Page 100 of Our Long Days
Once my emotions are wrangled, I join the party. Watching her greet her family, I notice her hand covering the inside of her forearm or keeping it turned inward—hiding her tattoo.
It unlocks a new fear, one so terrifying, I’m not sure I’d survive if it came true.
Losing Florence is my new nightmare, and right now, she’s slipping through my fingers.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
florence
Love isin the air tonight.
It threatens to choke me.
Johanna and Patrick mingle with their guests. They levitate with love, floating through the bar, smiling, laughing, and sharing kisses any chance they get.
For them, it’s effortless. Yes, it took time for them to get here, but the years and distance didn’t stand in their way.
All my brothers have proven love doesn’t come easy, yet they conquered whatever challenges they faced. I watch each of them with their partners from my corner of the bar.
The man I love is across the room, hidden in the shadows as he nurses a glass of whiskey. Distance isn’t the problem, but the clock is ticking. I’m trying my hardest to follow the girls’ advice, but simply looking at him weakens my defenses.
Not to mention that kiss.
His attention shifts to his parents. Not wanting to be a nuisance, I tidied the A-frame for his parents. I still had plenty of clothes over in the main cabin, but if it means stepping foot into his room, I’d sleep in my dress tonight.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?” my mom asks, rubbing my bare arm. “You’ve hardly eaten or said a word.”
I lean into her touch, my response mindless. “How did you know Daddy was the one?”
She’s silent, eyes flicking between me and the giant in the corner.
“It took your father years to find the courage to pursue me. There was a point I thought all his subtle flirting was in my head and he wanted to remain friends. Then, one day, after my shift at the post office, I found him waiting for me with a beautiful bouquet of tulips. He was a nervous wreck, shaking so much, he strangled the flowers to death. So before he got himself worked up, I said, ‘Well, what took you so long?’”
I smile, thinking about the younger versions of my parents falling in love in this very town. “He’s like a mix of Patrick, Graham, and Booth.”
Her eyes mist. “He is, but do you know who I saw the most in him?”
I shake my head.
“His baby girl.” She loops her arm through mine and taps the tattoo on my arm. “You both love deeply, freely, and unconditionally. I spent every day trying to match the love your father gave me. I hope he knew that.”
“Mom,” I croak and rest my head on top of hers. “He knew. I want…I want a love like that.”
My gaze wanders across the room. Dex stares at me, face pained, jaw tight.
“You will, Florence.” She kisses my cheek, whispering, “And maybe you already have.”
Sharp feedback and crackling fill the room, and all eyes turn to my brother. Patrick taps the microphone twice then hooks an arm around Jo’s waist. “I’ll make this quick and save the hour-long speech for tomorrow.”
The room boos.
“Kidding, kidding, but I believe Booth is taking bets on who cries the most.” He scans the crowd. “Thank you all for coming down tonight, especially anyone who traveled from out of town. It means the world to me and my wife.” He grins at Jo. “I know we’re not officially married yet, but I told you I was going to marry you when my two front teeth were missing. I’m done waiting.”
Waiting.
That’s all I seem to do. Waiting for a break. Waiting for my brain to be kind. Waiting for my feelings to be reciprocated.
Tough love isn’t working.
