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It doesn’t take long to arrive at the salon, which has opened especially to do this today. Paige insisted on walk in when Seth went to carry her and managed just fine, which makes me wonder if Seth just likes having her close.
Paige glances around and notices the silence. “Why isn’t anyone else here?”
“We don’t usually open today,” Dorothy, the owner steps forward. “Who would like to go first?”
I watch Paige closely and see the frown on her beautiful face. “First?”
Olivia steps forward. “You don’t think you’re having all the fun,” she says lightly. “We’re doing this together.”
Olivia, Charlotte, and I take seats. Seth scoops Paige up into his arms and takes the one remaining seat in the salon, settling Paige on his lap.
“No,” Paige whispers, starting to cry. “Please don’t do this.” She looks at the three of us. “You have no idea what it means to me that you’d want to do this for me, but I can’t let you. You all have glorious hair, and I will again, one day. I know we’re McKenzie’s and stubborn, but I honestly don’t want you to do this. Please don’t.”
We glance between the three of us and I know that we won’t be doing anything today. It’s something that I’ve thought about even since Charlotte had mentioned it to me, and I would have gone ahead with it if Paige hadn’t said anything. Seeing the tears on her face and hearing her begging us not to, means we won’t. We were all prepared though with colorful headscarf’s in our purses.
“They’re not going to go ahead now, but I am,” Seth adds. “I’m doing this with you.”
Paige shakes her head and cups his face. “I like your hair.” She runs her hands through the strands. “I’ll miss it if you get it shaved.”
“Like you said, it will grow back.”
“Compromise?” Paige suggests, and Seth narrows his eyes.
“Tell me?” He sighs.
“Leave some on, even if it’s only a centimeter. Some. Please.”
They stare at each other for a long time until Seth shakes his head. “Let’s do this.”
It doesn’t take long and once we’re back in the car with Paige wearing the beautiful silk scarf we’d bought her, I feel my belly full of anguish. Today hasn’t been easy for Paige, and if I’m honest, it hasn’t been for us either.
I told myself that I hadn’t to cry, but that flew out of the window the moment Paige had burst into tears, and I saw the tears on Seth’s face as he held her close. It just got to me as it did my other two cousins.
Paige puts on a brave face but inside she’s scared, and I don’t blame her one bit. I would be. I’d be terrified. But she’s doing the best she can, and Seth is the one keeping her fighting, and I love him myself for that alone.
Leaving Paige was difficult as I head toward Lexington with Olivia and Charlotte.
46
Derek
A week after Madison left and I’m kicking back on the deck with a beer in my hand and Geary for company. I say company but neither of us have said a word for maybe thirty minutes, and I don’t care. I’m too busy missing the woman I’m in love with while Geary has his own problems, the likes of which I’m not going to guess at.
Hearing a text message, I open my phone and laugh when I read the words from Madison: Would it be okay if my cousin, Olivia, travels back with me for a few days? Want her to meet Geary. X
My heart suddenly feels lighter knowing she’s coming back to me and a take a few minutes to really appreciate that, and then I glance at Geary and back to my phone chuckling.
“Why do I get the feeling that has something to do with me?” Geary drawls.
“Because it does.” I grin. “Madison is bringing her cousin, Olivia, back to meet you.” I quickly shoot off a reply and smile while finishing my beer.
“Is that all you’re going to tell me?” Geary complains.
“What else do you want to know?”
“Make, model, and serial number.” He laughs. “I’m serious. All I have is a name.”
I think for a moment and answer, “Well, she’s American made, and the dark-haired model, and I have no clue what her serial number is.”
