t sacred, it was just…convenient. Something to do until it stopped being fun.
But Addison’s not like that. Neither is Wesley, and neither is this entire family.
I stare out the window, then sigh as I reflect back on my life. “You know, you’re better off doing that. Don’t be like me and get knocked up by some lowlife you’re only in love with because the sex was good.”
“Karissa!” She practically chokes.
“What?” I laugh. “I’m just being real.”
“I appreciate that but…” She laughs. “Definitely don’t need to hear any more information.”
Her innocence is the cutest thing. I want to wrap her in bubble wrap. Protect her from everything the world could throw at her.
* * *
Addison and I ended up stopping at the store and then grabbing dinner after my appointment. It was nice to get to know hermore. She’s super sweet and loves to talk, especially about Wesley, which is so cute.
Cody asked how my appointment went when I got back. I told him it was good, my blood pressure’s still a little high, but they just told me to take it easy and watch for the signs of preeclampsia.
Now he’s upstairs, working out. All I hear is loud music and weights dropping to the ground every so often. While he’s doing that, and I’m alone, I pick up the Bible he got me from its spot on the coffee table and sit on the couch. One of the dogs—Rosco, I think—comes and lays his head on top of my thigh. I pet him for a minute until he walks off and lays down on the corner of the rug.
I sit back on the couch and open up to a random page and start reading.
A few minutes go by and my brain feels like soup. I don’t understand what I’m even reading.
The music upstairs cuts off, and a moment later I hear Cody’s footsteps coming down. He’s a little out of breath, the ends of his hair damp, his shirt clinging in spots where it’s wet with sweat, showcasing his muscles and ink.
He walks straight to the sink and gets a drink. No cup. Just leans down, mouth under the spigot.
Finally, he looks over at me, hands on his hips, still catching his breath. His eyes flick to my Bible, and his eyebrows lift. “Oh, cool. You’re reading it.”
