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“I still need to talk to you. And we need to figure out how to talk to Mom and Dad about what happened.” Remy and I watch the adorable family playing in the yard.
I have Cole’s shirt on and one of my favorite blankets wrapped around my body as I relax on my porch swing. Remy leans against the wall at my side.
“About Cassie. The accident.” I close my eyes and lean back. “Is there any way it can wait until tomorrow? I know it’s important, but I don’t feel good. And I don’t want to cry anymore today.”
Remy coughs exaggeratedly, and I open one eye to glare at him.
“Not just about her,” he supplies. “There’s something else, too.”
Before he can say anything, a wild-eyed three-year-old throws himself into my lap.
“Auntie Caspie.” He nuzzles into my chest, using a nickname that Sori had started to use when we talk on the phone. “Swing me.”
I adjust the blanket so that it wraps around both of us and start to swing us gently.
Back and forth.
Over and over.
I’m almost able to forget that Remy’s still there, waiting for me to pay attention to him.
Until he shifts, and I can’t ignore him anymore.
Giving Remy my best puppy dog eyes, I try my luck. “Tomorrow?”
He nods shortly as Emmett and Sori join us on the porch.
But Laurence just snuggles deeper into my chest.
I’m amazed not only at his weight, but at the fact that he doesn’t hurt me in his attempt to get comfortable. He’s all elbows and sharp angles, even with his perfect little chubby cheeks.
“Laurence doesn’t want to leave,” Sori apologizes. “We have to go check into the hotel.”
Laurence clutches my arm and uses the same eyes on me that I just used on my brother when I look down at him. “Please?” He sticks out his bottom lip, and I know immediately what he’s asking. Even without him having to say another word.
He’s as easy to read as his mom and the men in his life.
“Why don’t you leave him with me tonight?” I squeeze him a little tighter, needing the comfort he’s offering with his presence. “I don’t mind at all. Usually, I have Parker’s son at least once a week.”
Plus, he’s a connection to Cole. One I desperately need right now.
The sheer gratitude I can see on both Emmett and Sori’s faces is almost priceless. All because I am giving them a night together, without their son.
One they most likely desperately need.
“You don’t have to do that,” she rushes to say.
“But that would be amazing,” Emmett cuts her off. “I would love to get some alone time with my wife.” Knowing they trust me with Laurence touches me in a way I don’t expect. I hide my sudden tears by closing my eyes and snuggling with him for a moment.
When I look back up, Sori flushes, and Remy takes that as his cue to leave. Though not before leaning down to press a soft kiss to my forehead.
“Welcome home, brother.” I reach out and grab his hand before he walks away. Partly to say goodbye and partly to prove to myself that I’m not dreaming. My brother really is home, safe.
He squeezes my fingers, and then I am left alone with Emmett and Sori, who are unloading a bunch of stuff for Laurence from their car.
“You are amazing,” Sori gushes once they have everything in the living room. “I don’t know what I can do to thank you.” She shoots Emmett an intense look, but he shakes his head slightly. “Are you sure?”
“I’m honestly not feeling up for much anyway,” I tell her, thinking maybe she’s trying to get him to invite me out with them.
