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“I told Juniper I was okay to be out here. I came for you three.” She opened her arms for a hug.
I didn’t know what else to do, but I knew if I fell into her embrace, I’d crack and crumble like an ancient building, so I stepped back shaking my head.
Everest and Juniper exited the bedroom, and Everest stopped in his tracks when he spotted his older sister.
“Cedar?”
She gently bobbed her head, likely assessing the way he’d changed from the little boy he was the last time she saw him.
“You’re too late to see him, he’s gone.”
“I know.” Her words were soft.
Everest glanced over to his twin. “What about Millie, did you ask her to come too?”
“I asked, but she never agreed. Sends her best,” he said sarcastically. “You know, like mother like daughter.” Juniper scowled in Cedar’s direction.
“What did I do exactly?” Cedar stepped a little closer, crossing her arms over her swollen belly.
“Maybe if you’d come earlier, you would’ve been able to help.”
“Hey, I only just found out about this.”
A nurse race-walked into the waiting room, hands flying all over betraying the total calm in her lowered voice. Maybe she’d been out back smoking Everest’s special blend of smokes.
“It’s been a long day, but I promise you, fighting like this won’t solve anything or bring him back. Franklin knew his time was up, and he was too far gone. Arguing like this disturbs the dead and right now he needs peace.” She took a deep breath, lowered her hands, and encouraged all of us to do the same.
“Franklin died a happy man. You being here with him, this was how he wanted to go.” She focused on each of us, slowly, surely, and waved her hand through the air. “This is what your dad wanted, a family reunion of his kids so as your father’s last request, please keep it civil and don’t take family for granted.” Even under the shadowy glow from the tableside lamps, her eyes were glassy. “Excuse me, I need to go and finalize a few things, but if you need me, please holler.”
From her pocket, Cedar offered her a tissue, which the nurse accepted before slipping back into the room. Grabbing another, Cedar wiped my face and tucked some of my hair behind my ear.
“Maybe she’s right and it’s time for amends; to start things over. We’ve all grown up. Perhaps we can put our past behind us. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
My gaze stayed on the floor. There would be no second chances with my dad. He was gone. I didn’t say goodbye. Hell, I didn’t even thank him for all he’d done for me, to give me the life I was living now. I let him go without sharing that. Hate was a real emotion, and it dug its tentacles deep into my soul.
“Shall we go home?” Cedar’s long arm wrapped across my shoulders, and she tugged me toward the door.
I paused and broke free from her embrace. “Everest?”
Without a word, he stepped closer and enveloped me in his sweet-smelling hug. I buried my face into his chest allowing the dam to burst apart, and tears flooded out in a rage of a storm. He gripped me tighter as my body shook.
Another set of hands squeezed my shoulders.
Warmth surrounded me, and I held on for as long as I could. I didn’t know how much I’d missed being a part of a family until it surrounded me.
Everest kissed the top of my head. “Time to go, Aspen. This isn’t the best place for you.”
I sniffed and took the offered tissue, wiping my nose into it.
“Let’s get you home.” Cedar’s voice was soft but clear.
Yes, home was where I wanted to go, but at the same time, I wanted to stay snuggled in Everest’s arms and have him tell me everything would be okay, even if it felt like my world was being torn apart.
I needed Erin’s wise words. Or Iris’s honest take on the world. But deep down, I wanted Landon most of all, even though I knew it would never happen. I needed his smile and his warm embrace, and I closed my eyes imagining him here. It was pointless. He hated me for the betrayal.
Juniper started pushing. “We really should get outside. Get some fresh air.”
I leaned against Everest as he led us toward the door.
