Page 62 of Chasin' Cole

"Eek!" she screeches. "We're going to have the best time!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I wave off.

Somethin' tells me Lacey isn’t tellin’ the whole truth, but as I look over at my sister-in-law, the woman who became my friend when I desperately needed one, I've never been more grateful Brock almost hit her in the head with a volleyball all those years ago on a sunny beach in California. Where my mother has always been ice and stone, Lacey is a warm hearth, providin' our family with the comfort we've always needed. The comfort I’ve yearned for.

When my dad left—when Rowdy chose Kenzie and Emmeline over the rest of us—Lacey stepped in and made sure we were all alright. She's been the big sister I've always needed. An ear to listen, a hand to hold, and the person I go to when I need help. Or a hug. The Youngs weren’t much for huggin’ before Lacey came around.

"Did I ever tell you the story of the first time I helped Brock birth a calf?" Lacey asks Jordan. He shakes his head, and she launches into the dramatic retellin' of the night she and Brock worked as a team to save Mom and calf. Well, with Della Ray's help.

My brother smiles at his wife, totally in love with her.Smitten. He's smitten. Always has been with Lacey. There was a time I wasn’t sure they’d get through all the hardships life has thrown at them. But they did. It gives me hope that I will, too.

Brock interjects every time Lacey tells a part of the story wrong. They banter and kiss and reminisce and it makes me feel safe. They make me feel safe.

A long time ago, Brock told me the secret to survivin' Young family life was to always follow your heart. It worked out for him.

As I slowly start figurin' my life out my own life, I hope it'll work for me, too.

Someday, maybe I’ll be sittin’ here, tellin’ my own stories.

Chapter 23 – Meant to Be

My seat by the fire is warm and cozy as Lacey hands me a mug of hot apple cider.

"I don't remember much about my mom," Lacey starts as she sits beside me on the couch and steals half of the fluffy blanket, "but she always made apple cider on New Year's Eve."

"I'm glad we can continue the tradition," I smile at my sister-in-law.

Brock and Annabeth are passed out in the recliner across from us. We spent the day sleddin' up and down the snowy hill outside the cabin. Then, Brock made his famous chicken noodle soup. The only thing he can cook. But it was good. Especially after spendin' the day out in the chilly weather. I helped a little. I’m slowly learnin’ how to cook for myself.

"Sometimes, I wish I could remember her," Lacey stares at the fireplace, the vibrant red flames lickin' the brick around it. "I can't...I want to. I was just too young. Every memory I have is fuzzy."

"What about old family videos?" I offer. "Would your dad have any of those?"

Lacey sits up a little straighter. "I never thought to ask. I'll call him tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion, Rose. I hadn't even..." I watch as she brings a hand up to her cheek and frowns.

"You OK?" I ask.

Lacey nods before lookin' over at her husband and daughter. "I was just thinking how funny life is sometimes."

I raise my eyebrows at her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Lacey blows out a breath, "if my mom hadn't died, would I have the family I do now?"

"I'd like to think," I whisper to keep from wakin' Brock and Annabeth, "the two of you would have ended up together either way. Sometimes, people are just meant to be."

Lacey sighs. "I'd like to think so, too. My life was so empty—so shallow—before Brock. I wasn't like you, Rose. I didn't know what I wanted. I never would have gone on a trip by myself or bought a house. I was just wandering aimlessly. Brock gave me purpose when I had none."

"I can't imagine what that's like," I roll my eyes playfully at her.

"You've always known your purpose," Lacey grins. "Horses. Small town life. It’s all so simple."

"Sometimes, I wonder if it's the right choice," I muse. "What if...what if I should be doin’ somethin’ different. What if I should be chasin’ different things? What if I’m supposed to be somewhere else?"

“Somewhere like with Cole?” Lacey hitches a shoulder.

“I don’t think that’s the right life for me,” I shake my head. “I like havin’ one place to call home. Travelin’ all over is fun for a little while, but I wouldn’t want to do it all the time.”

“I agree with you there,” Lacey smiles.

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