Page 122 of Brew
“You’re thinking about how you should have been here.”
“You know me too well.”
“I can see it in your eyes.” Her lips find mine. It’s a quick peck, but it has all the warmth that fills me to my very core.
“I’m givin’ too much away, not used to that.”
Her smile softens. “It’s only because I’ve studied your face for longer than I care to admit. I know every inch of it.”
He gruffs a laugh. “Just like I’m gonna know every inch of your body when I get you alone again.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “I’m gonna hold you to that.”
“I never renege on my promises,Sparky.”
“Did you…” she trails off, and I brush the hair back off her face.
“Did I?”
“Finish what had to be done?”
“Yes. We won’t have to worry about any of that.”
She strengthens her arms around me. “You don’t have to stop doing what you need to do for me,” she says. “I know this part is over, but you have helped so many people over the years. Stopping completely? That isn’t you, Brew. I know there will be times when you’re needed, and I’m okay with that. It’s a good cause.”
I stare at her for a long moment. “I appreciate that. As my ol’ lady, I’m obliged to tell you everythin’ now, even the things I may not want you to know.”
“I’m here for all of it. You can’t shock me anymore. I promise.”
I clear my throat, this woman always gets me like this. “I haven’t called Valencia’s family yet, but I will.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“They will have some peace knowin’ that piece of shit won’t hurt anyone else.”
“This is why I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“Let’s do this together,” she whispers. “As one.”
I pull her even closer. “Those are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard.”
EPILOGUE
Erica
One month later
The sound of the straight pipes still thrills me. I know it always will.
Brew is home.
I smile to myself, looking down at the cake I spent the last three hours making. Death by chocolate. Another thing I’ve learned about Brew over the last few months is he loves chocolate. It’s also his birthday, and he thinks I don’t know. Brew isn’t into grand gestures or ridiculous displays of affection, so it’s thanks to Haze that I even know it’s his birthday. He also never had a cake; they weren’t well off growing up, and while they weren’t neglected, the family went through hell with their drunk of a father. So, I wanted to do something nice for him.
Olive wanted to help, but she had practice. Amber will drop her back later and we can all eat as a family. But for the next few hours, I have him to myself.
The cabin has been a sanctuary for all of us. And I finally got started on the veggie patch and garden. Brew even got somechickens and ducks, but what he really wants is a pig. According to his brothers, he had a pet pig Maurice, and he’s always wanted another one. So, I have a little surprise planned for after he gets in.
