by Wendy Smith
Mum’s breathing is slow and steady, but I’m not sure for how much longer.
“Love you, Mum. It’ll be hard when you’re not around anymore.” I lean over and kiss her on the cheek. I can’t imagine this world without you.
I stand and make my way to the door. When I open it, Dad’s on the other side. He folds me into his embrace, and I cling to him like I’m a child again.
“It’s okay. She’ll be free of pain soon,” Dad says.
“How are you coping?”
He shrugs, and when he lets me go he looks at me with so much pride. “I’m not sure that I am. But I have all my sons under my roof when I need them the most. When she needs them. That’s all parents can ask for.”
I blink back tears.
“I’m so glad you made it in time.”
“So am I,” I whisper.
The only place I can get peace and quiet is my room.
I sit on the bed and close my eyes. Mum’s death has been coming for a long time, but now it’s here, it seems surreal.
I check the time. It’s late afternoon. Despite the break, Mia still has work preparing for next semester. If I can’t get hold of her, at least I can leave her a message.
She answers on the third ring.
“Hey.” Her tone is so full of affection.
“Hi.”
“What’s up?”
Tears prick my eyes. “I just wanted to call to tell you how much I love you.”
“I love you too. How are things with your mum?”
I catch my breath. “It’s just a matter of time. We’ve all said our goodbyes, and now Dad’s in there with Drew.”
“Oh, James. I’m so sorry.”
“I’ll be okay. I spoke to her. The doctor told Dad she could hear us.”
“I wish I was there.”
Sighing, I nod. “I wish you were too. But I’m glad to hear your voice.”
“Me too.”
I lie on the bed with the phone to my ear. “I just really want to hold you right now.”
“I’d love to be there.” She pauses. “I’ll be thinking about you.”
“I hate that I can’t share us with the world.”
Mia lets out a breath. “So do I. I just want to leave that old life completely behind and start fresh somewhere else with you. I don’t care where, as long as we’re together.”
My heart, which has been hurting so badly all day, feels a little less broken. Mia’s right—nothing matters but us. Once all her shit is resolved, nothing and no one will be able to cause us any problems.
We’ll be together.
We’re all in the living room when the time comes.
Drew comes out first, but he doesn’t say a word. Instead, when he gets to the hallway door, he just gives us all a nod.
Hayley goes straight to him, wrapping her arms around her husband as he buries his face in her hair. Lily holds Adam; Ginny holds Owen. There’s just Corey and me left, and he lets out a sigh and stands, walking toward me.
He pulls me into a bear hug, and I’m so grateful for him.
“I’m glad you’re here, little brother.”
“Me too.”
“Fuck, these past couple of weeks have been hard.”
I nod. “I heard about Constance. I’m so sorry.”
“It sucks. Mum’s death, I understand, but I don’t get why she’d leave.” He pauses. “I bet you wish your lady was here too.”
“Yep.”
He chuckles in my ear. “You’ll have to put up with hugs from your big brother.”
“There are worse things in life.”
Corey lets go of me and looks down. I grin when I see Ava tugging on his shirt.
“What’s up, sweet pea?” He picks her up and cradles her on his hip.
“Daddy wanted me to make sure you’re okay.”
“I will be. Especially now I have you here.”
Ava looks at me. “Are you okay?”
I can’t help but smile. “I’ll be fine. Thanks, Ava.”
She leans her head on Corey’s shoulder. This kid is so damn cute. It was a surprise when she came into this family, but now it’s like she’s always been here.
Mum’s death has hit us all hard.
But we’ll emerge as a stronger family for it.
17
James
Today’s so hard.
There’s a big turnout for the funeral. Big by Copper Creek standards.
We’re sat down the front ready to begin when the last people walk in. I run my gaze across the room, and take a breath when I see her. Down the back in a black dress, her dark hair down, and a pair of dark glasses perched on her head, is Mia. She gives me a reassuring smile and nods.
I want to go and get her. I want to claim her and sit her with my family. But my urge to protect her is stronger. I know Ashley’s here somewhere; I saw her before. All I can do is hope she hasn’t seen Mia, or if she has that she doesn’t recognise her.
“James.”
I turn to Owen.
“You okay?”
I nod. “It’s a big turnout.”
“Who knew she had so many friends?”
“I think most of them are here to be nosey. Isn’t that what happens at funerals around here?”
He laughs. “You’re probably right.”
Owen nudges my leg with his. “You okay?”
“I will be when today’s over and done with.”
“As will we all.”
Mia doesn’t follow me to the wake, and none of us want to be here long. We all want to withdraw and do our own thing as a family that doesn’t involve so many people.
Owen catered, and that’s a drawcard for people who don’t really know us that well to attend. It’s cynical, but true.
I sit in the corner, watching everyone, when Ashley walks over to me.
“Shove over.”
I move to my right on the bench seat.
“I’m glad she’s here.” Ashley meets my gaze.
“Who?”
