Page 125 of Luci’s Lullaby

The final picture is Luci laying on the curve of my guitar. Her hands tucked under her, she’s sleeping as it sits on its side. My body shakes as a tingle spreads through my chest.

“Stunning. Completely breathtaking, sweetheart.”

I turn and hurry back through the house to look for others. I find so many of us. Me bathing Luci. One of her in my guitar case. One of her in a tutu and pearls. There’s also one of Luci, finger in her mouth and blue eyes piercing me.

But when I go back into her room, I see there’s one I missed. One is of Luci laying on her side, Cid and Shelley’s wedding bands in her hand. It knocks the breath from me, and I take a step back.

It’s then, I spot the final photo. It’s the three of us in bed. I have my cheek on Luci’s head and she’s holding onto Charlee. Luci and I are asleep, but the look in Charlee’s eyes as she gazes at us speaks volumes.

“She’s pretty amazing, isn’t she?” Chord says from behind me.

My voice breaks as I try to speak. “Did y’all know she did all of this?”

“She stays here every other night so Luci can be home as much as possible. Reese gave her a key,” Chord says as I begin to feel overwhelmed by her love and dedication.

I touch the photo of us and swallow hard. “She must really love Luci.”

“Keep telling yourself that and you’ll lose her forever,” He warns me.

“I’m not sure where to start, how to go about talking to her.” A knot forms in my stomach.

He points around the room. “This is an incredible conversation starter.”

“I have to be honest, I’ve never told anyone but Reese and my family how I feel about them”

“Think of it this way, you want her to be your family. Skip a step and then go back.” He raises his brows.

I shake my finger at him. “That’s good.”

“It’s love, Alden. It’ll move Heaven and walk through Hell if you’ll let it,” Chord says.

The pain in my chest sharpens. “Damn, you’re really good.”

“You ever get tired of me being right?” He jabs my side.

“If it helps me get Charlee back, I’ll let you have that one.”

“You’re not letting me have jack; I earned that.” He dusts his shoulders off.

“I have so much to make up for and to do.” I rub the tightness in my chest.

He nods. “The first thing you need to do is to let her know you’re back. I’m not sure the blood loss could be controlled with a ‘surprise, honey, I’m home’ type reunion.”

“Well, damn it. There goes my naked in the shower idea.”

He slumps his shoulders. “Dang it, that’s a good one too.”

“Chord?” He looks up at me. “Thanks.”

“I’d do it for any of my brothers.” He leans in and sucker punches me.

“You little shit.” I wince, rubbing my thigh.

He flexes. “Naw, man. I’m the big shit.”

“I thought I smelled something.”

He throws his thumb over his shoulder. “We better get outta here, Charlee will be here soon.”