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I clear my throat, refusing to look at the man I know is staring at me in question. Not falling into that trap again. No way in fucking hell.
“Ly, are you ready to see Aunt Ode again?” I ask, turning to my quiet child, who hasn’t spoken since we got into the vehicle. Saying that’s odd is an understatement. Lyric must be feeling the same effects I am.
“Yes,” she says with a grin. “Is Daddy meeting Aunt Ode?”
Asher’s eyes dart to Ly through the rearview mirror, and he grins. “Yes,” he answers, not bothering to explain he met her years before at the bar, knowing exactly who he is facing in about two seconds.
We all pile out, Ly a little more enthusiastically than Asher, who hangs back a step with his hands in his pockets. Now and again, his eyes drift back to the car, probably contemplating driving away and leaving us here, so he doesn’t get his ass handed to him. Once Ode sees Asher, she will lose her damn mind and probably try to beat his ass with a broom. It wouldn’t be the first or last time she’s pulled something like that.
God, I love my best friend.
“My, my… Do my eyes deceive me?” A single rocking chair squeaks against the wooden wrap-around porch, swaying as the owner slowly rocks herself.
Her smile immediately greets me when she comes into view, and I halt as the nostalgia hits me square in the chest. Immediate longing to have her motherly arms wrapped around me has me itching to run up the stairs and bury my face in her neck.
Pure joy soars through me at the sound of her voice. I’ve missed hearing it in person after all these years. It may not be as strong as it was when I was a kid, but she’s still the same Mama Korrine. The woman who helped raise me when my Ma worked overnight. Her home became my home. She was my unofficial second mother, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.
“Grandma!” Ly squeals, breaking away from us with excitement.
“Ly, careful!” I warn as she charges up the porch stairs and throws herself into Korrine’s awaiting arms.
My breath hitches. Korrine has been through the wringer with her cancer treatments but always seems to come out on top. So far, she’s had several rounds with success. But by the look in her weary eyes and shaking hands, it’s wearing her down to the bone.
“Oh, my baby,” she coos, kissing the top of her hair and squeezing her arms around her. Gingerly, she pulls Ly into her lap. “Now, let me get a good look at you.” A warm smile crosses her face when her dark eyes take Lyric’s features in. “My, how you’ve grown. I think you got more freckles than before.”
“Mommy says it’s angel kisses, and Grammy Stella is sending me loves.” Lyric’s grin expands as she explains, tracing her fingers over the freckles continually popping up over the bridge of her nose and cheeks.
“I think your mama is right. Grammy Stella has lots of love to give you from Heaven,” Korrine says, booping a trembling finger on her nose. “Now, are you gonna stand there all day? Or are you going to come and give me some sugar? I’ve missed you both so much,” Korrine rasps, waving a hand in my direction.
I don’t need any further instructions. I march up the stairs with burning tears and settle my weary bones in her embrace, letting her warmth envelop me and soaking in the motherly hug she always gives me. It’s one of those hugs you don’t realize you’ve missed until your mother is gone. No one prepares you for the mediocre hugs that can’t even compare to the last one you gave to your mother. Ever. But Korrine’s do. And today of all days, after finally becoming free, I needed this.
“We’ve missed you too,” I whisper, kissing her cheek and sniffling.
“No crying now,” she murmurs, brushing my tears away with the pad of her thumb. “Hmmm. And who is this?” She gestures to Asher as he stands at the bottom of the stairs, scratching his neck.
“That’s my daddy, Grandma! Or…one of them. I’ve gots four. And they’re so cool.” Korrine’s brows raise, but she doesn’t utter a word as Lyric recounts her mini vacation trapped in the house with all of them and what we’ve been doing.
“Well, don’t be shy, Boy. Come on up and introduce yourself. I don’t believe we’ve had the privilege of meeting.” Korrine’s tone leaves no room for arguments, coming out stronger than I’ve heard her in months through our many phone calls.
“I’m Asher,” he says softly, extending his hand as he sways in front of us with a look of pure terror.
Huh. Who knew? The way to scare these boys straight was in front of me all along. Now, I need to get the rest of them out here because Asher’s so pale; he looks like he’s about to shit his pants.
“One of them?” she asks, taking his hand in a firm grip.
“Yes?” he questions, gazing at me with wide eyes.
Internally I laugh at his pain, biting the inside of my cheek when his terror turns into slight trembles.
“Yes,” I say, clearing my throat.
Korrine purses her lips. “Nice to finally have you on board.”
“Mama! Who are you talking—” Ode, my best fucking friend, stops at the threshold of the front door, turning pale when she looks me over.
More tears burn the back of my eyes at the sight of her with her mouth agape and her body frozen in the doorway. My heart pounds wildly in my chest. A sense of home settles deep in my soul, unlocking all the turmoil I’ve faced in the years, months, and weeks leading up to this.
I’m finally where I need to be. If only for a little while.
