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There was something about him being in Gram’s bedroom among her doilies and knickknacks that tugged at my heart. He was a big guy, but at the same time, he was careful with her things. It was like he knew what they meant to me.
When the pizza arrived, we took a break in the dining room to eat. It was thoughtful and sweet that Heath thought to order food and bring his family tonight to help. I wouldn’t have asked for it, but it was nice to have it. Not that I’d ever admit that to Heath.
He was still butting in where he didn’t belong, but I suspected it was more Lori’s doing than his. Or maybe it was some misplaced loyalty to my brother.
“Knox said he couldn’t make it. Addy wanted him to stay to put her to sleep.”
“That’s okay. We had a lot of help,” I said.
Ireland and Lori cleaned up, and I sidled up next to them. “Thanks for your help, but I’ve got it from here.”
“You doing any more packing tonight?” Lori asked, concern etched on her face.
I shook my head. “I’m going to bed. I’m exhausted.”
Lori scrutinized me before saying, “We’ll leave you to it, then.”
“Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it,” I said as I followed them to the door.
The thought of going back into her room and finishing the job we started had my heart jumping into my throat.
“I left some muffins for breakfast on the counter. If you need anything, let us know. We’re right next door.” Lori hugged me tight, and my eyes filled with tears at her generosity.
“Thank you for everything.”
Ireland hugged me next, and Emmett touched my shoulder in a show of support. When it was just Heath, I said, “Thank you. It was easier with everyone here.”
“I’m not leaving.”
“You’re not?” I asked, confused.
“I know you. You’re going to stay up all night and finish so we can’t help you again.”
My mouth dropped open at the accuracy of his statement. “I wasn’t going to—”
He raised a brow.
“So, what, you’re going to stick around and help me?”
Heath nodded. “I’m here for the duration.”
“Fine. Let’s get this over with,” I huffed as I closed the door and went back into the bedroom.
We sat on the floor and went through the rest of her things, the bedding, the closet, and the dresser drawers.
It was hard to throw things away. But he handled it. He put them in the bags and hauled it out to his truck as soon as they were full.
“How are you holding up?” Heath asked me a little while later.
“Better than I would be doing this alone.” I knew I wouldn’t have gotten half as much done by myself. “I appreciate you being here.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
I stole a glance at his expression, but it was stoic. “Is that what we are? Friends?”
Heath sighed. “At one time, we were more than that, but now, it’s all we can be. I promised Aiden.”
“So, you’re here for Aiden?” I asked, anger surging through me. Was that all I was to him, his friend’s little sister?
