Page 53 of Simply Yours

Orange fingers, remember? – how many beers?

Five.

I’m tired. Wanna cuddle?

Her heart clenched. The words were casual, playful even, but she knew him too well. Jason didn’t ask for things like this. Not unless he was at his breaking point.

So very much.

Can I come over?

Her pulse skipped. She wanted to say yes. Every part of her wanted to say yes. But she also knew better.

Not if you’re drunk.

No driving, buster.

A pause.

Can YOU come over?

Caitlin glanced down at herself—robe, blanket, couch. She should say no. She should be logical, responsible. But the idea of him sitting there, hurting, broke every piece of resolve she had.

I’m in my robe on the couch. Probably not a good idea.

I just wanna snuggle and have someone just hold me.

Her vision blurred. She swallowed hard, fingers gripping the phone as memories crashed over her.

She could still see his mother that day, standing in the yard, eyes frantic, hands trembling as she realized her wedding ring was gone. The whole family had combed the grass for hours, scouring every inch as she tried to hold back tears. It was the first Easter Caitlin had ever been invited to, the first time she’d been called Matthew’s ‘little friend from school.’ She’d searched right alongside them, desperate to find it, to ease the pain on the woman’s face.

And now—years later—Jason had found it.

Her chest ached, the weight of it too much to bear.

I’ll be right there to pick you up.

* * *

Caitlin eased her car down the long gravel driveway leading to Baird Farm, killing the headlights before they reached the main house. She didn’t want to disturb Toni and her new husband—this was their home now, after all—but that wasn’t why she hesitated. She had no idea where Jason was, and if the text she’d received was any indication, he and his cohorts were three sheets to the wind.

Her hands tightened around the steering wheel as she spotted movement near the barn. Shadows swayed in the dim glow of the floodlight cast by three tall figures—three unmistakable Baird men, weaving unsteadily toward her.

Sure enough, Jason was leading the charge—or stumbling through it. His usually commanding presence was ruined by the loose way he carried himself, the lazy grin that pulled at his lips. Luke and Matthew were right behind him, both looking worse for wear.

“Hey there, Caitie,” Luke called out, his voice far too cheerful considering the state he was in. His red-rimmed eyes were glassy, a tissue stuffed so far up one nostril it nearly cut his smile in half.

She blew out a breath, pushing the car door open despite the fact that she was still in her robe. Not like they’d remember this tomorrow, anyway.

“Caitlin,” Matthew slurred, swiping a hand over his ruddy face. His eyes were just as bloodshot as Luke’s, though his expression was more somber. “I’m glad you’re here. This man—” He jabbed a finger at Jason, wobbling on his feet. “—this man don’t need to be alone. He’s been…”

“Hush,” Jason snapped, though there was no real bite to it.

“Ain’t no one needs to be alone,” Matthew insisted.

“Just leave off the ‘ain’t,’” Luke coached, dropping his voice to a loud whisper behind his hand. “That’s a double negative; makes you sound illegitimate.”

“Illiterate,” Caitlin corrected.

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