Page 41 of Back in the Country
“Of course.”
For the next twenty minutes I listen as both Otto and Case go through things they’d like to see updated, links and forms to add, and the easiest way to keep their social media updated.
It was a welcome and much-needed distraction, but now I’m itching to get back to the house.
“Come on, I’ll take you home,” Case says from beside me. I startle at his closeness becausewhen did that happen?
“Thanks.”
After giving Otto a hug, I climb into the front seat of Case’s work truck, their logo proudly displayed on the side.
“You going to be all right seeing your brother?”
“Why wouldn’t I be all right?” Case’s gaze moves momentarily to me before returning to the road.
I was wrong to think the short drive to the house would compel Case to talk faster.
“I just don’t want you to set yourself up for unnecessary heartbreak when you see him.”
“What does that mean?” My heart isn’t breaking—it’s stopped dead in my chest.
“Sorren is going to have physical, mental, and emotional scars, but they’re not always going to be obvious and they’re not always going to be relevant. He’s not going to react the way you may think he should or the way you want him to.”
“I just want him to be okay.” The words are whispered in the space between us, and Case nods once before responding.
“I know. We all do. But just keep in mind that our version of okay is going to look different andthatis okay.”
Case isn’t known for speaking in riddles but this is the most muddied and yet enlightening conversation I’ve had in a long time.
He parks in front of the house, and I lean across the console to hug him. His giant hand squeezes my bicep where it drapes over his chest, and he turns to kiss the top of my head.
“Love you, Case.”
“Love you too, kid.”
Kid.
Despite being basically the same age, the twins havealwayscalled me kid. I thought it would annoy me by now but it doesn’t. Like the rest of my chosen family, the twins are the absolute best.
Holding on for another minute, I release Case and then look out the windshield to find a car I haven’t seen before. The sleek-looking black sedan stands out against the Tennessee backdrop, and once again my heart is in my throat.
“Do you want me to go inside with you?” Case asks softly.
“No. It should just be me first. I’ll let everyone know when they can drop in.”
“Well then git. I gotta go make sure Otto isn’t messing up the layout I set up over on the Pearl Street project.”
Instead of answering, I stick my tongue out at him as he grins.
Brat.
Hopping down, I let the door close shut behind me before giving him a little wave. He waits until I am on the porch before backing out and turning the truck toward town.
Swallowing hard, I turn the unlocked doorknob and push open the door. I’ve been waiting for this moment for months, but absolutely nothing could have prepared me for seeing my big brother again.
My mouth falls open on a gasp and tears well in my eyes. I haven’t moved any farther than the kitchen doorway, my feet frozen at the sight of him.
“Hey, Marlee girl, I’m home.”
