Page 99 of One More Heartbeat
Peony tightens her hold on Poppy, squishing the panda against her body. “Yes!”
A symphony of little girl giggles reaches us as I open the wooden gate to the lush backyard I designed, planted, and nurtured.
Leafy plants make a soothing backdrop to the colorful spring flower beds framing the lawn. The large grassy area surrounds an odd-shaped pond with a waterfall, the gentle rush of the water usually calming. But now that we’re here, facing so much uncertainty, the water thunders in my ears.
It’s the newest additions to the backyard that put me at ease. Bringing Peony here wasn’t a mistake. She’ll be fine. Happy, even. Mom went all out here when it comes to her granddaughter, Kylie, and Zoe. A turtle-shaped sandbox, small slide, and water table now occupy one side of the lawn, each plastic toy cheery in color.
I shouldn’t be surprised at the extent Mom has gone to for the three girls. I would’ve been more surprised if she hadn’t turned the backyard into a mini wonderland.
“And how’s my little princess doing?” Mom gushes, smiling warmly at Peony from next to the picnic table. Peony grins and waves at her from Athena’s arms.
A small bark shifts Peony’s attention from her grandmother to the golden Cavapoo sitting next to Troy.
“Doggy.” Peony points to Butterscotch and squirms in Athena’s arms.
I ask, “Do you want me to introduce you to Butterscotch?” And by default, my brother.
She nods, her gaze on the small fluffy dog.
I hold out my arms for Athena to pass me my daughter. A contemptuous frown narrows her eyes, and for a fleeting second, she looks like she plans to bail, taking Peony with her.
And maybe she would have if Peony hadn’t stretched her arms out to me.
I don’t know what Athena’s problem is. It’s like she’s refusing to trust my family—which doesn’t make sense. Mom has been nothing but supportive of Peony and Athena.
I take Peony from Athena and walk toward Butterscotch and Troy. My hand is secure on Peony’s back, letting her know she’s safe, nothing bad will happen to her. No villains will drop from the trees. No monsters will leap from the bushes.
No one will hurt her while she’s in the protection of five retired Marines.
“Athena, why don’t we go get some drinks?” Mom tells her. “Figure you and I can talk. Get to know each other a little better.”
“I’m not sure I should leave Peony alone.”
“She won’t be alone.” Mom smiles indulgently at Athena. “She’s with Garrett. She’ll be fine.”
The slight downturn of Athena’s mouth wordlessly says she disagrees, but she gives a small reluctant nod. “Okay.” She and Mom head inside the house, and the back door clicks shut behind them.
As Peony and I draw closer to Butterscotch, everything shifts. Peony’s body trembles under my touch and fear widens her eyes. The countdown in my head doesn’t have time to commence. A high-pitched wail explodes from her little lungs, the noise so loud, so terrified, anyone on the street could hear it.
My heart clambers into my heart, the fastdumb-dumb-dumbechoing in my ears. Athena was right; bringing Peony here was a mistake.
Mistake or not, I need to fix this. I stop walking and pivot so we are no longer facing Troy and Butterscotch. But that doesn’t seem to make a difference. Kellan and Lucas and my father are now in front of us by the pond. There’s no missing them.
She makes eye contact with them and the intensity of her wails picks up, an air-raid siren signaling an incoming threat.
Shit. Now what?
Distract her. That’s what I need to do.
I carry her to the blue hydrangeas and gently rock from side to side. “Do you see the pretty flowers?” I point to them. “Do you know what color they are?”
Peony continues wailing, the sound not quite as loud as before, but just as shrill.
“They’re blue. Do you think they’re pretty? Okay, not as pretty as the flower you’re named after. Your mommy loved peonies. See that plant?” I point to a cluster of dark leaves. “It will produce beautiful peonies in a few months. Beautiful.” I kiss the crown of her head. Her soft coils tickle my lips. “Just.” Another kiss. “Like. You.”
Peony’s sobs start to slow to a hiccup. Still rocking from one foot to the other, I point to the different plants and tell her their names.
“What has you so scared, little flower?” I eventually ask her, my tone soft and inquiring. “You’re safe here. My brothers—your uncles—and your grandfather will do everything in their power to protect you. That’s what we do. We protect the people we love. And I know if you give them a chance, you’ll love them. And they’ll love you like I love you.”
