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“Thanks, Liam.”
They helped me finish the yard and check that the rest of the place was as we left it the last time we were here. Henry hasn’t been able to come back since her disappearance, so we promised to care for it until she returns.
Locking and leaving her place each time without her chisels my dying heart, knowing that one of these days there isn’t going to be anything left.
Once the door’s secure, my palm flattens against its surface, sending her the strength to fight. Wherever she is. A firm hand claps my shoulder.Kam.The reminder I need to turn and not wither away here in her silence.
“Let’s go, brother.” His deep voice is comforting, always the one we looked to for help growing up, and now when every second seems like an eternity. It’s beenmonths. The chance that we’ll find her and find heraliveis slim. I know it—they know it—and her dad knows it. But none of us will speak it and feed life into it.
Henry’s already outside at the grill when we pull up. A smile touches his lips but doesn’t light up his eyes like when Avery’s around. He closes the top and makes his way over to help unload a few things from the trunk.
“My boys! How’re you doing?” He slaps Kam and Liam on the back, then takes a case of beer out of Lennox’s hand.
“Good. Just finished up over at A’s. The yard looks fantastic. She’s going to love the flowers.”
Henry swallows tightly but nods with gratitude. “Thank you, boys, for taking care of that side of everything. I’m sure she wouldn’t want her old man digging through her things.” He grunts the emotion from his voice and changes the subject. “Now, let’s get these beers cool and toss the steaks on the grill.”
Kam claps his hands and rubs them together. “You going to let me man the grill this go-round?” A smirk lifts his lips, already expecting rejection.
“You may have a couple fancy restaurants, son, but they aren’t like this here grill.” Henry chuckles, checking the coals to ensure they’re hot enough for food. “Sit down and tell me what you’ve been doing since you were all last here.”
Lennox cracks his beer and relaxes in the chair closest to the grill. “Henry, you act like that was months ago. We were here just the other day.”
Henry’s laugh rumbles. “That’s true. It’s nice of you boys to keep me company. Busies my mind, instead of letting it fester.” He doesn’t let the conversation lull the way we usually do when Avery’s brought up. “Kam, how’d your trip back home go? You take care of that chef issue?” The steaks sizzle as he turns and paints them with marinade.
Kam huffs, a noticeable irritation stiffening his shoulders. “Yeah, she stayed, but it cost me another twenty grand to keep her.”
Henry chuckles. “Sounds like a smart girl.”
Kam rubs the back of his neck, something he only does when he’s nervous, which causes Cash and me to tilt our heads. “That she is.”
“What’d you do about the guy that was bothering her?” Lennox tips his beer again, draining the rest of it on the second pull.
“Fired his ass. I don’t tolerate sexual harassment.” Kam’s gruff voice was giving off warning signs and the dudes not even here.
Cash chuckles deeply, handing Lennox another beer, and taking a deep pull of his own. Kam’s head snaps toward him, a look of warning glaring directly at him, causing Cash to laugh harder. “Oh, calm down. Look around, bro, most of them have already figured it out.”
Kam glances around, noting the interest in each of our gazes, including Henry’s. He swipes his fingers through his hair again, muttering, “Fuck.”
Everyone laughs, but it’s Henry who replies, “Son, I’ve noticed your head in the clouds since you first visited. There’s a look—” he turns to me, “Jax has it, still to this day.” He pats my arm, consoling my heart while he speaks about the love I hold for his daughter. “You do too.” He points to Kam, then turns back to the grill to add more marinade before flipping the steaks and turning back to us. “In fact, I see a twinkle of the same look in several of you.” He laughs again. “Not sure how much longer you boys will come around, but you should keep in touch so I can watch it all unfold.”
The statement both tugs a laugh free and weighs heavily on my heart. “Henry, you’re stuck with us for life now.” My voice is low, understanding that he believes when we’ve waited long enough, we’ll move on. Away from him. Away from the hope of Avery’s return.Never! I’ll never leave her!“I’m not going anywhere.We’renot going anywhere.” I grip his arm with the hand not holding a beer. “Promise.” I wait until he meets my eyes, witnessing the truth behind my statement, and the grunts of agreements from my brothers. “Now, let’s try to relax. Take this beer.” He does as he’s told, not having the strength to argue about Avery, and takes a mouthful of beer.
“Thanks.” He’s able to choke free, turning his back to us, and concentrating hard on the grill.
My heart constricts, instantly jerking me to my feet, as my brothers carry on a conversation around us, attempting to keep the atmosphere casual. Something we’ve been trying to do for Henry for a few months now. He’s lost a lot of weight, and his tired eyes match mine.
My arm slips over his shoulders, allowing me to feel the shaking of his emotions. “Henry, you know I believe we’ll get her back.” I whisper.
He nods, having a hard time speaking through a tight throat. “Son, I don’t know how you keep your faith. I’m not going to lie—thoughts have crossed my mind that she’s nev…” A sob chops his words in half.
“Hey,” Kam’s suddenly on his other side, arm sliding over mine. “No matter what the outcome is, we’ll be here for you.” The glare I sent his way could melt icebergs. How fuckingdarehe insinuate she’s not coming back. “I’m sorry, Jax, but both of you need to be prepared. It’s been months, with no leads.” My brother’s doubts cut me to the bone.
“Never.”
“I know.”
Henry and I answer, startling me with his reply. My haunted eyes meet Henry’s pleading ones. “Henry…”
