Page 24 of Words from the Heart
Chapter 19
Delilah sat with her legs crossed beneath her. She didn’t want to talk. She didn’t want to feel, but she was feeling everything. Parker sat opposite of her, waiting for her to speak. They stayed like that for hours before Delilah finally spoke, “You can leave, you know.” Her tone curt.
“I know. But I want to be here – in case you need anything.”
“He was the only thing I had left of Momma Belle.” Delilah swiped at a tear rolling down her face.
“That’s not true. You have this house. You have your memories, hell, you have me.”
Delilah laughed, “You don’t understand, Parker. I left. And when I did, I left her behind like she wasn’t important. Who does that?”
Parker moved to sit next to her. He placed a hand on her knee, “Delilah, you’re punishing yourself for no reason. Momma Belle was damn proud of you. She talked about you every day. The stories she told me were not stories of someone who was holding a grudge. She wanted you to be happy.”
“That’s just it, Parker.” Delilah shifted to face him, “I wasn’t happy. But I was too proud to admit it – and I let a man keep me from the only family I ever had.”
“She’s not all you have, Delilah. When are you going to open your eyes and realize you’re not alone?”
Sighing, “Parker, I appreciate that. I do. But I need to get my life in order and figure out what I’m supposed to do now. She’s gone. And now,” she hiccupped a sob, “I have nothing left.” She got up from her perch on the couch, “I’m going to lay down.”
Parker watched in frustration as she headed up the stairs to her room. His heart ached for her, not just because he was in love with a woman who continuously pushed him away, but because she was hurting and he couldn’t stop the pain.
“Parker,” Hank cut through his thoughts.
“Hank, Meghan still here?”
“Nah, she put him down and then called a friend of hers to come get him. They just left with his remains. She alright?”
“No… not really. It’s a lot to deal with in such a short amount of time.”
“Yeah, I get it. You ready to head home?”
“I think I am going to stay here, you know – in case she needs something. You can take my truck to the house, you do remember how to get back don’t you?”
Hank laughed, “Yep. Damn boy,” he shook his head, “I never thought I’d see the day you fell for a girl. But you have… hard.”
Parker gave him a look, “Yeah… I have. I just wish she felt the same.”
“She does… but she’s afraid.”
“What do you mean?” Parker questioned him, “You just met her.”
“Yeah, but whether she will admit it or not, she’s in love with you too.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Parker glanced up the steps towards her room.
“When I told her not to break your heart, she got extremely defensive. And when she saw that horse on the ground, it was your arms she fell into, not mine. Don’t be stupid, Parker. She is in love with you – so give her time.”
Parker sighed, “I’m not going anywhere. I owe Momma Belle.”
“What does Momma Belle have to do with how you feel?”
“Her stories made me fall in love with Delilah before I even knew her. If it weren’t for Momma Belle, I wouldn’t be standing her, waiting for that stubborn woman to notice me.”
“You’re a Marine. I think you can face down any struggle. Anyway, I’m going to head out. I asked Meghan to cremate the horse, figured your girl would want that. She’ll call me when the remains are ready for pick up.”
“She could’ve just called me when they’re ready. You’ve done a lot already.”
“It’s all good I gave her my number and told her to call me.” Hank folded his arms and pinned Parker with a glare.
