Page 49 of Levi

“You do deserve it, Levi,” Cody reassured him firmly. “You’re one of the best men I know. Your early years were rough, but you turned your life around.”

“I did, but I honestly don’t know what I’d do if I had another tragic episode in my life, Cody.”

“I don’t think you would go back to alcohol. You know what it did to you,” Cody interrupted with conviction. “You’re strong and you know what you’ve been through. And I’m really sorry about your mother. I hope that bastard rots in hell once he dies.”

“I appreciate you and Addison giving me the cabin and land, but if you don’t feel comfortable taking that chance on me…”

“No need to worry about that, Levi. We wouldn’t have given it to you if we didn’t have faith in your ability to take care of it. I can see why you turned down a beer now.”

“I know I don’t want it now, but as I said, if something were to happen to make me go back to it…”

“Well, if something would happen to make you feel like you might think you need a drink, just call me. I’ll be here for you.”

Levi swallowed hard. “Thank you for that. Besides you and Kinley, no one else knows. I love her, but I’ve told her that I don’t want kids. I’m too afraid I’m like my old man. As for me and Kinley, we’re figuring things out right now.”

“Is she alright with that?”

“She said all she wants is to be with me.” Levi grinned.

“So, what are you going to do?” Cody shrugged.

“We’re talking about it.” Levi shrugged.

“I hope it works out since Kinley is Addison’s best friend and you’re one of my closest friends too. What are we supposed to do if it doesn’t work out? Not invite one of you over for the holidays?”

Levi shook his head. “I don’t know. We’ll dealwith it if it comes to that.”

“I don’t see you becoming abusive to anyone. But, honestly I’ve heard how it can show up in children of abusers.”

“Yes, that’s true and it scares me so much that I won’t chance it.”

Cody stood up. “I’m glad you told me all this. No one will hear it from me.”

“You can tell Addison if you want.”

“Okay.” Cody reached out his hand toward Levi. “Your past doesn’t change how much we value you here.”

Levi stood and shook his hand. “Thank you.”

“We won’t have any alcohol then.”

“You can have alcohol; I’ll just stick to soda.”

“We’ll see.” Cody walked toward the door, then turned back toward Levi. “I mean it, Levi. You’re a good man. See you later.” He left and closed the door behind him.

Levi sighed as he watched the door close. He wished he could believe that. But more than that, he wished he could give Kinley what she wanted. Because he’d never loved anyone as much as he loved her and losing her would devastate him.

Chapter Nine

Friday evening, Kinley parked her car at Levi’s house, then walked onto the porch, carrying her small suitcase of clothes and the red blouse on a hanger.

“Kinley.”

She turned to see Levi walking toward her.

“Hi,” she said.

He kissed her lips. “Hi, baby.”

---