She slaps my arm. “I saw Doctor Scott. That’s who you’re with now, right? I tried to work out why she’d show up, and it’s the only conclusion I can come to.”
“Maybe you’re the one who should have been a scientist.” I laugh.
“I won’t tell anyone. If she makes you happy, then I’m glad. But don’t let anyone find out.”
I sigh. “That’s the plan. I didn’t know she’d be here today.”
“She clearly cares a lot about you.”
I nod, kicking my toe into the carpet. “I love her.”
“I’m happy for you.” She wraps her arms around my neck and plants a kiss on my cheek. “What happened between us was all my fault. And it was my loss. I threw away someone who loved and respected me for nothing.”
“Thanks, Ashley.”
“I’m so sorry about your mum.”
I nod. “I appreciate you being here.”
“How could I not be? Besides, Owen’s sausage rolls are to die for.” Her eyes widen. “Oh my god, I never meant that to come out the way it did.”
Laughing, I roll my eyes. “It’s okay. It was funny.”
“It wasn’t meant to be a joke.”
“Not what you said. The look on your face when you said it.”
She blushes. “Well, I’m going to go and see if I can steal a plate of sausage rolls and get out of here.”
“I’m sure Owen won’t mind. See you another time.”
Ashley nods. She grabs a paper plate and fills it with as many sausage rolls as she can fit on it before walking away.
I laugh.
Owen walks toward me. “Was that Ashley taking all those sausage rolls?”
“She’s addicted.”
“Well, she can bloody pay for them next time.” He laughs. “It was kind of funny.”
“I think she’s your biggest fan right now.” I pull out my phone and send Mia a text as Adam approaches.
Where are you?
“Let’s g
o to the pub for dinner. I doubt anyone can be bothered cooking,” Adam says.
When I don’t hear from her, I follow my family to the pub. A beer seems like a nice end to the day.
It doesn’t take long for everyone to get a drink. I smile at Corey policing the kids’ table like he’s the parent of all of them.
When silence falls over the group, I look around to see what’s caused it and spot Ash Harris walk through the door. He’s the leader of that weird community next door to Corey. Nearly two years ago, he drugged Hayley to assault her and brainwash her into joining them, and Drew ushers her behind him.
“Ash,” Drew says.
Ash nods. “Drew. Hayley.”
Drew stares him down as Corey steps up to the conversation. I join Owen to the right of Corey. Ash scans the room. We’re united, and he’d be a fool to start anything.
But no one ever said he was smart.
“I just wanted to pass on my condolences. I never met your mother, but I know how painful it is to lose someone so close.”
“Get the fuck out of here, Harris. We don’t want your sympathy.” Corey fists his hands. He’s got a lot of height on Ash, not to mention what looks to be a longer reach. Ash would be toast if he started a fight.
Ash straightens up. “Constance sends her regards. She regrets she can’t invite you to her wedding.”
Adam stands, stepping in front of Corey. “Corey told you to leave.”
For a moment, Ash looks at us all as if weighing up his chances. There are none. If Corey gets hold of him, Corey will kill him. It’s as simple as that.
He opens his mouth as if to say something more, then looks away, closing it again. With a quick nod, he’s gone, and I turn to Corey.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him so angry.
He’s holding himself together, and it’s probably because we’re somewhere public, and the kids are here with us. If that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t want to be Ash Harris.
The tension has eased, but I’m still relieved when my phone buzzes in my pocket.
Copper Creek Motor Inn. Room 4.
The inn’s just out of town. It’s not far to drive.
I catch Corey’s gaze. He’s in so much pain right now. It bleeds through that tough exterior, and it’s on display for the whole world to see.
I hate this.
“Are you okay?” Corey asks.
“I should ask the same of you.”
He shrugs. “Apart from wanting to kill that motherfucker Ash Harris?”
“I’m so sorry, Corey. I can’t understand what you’re going through.”
“How could she do it, James? How could she go back to that place?” He’s full of anguish, and my heart breaks seeing him like this. As if we haven’t already been through enough.
“I don’t know. He’s such a piece of shit trying to wind you up today of all days.”
“Well, it worked.” He huffs.
“Go home. Or have a few more drinks and go home later with Dad. I’ve got somewhere I need to be.”
His eyebrows rise. “Where?”
“Just somewhere.”
“Is she here?” He looks around.
“No. Yes. Kind of?” I shrug.
My big brother shakes his head. “You are so lucky that there are other things distracting me right now.” He grins. “Go get her.”
“You’re not going to follow me or anything?” I tease.
“James. Go and be happy. I’m not going to remember this in the morning by the time I’m finished.”
I laugh. “Have a good night.”
I’ve had one beer, thankfully, and that was a while ago, so I’m good to drive. It doesn’t take long to pull into the car park. Stopping my vehicle beside Mia’s car, I climb out and head straight to the door.
I tap gently. The door opens.
My heart leaps at the sight of her. I knew she was on the other side, but laying eyes on her fills me with more emotion than I can handle.
