Page 15 of If You Loved Me

“Of course we’re happy to have you back home, honey. Obviously, we wish it would have been under different circumstances, but if this is what you have chosen to pursue then I am glad you will be close to us while doing it.” My mom shot my dad a look that said the conversation was over. I knew she didn’t approve of Theo’s decision to leave law school, but she’d always shown favor towards him. I tried not to think too much about it, simply chalking it up to him being her firstborn.

At least her intervention gave us a small respite so I could finish my food. My dad updated us on his medical practice and mom gave us details about the renovation she started on the back patio area and rose garden. By the time we were done with the apple pie Calvin brought out to us, I was well into my second glass of wine and ready for sleep.

I gave both my parents quick hugs before Theo and I made our way out front, feeling thankful the verbal assaults only lasted a short while and I’d made it through the night with my dignity still intact.

“Well, that could have gone a hell of a lot worse,” Theo’s breath misted in the cold autumn air.

“Yeah. Thanks for jumping in. I thought I was going to lose my shit when they started talking about Stephanie not having a viable path in baking and that owning a business before I was thirty was equivalent to throwing my entire life away because I’m not a doctor or lawyer.”

“I know they’ve always been on your case about that, but I want you to know that I couldn’t be a prouder brother. Not just for having your own successful business, but for going against the grain. There aren’t many people in this world who would have the balls to do that.”

“I’m still ball-less, but I appreciate the sentiment,” I laughed.

“Good point,” he chuckled.

“How’re the ribs?”

His hand moved over his ribcage. “They’re healing nicely. I can breathe a lot better, so that’s a plus.”

“Breathing is good,” I teased.

“Not sure how well they’ll hold up this week, but time doesn’t stop for no man.”

I cringed. “You are so lucky mom didn’t just hear that. She would swat you with a ruler for bad grammar.”

He flicked the tip of my nose and I swatted his hand away.

“Just promise me you’ll at least try to take it easy until you’re fully healed.”

“Promise.”

“Good. Well, I’m going to head home and get some rest. I have an early morning tomorrow.”

“Night sis.” He pulled me in for a side hug before we made our way to our cars.

With the windows down and the cool air whipping my hair around, I replayed Theo’s words in my mind. He was proud of me. Even though I didn’t have my parents’ support, having his was truly a gift.

Chapter 7

Sarah

The quiet of my home was doing nothing for the thoughts that kept running through my mind. I rolled over and checked my phone on my nightstand.

Eleven twenty-three. Ugh. I had to get up in just over five hours, but I’d already been rolling around for the past two hours with no success of feeling even an inkling of fatigue.

I grabbed my phone.

Are you awake?

Three dots appeared in the lower left of the screen.

Deacon

Yup. Just working onthe cabin.

Can I come over? I need a beer.

Sure. Just drive straight out to the cabin. It hasn’t rained in a while so you should be able to make it over the hills without a problem.

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