Page 71 of Fractured Grief
“You were when we watched Tangled. You looked sad and lonely sitting by yourself. You watched us more than the movie, which is really good, and you missed it.” Hazel explained as she patted the seat next to her, across from Ma, at the head of the table. “You should sit here and join our new family lunch, that way you won’t be alone.”
Sometimes Hazel seemed to be too insightful, but at the same time, she didn’t realize the effect her words had on those around her. Lyric’s smile dropped as he took his seat. His mask slipped, and he looked exhausted. Ma and Yaya shared concerned glances, and Hazel, ever the sweetheart, just offered my brother some of her fries, missing the tension her honest words had created.
“You do look tired, son,” Yaya observed. “Are you getting enough sleep? Seb’s not keeping you up, is he?” Yaya shot me a mock glare before turning back at Lyric.
“Of course not. I’m just having trouble getting a full night’s sleep. I’ll be fine,” he said as he rubbed his eyes.
Taking pity on my brother and knowing how much he was struggling, I tried to change the subject. “We saw Atty and Bodhi earlier. And Indy and Haze are going to come to Sunday brunch tomorrow.”
My comments had the expected effect, and Ma and Yaya peppered both Indy and me with questions, and the conversation went back to normal and flowed around us.
I checked on Lyric. His eyes looked haunted as he gave me a slight nod in thanks before turning back to Hazel to discuss Tangled and what he’d missed.
As I collected more pieces of the puzzle, I vowed to help him. Starting with making him an appointment to talk to someone.
Tuning back into the conversation, I reached for Indy’s hand under the table. Caressing the back of his palm. I reveled in the connection between us.
He was it for me, and I knew that more than I knew my own name. I loved him with my whole heart. With Indy by my side and his sweet daughter bringing joy and laughter into my life, I knew we’d all be okay. I leaned in and kissed his cheek, relishing in the way my heart skipped a beat and the pure happiness that lit me up inside at being able to call Indymine.
We finished up lunch and went our separate ways. I wanted to check on Lyric and ensure he was okay, but he just gaveme a wave and said he had things to do. I felt helpless as I watched my once carefree brother walk away.
Indy, Hazel, and I headed back to my house after we stopped by the grocery store for some snacks and supplies for the weekend. As we wandered through the aisles, Indy’s phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and his face went white as a sheet.
“What’s wrong? Who is it?” I asked, ready to rip the phone away and ensure no one made that haunted look cross Indy’s face again.
“I d-don’t know… but the area code, it’s Wyoming. No, it can’t be.” He silenced the phone and pocketed it, visibly trying to shake off whatever had scared him, and continued with our shopping.
“Talk to me. Are you okay?” I tried to embrace Indy in a hug, but he pulled away from me, breaking my heart a little.
“Y-yeah. It was probably a spam caller,” Indy said dismissively. “We should get back to your house. I think we all could use a rest.”
He wasn’t wrong, but I still didn’t like him pulling away from me or ignoring whatever that was.
We finished our shopping without much fanfare and headed home. I was happy to bring Indy and Hazel back here and enjoyed seeing them settle in my living room. We decided to cuddle up with another movie, Moana, this time, and enjoyed the comfort of having Indy in my life, house, and heart.
Hazel was so sweet singing along to every song that popped up and dancing and bopping in place. I noticedIndy’s eyes drooping after the first song, and soon he fell asleep with his head on my chest.
I watched the movie with Hazel. My heart was overflowing with love for these two beautiful souls. I’d never known I could feel this way. I was lit up from the inside out, and I didn’t know if there was a limit to the depth of these emotions.
I was overwhelmed with happiness down to my bones. I vowed to cherish this man and his daughter and protect them for as long as I lived.
Chapter 36
Indy
Ihadn’t realized how tired I was until I was safe and snuggled up on the couch with Hazel and Seb. In the warm embrace of Seb’s arms and the rhythmic bouncing and off-key singing from Hazel, I quickly fell into a fitful nap.
When I woke later, I was alone on the couch, covered in a blanket. I couldn’t help the smile at Seb’s thoughtfulness. I could hear the murmur of voices coming from the kitchen, so I sat up to peek over the couch. What I saw melted my heart.
Seb and Hazel were in the kitchen cooking. Seb was helping Hazel roll balls of cookie dough and place them on a baking tray. He was so attentive and focused on Hazel and the task, ensuring she was doing it herself and encouraging her throughout.
He accepted me and my daughter without question, and the love and care he showed us both, every moment hecould, made butterflies dance to life in my belly. I loved this man. He was everything I never knew I wanted and everything I never dared to hope for.
He was my forever.
When they put the tray in the oven and Seb helped Hazel set a timer, I made my way into the kitchen.
“Daddy! You’re awake. Seb and I made cookies,” Hazel exclaimed.