“Mia,” I whisper.
Her eyes are full of sorrow as she closes the door behind me, and opens her arms. “Come here.” She wraps her arms around my waist, burying her face in my chest, and I breathe her in. She grounds me.
“I’m so happy to see you.” I swallow down tears. Today’s been emotional, and this is the best reward. I want to spend my life with Mia.
“I had to be here.”
“Ashley saw you.”
Mia pulls away. “Shit.”
“It’s okay. She’s the only one who knew who you were, and she promised not to tell anyone. She just wants me to be careful.”
Mia leans back into my chest. “Can we trust her?”
“She’s not going to uni next year. We’re good, Mia.”
“Okay. If you trust her, I trust her. Have you had anything to eat?” she asks.
“I’m fine. I just came from the pub. My brothers are still there. I slipped away. But not without Corey knowing you’re here.”
She laughs. “He knows too? Maybe we should tell the rest of your family.”
“He knows my lady is here. And that’s all. I think he’s about to have a really messy night and forget anyway.”
Mia turns up her face to meet my gaze. I bend a little, pressing my lips to hers. “Have you eaten?”
“I grabbed a takeaway pizza. The rest is in the fridge if you want it.”
“What I want is to curl up with you and sleep.”
Mia strokes my face. “You look exhausted.”
“I’ve slept, but I don’t feel like I have. What I needed was you.”
“Come to bed.”
We lie down, still fully clothed. It doesn’t matter. We don’t need to be naked or have sex to share intimacy.
I’m the big spoon, she’s the little, and I curl up around her as if I’m protecting her.
And I’ll always do that.
She’s all I ever need.
I wake with a face full of Mia’s hair, but I don’t mind. Having her here is everything.
It’s still quite dark, and I reach for my phone on the bedside cabinet. It’s a little before five, and I put the phone back and gently shake her. “Mia, get up.”
She rolls onto her back, slowly opening her eyes. “James? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. There’s something I want to show you. Let’s go.”
I grab a blanket from the bed as she wakes herself and stands up.
“It’s still dark.”
“Not for much longer. Come on.”
She follows me out to my car, yawning as she climbs in. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere special. Just trust me.”
Leaning on my arm, she smiles. “Always.”
It’s not too far to the cove, and I escort a still sleepy Mia down to sit on the sand.
“Come here.” I pull her closer, wrapping the blanket around both of us.
“What are we doing? It’s freezing.” She shivers, snuggling into my side.
“Just give it a few minutes.”
We sit in silence. I hold her close, losing myself in the feel of her being with me.
She gasps.
I look up to see what we came for. The sun peeks over the mountain, slowly filling the cove with golden light.
“It’s beautiful.” Mia leans her head against mine.
“I used to do this sometimes when I lived here: sneak out of the house early and come down here to see the sunrise. When Mum first became ill, this was my favourite spot to get away from it all. And this early, no one’s around.”
“I want to live here.”
I pull away from her, scanning her expression. She seems sincere. “Really?”
“Let’s buy a place out here, James. I can write text books, and you can find something to do. It’s magical.”
“I’d love that.”
“Once next year’s out of the way and the divorce is final, I’ll have enough to do what we want. Let’s do it.”
I grin, leaning closer again to kiss
her. But I don’t make it when she places her hand on my groin. “Are you after something, Doctor Scott?”
“We need to go back to the motel room.” She nuzzles my ear.
“You are insatiable.”
“Only with you.” Mia laughs. “Besides, it’s still cold.”
“I’ll take you back and warm you up.”
Her smile is enough to warm me. The love that’s written all over her face takes my breath away. “That sounds like a great deal.”
Persuading Mia to stay another night is easy.
We spend the morning in bed, and I venture out at lunchtime for food and to grab my things from Dad’s.
What I need right now is to be with my girl and shut out the rest of the world. Room four at the Copper Creek Motor Inn will do just fine for one more night.
I pull into the driveway. Corey’s ute is still there, and I chuckle to myself. I’m sure he has one hell of a hangover.
He’s sitting on the back deck wearing sunglasses, sipping from a beer.
“Hey.” I grin.
“Hair of the dog. Want one?”
I shake my head. “I’m just here to grab my things and get out of here. You okay?”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay.” He sighs. “Mum died; my girlfriend dumped me. I need to get my shit together though. I know that much.”
“Yeah, you do.”
“I’m just gonna have this and then I’ll make a coffee. I’ll stay here again tonight rather than drive home.”
“Good idea. Dad probably needs the company anyway.”
He laughs. “Have a good night?”
“I slept better than I have in days. Yesterday was tough.”
“It sure was.”
“You’re still not going to give me shit, are you?” I laugh.
He shakes his head. “I don’t have the energy. Besides, one of us has to get a happy ending, right?”
My heart hurts for Corey. I didn’t get to meet Constance, but I’ve never seen him so down over a woman. She was the real deal for him. If anything, it leaves me wanting to protect Mia all the more.
