Page 80 of Fractured Grief
Atty nudged my leg under the table and gestured at me to head inside. We excused ourselves, and I left Indy with Bodhi to continue talking.
“What’s up?” I asked as soon as we stepped into the kitchen. I could see Indy and Bodhi from the kitchen window as I leaned against the counter and waited to hear what my brother had to say.
“It’s so good to see you with someone. Indy’s good for you.” Atty smiled.
“He’s amazing. I’m so glad he gave us a chance.” I couldn’t help the smile that liftedmy lips.
Atty nudged my shoulder, watching his man out the window too. “You’re so gone for him.”
“I am. I love him.” My cheeks heated at my blunt admission.
“That’s great news,” Atty exclaimed. “I’m so happy for you. Finding your person makes everything else that much better.”
We shared a smile.
“Well, what I wanted to talk to you about is in the same vein of love and partners.” He scratched nervously at the longer hair at the base of his neck, shifting from foot to foot.
We looked most alike with similar coloring and features. We were also the closest in age, but even with all the weight and muscle mass I’d lost, I was still taller and bigger than Atticus. Weirdly, that settled something inside me. It was like a part of my identity came back to me, and a little piece settled back into place as I looked at my big brother, my best friend.
Atticus looked around cautiously before leaning in to whisper. “I’m going to ask Bodhi to marry me.”
The smile that overtook his face was so big that I couldn’t help but join in.
“Really! That’s fantastic.” I gripped Atty in a fierce hug, overjoyed for my brother.
I kept my voice low, knowing if Ma or Yaya caught wind of any of this, it would blow up and we’d never be able to keep it a secret. “When are you going to do it? Any ideas how yet?”
“I have a few ideas.” Atty shared a secret smile. “But I wanted to tell you first. I was hoping you might help me.”
“Of course, anything you need.” And Atty proceeded to share his ideas and plans with me. I didn’t think my heart could be any happier.
Chapter 40
Indy
Sunday brunch was a blast.
Everyone was so welcoming. Hazel made many new friends. I met so many people that I never had a hope of remembering all their names.It was like becoming part of the type of family I always wanted.
Talking with Bodhi and then Kay was nice. I felt like I’d made friends too, which is not something I’d had since Lexi. Kay was kind and reserved, while Bodhi was confident and playful. While we may not have had a lot in common, Bodhi and I were kindred spirits in a way, having both been outsiders welcomed into Hope’s Ridge.
Kaydence was Hope’s Ridge born and bred, but he was so great with Hazel. If I hadn’t known he worked at Jolt, I would have thought he worked in childcare.
My face hurt from smiling so much.
Bodhi had told me they’d gotten all the parts in for Seb’s altered vehicle and were in the process of modifying Atty’struck. They were waiting for Theo to come home to help with the final installation.
It was midafternoon before everyone started leaving, and only a few kids, cousins, and adults hung around. Kat and Yaya were on babysitting duty for the rest of the afternoon and offered to take Hazel too.
My stomach jumped with excitement at the thought of having Seb all to myself again, even if for just a little while before I had to head home and prepare for work and get Hazel to school on Monday. I loved my time with Seb and wasn’t looking forward to returning to the city.
Hazel was excited to stay, so once I’d given Kat and Yaya my phone number and gotten theirs, Seb and I had said our goodbyes and made our way back to his house.
Even with a chill in the air, the day was beautiful. We took our time wandering home, holding hands.
“Did you have fun today?” Seb asked. “It wasn’t too much.”
“Not at all. It was wonderful, Seb. I love being welcomed into your family and this town. You’re so lucky to have such a close and supportive community.”
