That’s all it takes.
She breaks.
A sob tears out of her as she throws herself into me again, and I catch her instantly, wrapping her up, holding her as tight as I can. My lips press to her hair, her temple, her forehead. Anywhere I can reach.
“It’s going to be okay, baby,” I whisper gently into her skin. “I’ve got you. It’s going to be okay.”
Her hands come up, gripping my head, fingers threading into my hair as she buries her face in my chest, like she’s trying to anchor herself there.
I let her.
Give her whatever she needs.
After a moment, I shift slightly, my hand moving up and down her back in slow, steady strokes. “Everything’s going tobe all right,” I say softly. “But I think…it’s time you finish your story.”
She stills in my arms.
Just for a second.
I pull back enough to look at her, my hand still resting against her, hoping she can see it—feel it.
I’m not angry.
I’m here.
Behind her, I notice movement. Lou is stepping closer, Crandall just over her shoulder. I hadn’t even registered when my brothers came up beside us.
Lou’s voice is gentle as she reaches out, running a hand down Johnnie’s hair. “I think we should give you two some space,” she says quietly. “Call me if you need anything.”
Johnnie doesn’t respond, barely moves, as Lou presses a soft kiss to the back of her head before stepping away.
One by one, my brothers clasp my shoulder as they pass, silent support in the gesture before heading back outside. Engines start up in the distance. Crandall’s bike is louder than the rest, but it all fades into the background.
My focus is solely on her.
“Come on,” I say quietly, taking her hand in mine. “Let’s go inside. We need to talk. I know there’s more.”
I guide her into the house, through the laundry room and toward the kitchen. And just as we cross to the living room, her voice barely breaks the silence.
“There is.”
CHAPTER 39
johnnie
THEN
Five weeks.
Five weeks I’ve been at my parents’ house. San Antonio is where I reside now, apparently.
This isn’t where I wanted to end up. Back with Mom and Dad, after I finally separated myself from that life, this life.
But where the hell else was I going to go? Laken wasn’t an option.
Not anymore.
Every single day since I left, I wake up and go about my day on autopilot.