Page 19 of Her Only Choyce

“You have me,” he reasoned. “And I promise if you choose me, I’m going to make sure that’s more than enough. We can start our own family and restore your heart, Lav. But I need you to tell me what you want.”

Choyce released her and walked back over to the bed. He wanted to go to the bathroom but decided against it in case she tried to leave. If she wouldn’t choose him, Choyce would do what needed to be done and allow that guilt to rest in his heart for the rest of his life. Maybe he was more like his father’s side of the family than he wanted to admit. Because in that moment, he was willing to do whatever it took to protect his brother.

“I just told you I wanted to kill your brother and you’re still talking about having a future with me.”

He chuckled, leaning against the headboard casually. “That’s not you talking; that’s the hurt and pain. I can speak to your heart, but I need you to actually listen.”

She took a small step toward him. “Maybe you’re right,” she muttered. “Maybe I came to you first because I knew you’d talk some sense into me.” Lavender took another step toward him. “But I feel so broken, Choyce. I could never have a normal life with all this pain inside of me.”

Lavender covered her face as her tears started to fall again. “It won’t go away.”

Choyce knew that all too well. He hadn’t started to truly grieve his mother until two years after her death, and he didn’t start to feel like he was really healing until four years later. Even now, he still missed her and had his moments, while at other times, he was simply numb.

So telling her he understood wasn’t a matter of placating her. If he was still working through his grief of one family member, he couldn’t imagine the work it would take her to do so for several.

“I can’t help you if you don’t trust me. Just trust me, Lavender. I promise I got you.”

Sniffling, she nodded and wiped her face. “I don’t deserve you.”

Chuckling, Choyce stood. “You deserve me and every good thing in this world. Stop allowing your pain to overshadow that. Tell me what you choose.”

“You,” she replied quickly before releasing a long breath. “I choose you. Fuck, I choose myself. Peace. Healing. Whatever comes with you. And us. I choose you, Choyce.”

He smiled softly. “I’m glad you said that. Go shower and get dressed. There’s somewhere I want to take you. It’s going to make you feel so much better.”

“Okay, but I doubt there’s anything that’s going to make me feel better right now.”

Choyce didn’t bother going back and forth with her. He knew when they made it to their destination her heart would be light, and she’d be as happy as she was yesterday.

Lavender looked at Choyce skeptically when they started walking down the street. He told her he wanted to take her somewhere, but he still hadn’t said where.

“You’re not about to kill me, are you?” she asked with a smile, but Choyce felt her unsurety.

“Nah.” He chuckled, pulling her into his side as they continued to walk. “We’re going to my brother’s home. It’s the third one right over here,” Choyce informed, pointing toward the house.

“You’re about to tell him so he can kill me?”

“No one’s going to kill you, Lav. I’m not even going to make him aware of your ill intent. I know when you see what I have to show you, you’ll never want to bring him harm again.”

“Well… I won’t try and do that anyway. I meant it when I said I chose you, and I know hurting him would hurt you. Forget about putting you in a position to kill me. You’ve been too good to me for me to intentionally hurt you. I just…” She shrugged. “I’ve spent so much time convincing myself this was the only way to get revenge and justice and find peace. But the moment I stepped foot back in Memphis, I knew you would sway me.”

As they made it in front of Mercy’s home, Choyce nodded at the guard who stood by the mailbox. Though they lived in a gated community, everyone always had guards in front of their homes to be safe. Choyce and Mercy had made the McEntire empire practically impenetrable, but they would never get so cocky that they believed they couldn’t be touched.

“He’s expecting you,” the guard at the door said as he opened it.

With a nod, Choyce led Lavender inside. Before they passed the foyer, Choyce told her, “I want you to understand why I didn’t show you this immediately. I wanted to make sure your intentions were pure.”

“I understand, Choyce. What is it?”

Instead of answering her vocally, Choyce headed down the hall.

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