We drifted off after that, and when I woke the next morning, I slipped quietly downstairs, intent on making some coffee and letting Mac sleep in.
I was sitting at the kitchen table, halfway through my first cup when Bonnie came down. Her short blond hair was pulled back into a tiny stub of a ponytail. She was wearing a pair of Mac’s sweatpants and a tee shirt.
Besides having the same upturned nose and dimple in their chins, the two sisters didn’t look much alike. With her dark hair and light eyes, Mac took after her dad and the rest of the Clarks. Bonnie, who was short and petite, more strongly resembled their mother. Blond hair, brown eyes, and an infectious smile with a slight gap between her front teeth.
She wasn’t smiling now, though. Bonnie’s eyelids were puffy, and her face was pale and drawn as she shuffled into the room on bare feet.
“Mornin’,” I called, wanting to announce myself.
Her head rose. “Hi.”
Then, she surprised the heck out of me by walking right up to my stool and hugging me hard. “Thank you,” Bonnie said, her voice thick. “For last night. I’m embarrassed you saw me that way, but I appreciate what you did for me.”
I squeezed her back. “Nothing to be embarrassed over. I’m glad you’re okay.”
With a final pat, she released me and went to pour herself a cup of coffee. “Not trying to cramp your style, but I think I might need to stay here for a while.”
It wasn’t my place to ask for details, but if that piece of shit was asking for a divorceandkicking his wife out, Mac was going to have some help in kicking his ass.
“Give me a list of what you need, and I’ll go to your place and load it in my truck today.”
“Thanks, Brady. You’re a good one.”
“Whatever you need.”
She smiled, so weary and worn that my heart hurt for her. “I’m glad you and Mac found your way to one another. It’s good to have someone who challenges you and makes you the very best version of yourself. I don’t—I don’t think Danny and I were that for each other. We gave one another permission to just stay the same.”
“You deserve better, Bonnie. I know it doesn’t feel that way right now, but I believe you’ll find it.”
“Maybe.” She took a sip from her mug. She’d picked a Dollywood one that had three bears on it. “Maybe I’ll meet someone who puts me first. You know, a fantasy.”
I heard movement on the stairs and felt my heart leap a little at the prospect of seeing the woman who was walking down them. “Sometimes, the fantasy is real.”
Bonnie eyed me like she thought I was sweet but wrong. It was thebless your heartof looks.
“Well, I’m going to get to work on some pancakes and bacon.” Mac walked into the room, so I added, “Sound good to you, ladies?”
“God, yes,” Mac groaned.
“That would be nice. Thank you,” Bonnie said. “I’m going to grab a quick shower. I’ll be right back.”
I placed a griddle pan on the stove and noticed Mac staring after her sister, gaze still fixed on the corner she’d disappeared around.
“She’ll be okay,” I said. “Your sister is tough.”
Mac turned toward me. “That’s the problem. She’s always been the responsible one. The caretaker. She keeps everything together. I’m worried that she’ll focus on everyone else and let herself fade into the background. I want her to be happy.”
“She’ll get there, but you’ve got to let her grieve. She was with Danny for half of her life.”
Mac scowled and reached for the coffeepot. “I know. She just deserves someone great. Someone who realizes how fucking amazing she is. Danny always took her for granted. He didn’t support her.” And then, while she was pouring the steaming liquid into a mug, she added, “I want her to have what we have.”
She said it so casually, but I had to steady myself from where I’d crouched down for a mixing bowl.
Mac and I might have done things all wrong. Our journey was made up of twists and turns, pitfalls and minefields. But what we did have was a connection born of history. I had her back, and she had mine. She was my best friend, and I’d do anything for her. And I knew Mac would defend and stand beside me in any battle.
I straightened carefully, placing the bowl on the counter. Then I grabbed the milk and the eggs from the fridge. On the way back to the mixing bowl, I kissed Mac on the temple and said, “I want that for her too.”
We spent the next few minutes in comfortable silence. I mixed up the batter and then let it rest. Bacon went into the oven, and Mac topped off my coffee.
