Page 58 of Coming Unraveled
At the end of the night, she feels lighter, freer, and she knows that it’s because Brooks is here with her, allowing her to be herself, her true self. If only the dark and gloomy realization of Rich’s lack of whereabouts aren’t resting in the back of their minds.
As they approach the condo door, Everleigh slips her hand free from Brooks’.
“I had fun tonight, thank you.”
“I’m glad. Best first date I’ve ever had.”
Walking inside the condo Everleigh twists out of the arm Brooks tries to wrap around her waist.
Laughing she jokes, “I don’t put out on the first date.”
Brooks stalks towards her, backing her down the hallway until she twirls on her heels and runs full force to the bedroom. Unfortunately, she is unable to shut the door quickly enough and Brooks follows her into the space. He wraps his strong arms around her tightly, lifting her off the floor, and then tossing her onto the bed.
“You don’t put out, huh? It’s a good thing we’re married.”
He doesn’t give her a moment to argue, his lips crash against hers and she forgets what she planned to argue in the first place.
***
“SO, THIS IS IT,” she says as they walk by a small headstone with a tiny angel resting on the top of the cool meadow.
Brooks had driven them farther inland in Manteo to a small cemetery off the beaten path. When they arrived he instantly knew why she had chosen the space. A large meadow of flowers bloom all around the small division of land and a weeping willow tree offers enough shade, guarding the tombs from the elements.
A ray of sunshine pours through the branches, illuminating the outskirt of the area, right where Everleigh stands with her hand on her heart.
“All I was able to do was bury a memory that never was, I didn’t have a casket or anything, but the owners were so great. They didn’t even charge me for the small plot.”
His arms wrap around her shoulders and he pulls her close as she silently whimpers. He tries to soak in her hurt and pain, exchanging them for his strength.
When her shutters ease he removes his arms and reaches down to squeeze her hand as he kneels to the ground.
“Hey there, I’m Brooks and I’m a good friend of your mom’s. I just want you to know that I’m sorry I never had the chance to meet you, but I will take really good care of your mom. She’s pretty special to me. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll give you a brother or sister that you can look over,” he adds hoping to brighten the glum mood surrounding them. In response, he hears a small giggle from Everleigh and he feels his smile warm and settle deep inside him.
The early morning on the island fills the air with the smell of dew and salt and as the coastal breeze travels across the field the willow tree’s branches sway, the leaves brushing against his back, almost feeling like a soft hand offering comfort.
Brooks stands and glances over at Everleigh and smiles as she wipes the tears from her cheeks, a grin present on her lips. Lips he wants to kiss to take her thoughts away from the pain.
“You know, I never thought about having kids again after everything. I never thought I’d ever hear someone call me Mom. I figured it wasn’t in the plan for me.”
“We can have as many kids as you want.”
“We probably need to figure out if we want to be married first.”
A chime sounds from in his pocket, and both of their eyes move to the denim-clad area of his thighs. Brooks reaches in and grabs the offending device, checking the missed messages.
“Who is it?” Everleigh asks as she grabs his hand and begins to guide him back to his car.
“It’s just Charlie, she keeps pushing the test segments for the Asheville team, I’d need to go cover another team for a month or so to see if I’d be a good fit before expanding me over the east coast.”
“Oh.”
“Apparently it could be a breach of my short-term contract if I turn it down. Shit,” he adds, shoving the phone back into his pocket. As they stand in front of his car he turns her into his arms. “What’s the matter, babe?”
“You should take the job. After everything you’ve told me,” she says, her hand sliding up to cup his cheek, his face instantly resting in her palm, “yesterday, this is exactly what you dreamed of growing up. I won’t keep you from that dream, Brooks. I’ll still be in Carson and you won’t be far, but I’m not going to hold you back.”
Fury explodes inside him and he has to stomp it out in his gut knowing that if roles were reversed that he would make the same claims, except he would figure out how to be with her still.
“You’re not getting rid of me so easily. I’ll figure this out, ok? In the meantime, we have time to enjoy this little vacation.”
