Page 62 of Blackstone's Heart
"Yes sir." Ethan agreed.
The two men left the room and headed back downstairs. Despite the crowd, Krista found Ethan and moved to him. She slipped her arms around his waist. Ethan wrapped his arms around her and pushed the feeling away.
"Thank you."
"For what baby?"
"For coming. You and the guys. I think it made this whole nightmare easier for me. Knowing that you're here, that you guys have my back."
Ethan lifted her chin and cupped her face. "Krista, I'll always have your back. You hear me? Always."
Krista gripped his wrists and kissed him sweetly. The couple then headed toward the backyard where the majority of the guests were. Krista had to admit, Jerry would have loved this. The backyard was full of family and friends. There was music, food, and despite the reason they were all gathered here there was an air of celebration.
"Jerry's probably sitting up there and laughing right now." Krista commented.
"I think you're right." Ethan grinned a little.
"He hated funerals. He told me after Jilly's that when it was his time he wanted his wake to be a party. Music, food, friends and family. He wanted to be celebrated not mourned."
"Well, I think he got his way here babe."
Krista giggled a little. She looked away from Ethan and found Tessa moving toward them. The older woman pulled Krista into her arms. "Jerry would have loved this Tessa."
"Yes, yes I think he would too. How are you holding up honey?" Tessa agreed releasing Krista.
"Taking it one day at a time. I feel better than I did yesterday at the viewing." Krista admitted. “What about you? Are you okay?”
“I’m doing okay. No, that’s not right, I’m not falling apart. I have lost both my children, something no parent should have to go through.” Tessa sighed.
“But you have acquired four adopted children in me and my brothers. You know that Tessa.” Krista replied.
“And five ornery Marines.” Ethan added with a soft smile, slipping an arm around Tessa.
Tearfully Tessa hugged both of them. "Thank you, both of you.” She wiped her eyes and cleared her throat. I spoke to Stacey; she couldn't stay but she did say the publishing house is going to start a scholarship in Jerry's name at Hamilton that will be available in time for next year's applicants."
Krista smiled brightly. "That's what he'd want. He loved Hamilton and said he always wanted to give back."
"Yes. You know, Hamilton was the only college he applied to. He had gone there with a cousin when he was maybe ten or so and fell in love from then on." Tessa laughed.
"I felt the same way when I went on my school visit." Krista grinned. "Um, when I get back I'll start packing up his condo. Was there anything…"
Tessa laid her hands on Krista's shoulders and interrupted her, "You don't need to do anything honey. While we were there, Carl and I took care of that. The things we wanted we have already shipped here. The rest has been either donated or given away."
Krista could only nod. The day before they left Austin, Carl and Tessa had given her several items of Jerry's that they thought she would like. They were currently at her parent’s place until she could find a proper home for them in her house. She leaned in and hugged the older woman.
***
Ethan held Krista as she slept. After everyone had left she had gone to bed early. He could tell she was exhausted after the last two days. The viewing the previous day and then Jerry's funeral today had wiped her mentally and emotionally. He himself was drifting off when his phone buzzed. Careful not to wake her, he grabbed it and slipped from the bed. Once in the hall he answered.
"Blackstone."
"How's my baby sister?"
Ethan grinned a little. "Hey Jax. She's exhausted. I think the last two days zapped her."
Jax sighed."I can imagine. I wish I could have been there for her, mom and pop."
"They know that buddy. How's things in Dallas?"
