I clear my throat. “Can we talk?”
Cabe stares at me for a long moment. Then nods once, and without a word, he turns and walks toward the back door.
I follow.
The porch creaks beneath our boots as we step outside. The late afternoon air feels cooler than it should be, but its bite is welcome.
Cabe moves to one side of the porch, and I take the other. Both of us crossing our arms. Creating distance.
Finally, Cabe speaks. “Your face healed nicely.”
I blink.
Then laugh.
Actually laugh.
“Yeah.” I rub my jaw. “Took a minute.”
His mouth twitches. “You bruise easier than you used to.”
I shrug. “You hit harder than you used to.”
For the first time, a hint of amusement flashes across his face. A tiny crack in the wall. Then it’s gone again, and the silence returns.
I stare out across the pasture. At the mountains rising in the distance. At the place we’ve both called home our entire lives. And my throat feels tight. Because the teasing is easy, but this next part isn’t.
I clear my throat and force the words out. “I’m sorry.”
Cabe looks at me, and I meet his gaze. I don’t look away. Don’t make excuses. Don’t try to justify anything.
“I fucked up, and I’m sorry for hurting you. Sorry for lying by omission. Sorry for not telling you sooner.”
Cabe remains silent, and I keep going anyway.
“You’re my brother.” My voice cracks. “And I never wanted to be the guy who did this to you. I didn’t want to fall for her. It wasn’t planned. And no one was more shocked than I was. But it happened. I can’t take it back.” I look up and hold his gaze. “And I wouldn’t if I could because I love her. I’ve never loved anything in my life like I love her.”
The screen door rattles softly behind us from someone moving inside, but neither of us turns around or breaks eye contact.
For the first time since everything exploded, we’re finally standing here, facing each other head-on. Just two brothers staring at the carnage between them.
And trying to figure out if there’s still a bridge left to build.
Jovie
The evening sky is painted in shades of pink and gold by the time everyone drifts outside.
For the first time all day, I feel like I can breathe.
I’m not completely at ease, but it’s enough that the knot that’s been living in my stomach for weeks has loosened.
The firepit is already crackling when we step onto the front porch. Someone must have lit it while we were finishing the dishes because flames dance cheerfully against the darkening sky.
Micah and Royce head in that direction, and Grandpa Earl claims his favorite lawn chair.
Laughter fills the yard and feels normal—like the world has been set right. Or at least closer to normal than it has been in a long time.
Axle’s arm settles around my waist. “You okay?”
