Page 144 of We Redeemed the Rain

Her fingers easily plucked out the tune and her voice wrapped around us like a blanket. My own eyes heated as I listened to the words. Laurel couldn’t have known those lyrics would’ve aged with aching accuracy.

Bea’s voice broke, a tremble of her own heart breaking through on the second chorus.

I glanced at Jesse as he swiped his cheeks. Cade sniffled. Cooper sat stock still. Jackie had her eyes closed and her head resting back against the swing chains.

A moment of reverence. For Laurel.

Something I’d never felt before wrapped its tentacles around my midsection. The feeling was so strong it made me feel almost sick, but the longer I sat in it, the more peace I made.

This was what families did for each other, wasn’t it?

Cry together. Make space for pains that never heal. Offer chances to be real. Shoulder heartaches.

When Bea finished, crickets and bullfrogs immediately filled the silence.

A few quiet moments ticked by. Then Cade whispered words meant for his dad. We all heard them though and my own vision blurred.

“Do you think—” Cade stopped, tried again. “Do you think she’s there, Dad? Over the rainbow?”

Jesse's exhale was loud, hoarse. “Yeah, buddy. I know she is.”

Cade said, “You sound like her, Miss Bea.”

Bea swiped her cheeks on the sleeve of her shoulder. “Thank you for letting me play such a special song, Cade.”

“Will you play it again before you leave? I don’t want to forget it again.”

“Of course. Ask anytime.”

Jesse pinched the bridge of his nose, conveniently out of Cade’s line of vision. I felt for my friend. No doubt he’d fall apart later. And I knew as well as he did, falling apart without dipping back into substance abuse was a difficult feat. Not for the faint of heart.

I’d check on him.

Bea played two more songs, no doubt trying to lighten the mood a bit, but the attempt fell. Jesse and Cade decided to scoot back to their cabin. Cooper begrudgingly mosied back to the barn. Then Jackie smacked her thighs and said, “Well, I’ll leave you lovebirds to it.”

Lovebirds.

Spoken as if it was common knowledge.

When the front door shut behind Jackie, Bea whispered. “Do you think Jesse is okay?”

“Honestly, no. Probably not.”

“I feel bad.”

“Don’t. You gave Cade a gift.”

“I know. But still.”

I stood and moved into the empty spot on the swing. I sat as close as I could, sliding down the swing until my body was tucked behind Glory’s neck. Bea leaned her head against my shoulder. Taking a long breath of her scent, I closed my eyes. The honey and almond was strong enough to get drunk on.

“How you feelin’?” I whispered.

“Fine.”

“Really fine? Or are you just sayin’ it?”

“Really fine. I haven’t been dizzy at all.”

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