“A mother missing out on one hell of a woman. The things she has to offer the world? Well, they’ve already made me into a better man just in the short time I’ve known her. I can’t imagine the effects loving her for thirty-three years would bring.”
Mom nods, and I see the wheels spinning. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone speak up to her before. It’s refreshing to feel validated by the scrutiny I’ve felt throughout my whole life.
“I suppose you’re right. All I’ve ever wanted as a mother is for my daughters to be happy. To have a prosperous life. Collie has always been my wild card. I’m not like her, so I find it hard to relate.”
There’s so much kindness and love seeping through Easton’s words. “All I ask is that you try harder. For both of your sakes. We only get one life. Trust me. I lost my brother over two years ago, and I’ve done nothing but live in the past with regret. Your daughter is the one who showed me I’m deserving of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for.”
“Is that true, Collie?” Mom turns toward me, sentiment in her eyes.
I nod solemnly. “We’ve helped each other through a lot, Mom. I invited Easton here because I love him. He understands me in a way I’ve never felt. Like you said before, I’m the wild card. I know I’m a difficult person to love, but I still deserve it, right?” A loose sob threatens to break free.
“Honey,” Mom sighs, holding her arms out for me to hug her, and I don’t waste a moment. “I’m sorry. I should have been the mother you needed. You just…you remind me a lot of my younger self. A woman I worked hard to change. I was you thirty years ago, Collie. Extroverted to my core. I guess I need to put myself in check. But I do love you just the way you are, and I promise to work on my delivery of that love. Do you forgive me?”
“Always, Mom,” I murmur into her hair, my emotions erupting tenfold.
“Good.” She kisses my head. “And Easton? Don’t be a stranger, okay? It’s clear my daughter has needed a strong man like you around for quite some time now.”
“I have no plans to be anywhere but where Collie is.”
Everything around me fades as his words resonate in my heart. Easton wants to be wherever I am…and damn, that feels good.
38
EASTON
“Not to be that girl…butwhat are your intentions with my sister?”
I expected this when I asked Capri to dance. I knew I had a bit of a firing squad coming my way, and I’ve never been more ready to answer the hard questions.
My eyes find my beautiful lost girl on the other side of the dance floor, swaying back and forth with Jones. I can hear her giggle from here. She looks breathtaking tonight. Her sage green, floor-length dress is formfitting on her body while her hair rests on her shoulders in beachy waves, those small white flowers I love to count by hand tangled throughout.
It takes major restraint to keep myself from running to her.
“Please. Be that girl,” I insist.
Capri laughs. “I’ve just never seen her like this with anyone. I hope you know how special that makes you.”
Collie has told me that countless times, but fuck, it feels good to hear from the person who knows her better than anyone. “If I’m being honest, I’m right there with her. Iassume she told you about my situation? Losing my brother and almost marrying his fiancé?”
“She did.” There’s no judgment in her voice, and I respect that. “Not gonna lie, at first it freaked me out. Not the part about you losing your brother. I’m so sorry for your loss, by the way.” I nod my appreciation. “But the marriage part was my main concern. But the way Collie explained everything…it made perfect sense. Actually, I think you and I are very similar. That’s something I feel like I would have done for Collie in a heartbeat without even questioning whether it’s the right choice or not.”
“I definitely have moments where I question what I was thinking. Ben, my brother, and I grew up with Sydney. She was our best friend. So, it felt like the only option at the time. I think I was trying to navigate her grief along with my own and was in too deep when it was too late. Or at least I thought.”
I see the understanding in her eyes. Blue eyes that look almost identical to Collie’s. “And you think you’re ready to be with Collie? Even after everything?”
“If there’s anything I’m sure of, it’s how I feel about your sister. She’s fucking crazy, and wild, and passionate…she challenges me. But she also loves so damn big. I never stood a chance ofnotfalling for her. The two months we stayed in contact while apart only solidified those feelings for me. Our friendship deepened, and we needed that.”
Capri smiles wide, and I’m glad my girl has a sister who cares so strongly for her. The bond they have is rare, reminding me a lot of the bond Ben and I had as brothers.
Fuck. I miss him. I’d give anything to hear him rattle on about how ridiculous I look in this suit right now.
“I really love that for you two, Easton. Just promise me you’ll always take care of her. She’s selfless and forgetsabout herself. She’s also tragically messy and shops a lot. But she will never skip a meal, so she’s at least got that goin’ for her.”
“That’s my girl,” I joke. “We have more in common than not. She won’t go without my care. You have my word.” A pause settles between us, and I decide right now I’m going to tell Capri my intention beyond this weekend. “I’m planning on moving to Timber Heights.”
Her mouth drops open in shock. “Wait, really? Can’t say I was expecting that.”
I nod, a smile ghosting my face just thinking of the future to come. “I can find work anywhere in the country. Actually, I already had my general foreman make a call to South Carolina Power and put in a good word for me. I obviously need to make sure Collie wants me here first.”
