Page 67 of Sins of the Flesh
"Always," I reply, my voice thick with emotion.As we walk back to the car, Mom links her arm through mine.
"You know," she says thoughtfully, "Your Dad would be so proud of the man you've become, Cole.He always said you had a big heart and it shows."
I swallow hard, fighting back a fresh wave of tears."I miss him," I admit.Mom squeezes my arm.
"Me too, honey.But I think...I think I'm finally ready to start moving forward.Your Grandma was right, we can't keep living in the past.We both deserve a fresh start."
The drive home is quiet, but the silence feels more peaceful now.As we pull into the driveway, Mom turns to me with a determined look in her eyes."I think it's time we did some cleaning out," she says."Your Father's things...we've left them untouched for too long."
I nod, understanding the weight of this decision."Are you sure you're ready?"I ask.
She takes a deep breath, "I am.It's time to make space for new memories while honoring the old ones."
We spend the next week going through Dad's belongings.It's a bittersweet process, filled with laughter and tears as we uncover forgotten mementos and shared stories.We create a special corner in the living room as a memorial space, with Dad's favorite photos and trinkets on display.Promising we would always hold a place for him no matter what came next.
Thirty-Six
Caleb
Can You Feel the Love Tonight - Lion King soundtrack
I
t feels like a whole year has gone by without Cole, even though it's only been a week.I'm desperate to be near him again.
Me:
I was happy to hear everything went well with your Grandma Dotty.Since you are back in town, I would like to know if you want to spend the night with me.Any day you choose.
Angel:
Tomorrow night?
Me:
Perfect.I miss you
Angel:
I miss you so much.Can't wait to see you
The flickering flames of the candles cast a warm glow over the table, illuminating the perfect sear marks on the steaks and the golden brown skin of the baked potato.The vibrant green of the roasted asparagus adds a pop of color to the plates.
The air is filled with the rich, savory scent of the pan-seared steaks, along with the subtle aroma of earthy roasted asparagus.The fragrance of my cologne mingles with the smells of the meal, adding an extra layer of enticing allure.
Light music plays in the background.There are no rose petals this time, but I shaved this afternoonand I’m dressed in a pair of black slacks and a dark blue button-down shirt with the top two buttons open.
I hear the doorbell and rub my palms together, I can hardly contain my excitement.I open the door, and there stands Cole, my everything.He is dressed in an old white T-shirt with a Ninja Turtles decal faded from years of washing.Sweatpants with a hole in one knee and black-and-white Chucks, topped with a backwards baseball cap, and carrying a duffle bag.
His wide eyes let me know how much he likes what he sees.“Um, Caleb, did you forget to tell me something?”He says, walking past me into the house.I grin, closing the door behind him.
"No, I didn't forget anything.I just wanted to surprise you."Cole's eyes roam over me appreciatively, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Well, consider me surprised…and maybe a little underdressed."
Slowly, I move closer to him, savoring the warmth that radiates off his body as I wrap my arms around his waist.His skin is soft and familiar against my cheek as I nuzzle into his neck, breathing in the scent that always makes my heart race."You look perfect to me," I murmur, "I missed you so much."I sigh.
"I've missed you too," Cole whispers softly in my ear, a shiver runs through me, his hands caressing my back.We stand there for a moment, lost in each other's embrace, before I reluctantly break away and lead him to the dining room table.
