Page 112 of The Only Heart that Matters

Once again, I do as instructed, because I don’t know what else to say or do.

She cleans up the kitchen while I eat and when she finishes, she goes to the built-in bookshelf in the family room and pulls out a photo album. Taking a seat on the couch, she pats the spot beside her and I take it.

She flips through the album and stops on a page that says Knox’s 2nd birthday at the top. And there it is. It’s like looking at Sawyer’s twin. He is the spitting image of my oldest brother and I’ve never seen it.

“You’ve always known?”

“As he got older, I couldn’t deny the truth. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out how or when this could have happened. She’s always been head over heels for you.”

Even Mom knew? I’ve spent years thinking my attraction to her was unreciprocated. So many wasted years.

“It’s not my story to tell.”

She smiles and pats my cheek affectionately. “I know. I raised you right.”

“There’s no way we can be together. She has to tell him.”

“And once she does, what does that mean for the two of you?”

I sigh, frustration bubbling up once again. “What can it mean? I’m her son’s uncle. As if her being Daisy’s best friend and Chris’s sister wasn’t enough. I’m not sure we can get past this.”

“Do you love her?”

“So much,” I confess for the second time tonight. “But is love enough?”

“It’s always enough.”

I snort. “I wish I was as optimistic as you.”

“It will all work out.”

“Sure hope you’re right, Mom.”

“If you love each other, it will work out just as it should.”

Mia’s confession plays in my head and my heart rate picks up. Hope is still buried under all the anger brewing inside me, but the sound of Mia confidently telling me she loves me and my mom’s certainty it will all work out manage to reactivate that strange flip of my stomach, a reaction my body has only ever had for Mia.

Unable to keep it in, I tell my mom the best thing anyone has ever said to me. “She told me tonight she loves me. She’sin lovewith me. Can you believe that?”

“Of course I can.” She takes my hand in hers. “I’m happy for you. If I know your brother, he won't stand in your way. You are going to get through this. As long as you love each other through the hard times, you’ll get through this.”

“From your lips, Mom... from your lips.”

Chapter Forty-One

Angus

The exertion it takes to lift the rack of weights above my chest this morning is excruciating. Not surprising since I haven’t been to sleep yet. It’s eight in the morning. I’ve got a pot of coffee in my system, yet I have nothing in me. Physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Drained. I am completely drained.

Thank God, it’s Tuesday. I only have to make it another hour until my appointment with Dr. Laughlin. I think even the doc is going to be shocked and bewildered at how to deal with the Knox situation.

When I left Mom last night, things didn’t seem so insurmountable, feeling better than when I had arrived. Her pancakes have a funny way of doing that. But, once I was out of the comfort of Mom’s presence, the visions of Mia and my brother together plagued my thoughts. Erasing any hope I might have had.

Doubt crept back in.

Sleep never found me.

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