Page 21 of Forbidden Hearts
“Good, she’s amazing.” I have really connected with her. This morning she got up, gave me a hug, and we got everything done per Sara’s instructions.
I even sent a photo of Olivia walking into class to Asher so he knew she was delivered properly.
His text back, which read, “It’s the collecting her that seems to be your issue,” shouldn’t have surprised me.
Well, I can’t wait to prove him wrong.
“I agree, she’s so special. I was going to stop by tomorrow and take her to lunch, I’m not sure if you guys have plans . . .”
I shake my head. “I’m off tomorrow, so you’ll have to check with Asher.”
“I’m actually going to see him in a few. I have a favor to ask him, and it’s always best to bring food.”
“Good to know.”
She laughs. “Seriously, if you feed him, he’s much more amiable. It’s a Whitlock trick I learned long ago. Asher is French fries, Grady is ice cream, and Rowan is meat. Give the man a steak, and he’ll do anything you ask.”
“How is Grady doing? Still in the navy?”
“Yeah, he’s still in and stationed in Florida for now.”
“That’s awesome, and he’s a pilot, right?” I remember everyone talking about how he flew.
“Yup, well, I guess for now. His commission is up soon, and he’s actually going to be moving back to Sugarloaf.”
“Wow! Back to Sugarloaf. Not many come back after they leave. How does his wife feel about moving here?”
Brynn looks down at her hands. “Umm, I assumed you heard because of your dad, but Lisa passed away about two and a half years ago.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I had no idea. I never would’ve asked.” I feel awful now.
“Don’t be sorry. It isn’t something we talk much about around here. Grady hasn’t been in Sugarloaf for so long, and they never lived here. Anyway, she had an aneurysm and just...it was sudden.”
My heart falters for a second. “Like my mom.”
“Oh, I am so sorry to—”
I rest my hand on her forearm. “It’s okay. It’s been a while. I was just saying that I understand.” My mother’s death was sudden, and it was incredibly hard. It’s been ten years now, but sometimes, it feels like yesterday.
“Yeah. It was just really hard on him to lose her when their son was only a few weeks old.”
I gasp. “Oh, God. He has a baby?”
Brynn nods. “He’s adorable, and I hate that he’ll never know his mama. I went down to help right after, but then Lisa’s parents moved to Florida to watch Jett while Grady finished his commission. He’s just . . . not the same.”
“I’m sure he’s drowning in grief. I know my father did. When it’s unexpected, it just feels like you’re cheated in some way. I didn’t get to say goodbye to my mother or tell her all the things I wanted to. I would’ve apologized for the stupid fights we had or all those times I argued with her about my hair. Dad was worse, he just shut down and threw himself into the job.”
“Which is what Grady’s doing,” Brynn says with a sad smile. “But he’s coming back home. He is going to stay with me for a few months until he finds a place or builds on the land that’s his, and I’ll get to spend all the Auntie time with Jett. I’m hoping to throw them a welcome-home party.”
“That’ll be fun.”
Brynlee laughs. “He’ll kill me for it, but I really want him to have something to remind him that people love him and he has a family here who will support them.”
Magnolia comes to the table with her shirt buttoned to the top, which is a change. Then again, she only disrobes when there are guys around. She’s been here since I was a kid and is super sweet, but she’s the biggest flirt I’ve ever met.
“Hey there, girls.”
“Hi, Mags, how is business?” Brynn asks.
