by K. Langston
“Battle,” Ruby scolded, wiping away her tears.
“Say yes babe, so I can kick my brother’s ass.”
“Yes!”
Fate will find a way.
~Virgil
Four years later…
Waves lapped the shore, while the sun shined down in all its radiant glory. The day had turned out perfect. Cora sat cross legged in the center of the blanket, holding a slice of watermelon in one hand and her cell phone in the other, snapping picture after picture of the blonde haired boy playing in the sand.
“Mama wook!” Landon exclaimed, patting the mound of sand with both hands.
“Good job, buddy.”
Cora lifted the phone over her shoulder, showing me the snapshot she’d taken. “That’s a framer,” she said.
“Every picture you take is a framer, babe.” I informed her, smiling at our son.
Our home was covered in photos. Cora was obsessed with documenting every milestone, even the silly ones. Besides loving and taking care of me, she was dedicated to being a good mother.
We moved to Orange Beach two years ago. After I’d helped Archer launch Brooks Security, the company had quickly taken off. It wasn’t long until we were taking jobs in cities across the US. The man had connections everywhere. He’d opened up four more locations in New York, Vegas, and here. I travelled a lot more with my job, so it just seemed like the right choice to move closer to my parents. I didn’t like leaving Cora alone, but I had peace of mind knowing her and Landon were taken care of. And while my job sometimes took me away from my family, I enjoyed the work I was doing. I felt good about myself, about our future.
Cora leaned back against my front, draping her arms over my knees. I wrapped my hands around her swollen belly, wondering if our daughter would have her eyes. She was due in three months and I couldn’t wait to meet our baby girl.
“Winston called this morning. He’s on his way to Wyoming for a detail. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him this excited before.”
Winston had taken over managing the location in Mississippi since I left three years ago. Initially, I wondered if he would be able to handle some of the work we did, but I quickly learned that while Cora’s brother could be a huge pushover when it came to his family, he was one of the hardest motherfuckers I knew. And the man was very dedicated to his job.
“Wyoming? What the hell is in Wyoming?” Cora asked.
“Some washed up country music star who’s been receiving death threats. She’s been hidin’ out at her ranch for months. Her manager hired Winston to be her security while she attempts to re-launch her career. He could be there a while.”
“Well, I hope he makes it back in time for Landon’s birthday party. I don’t want him to miss it.”
“You know better than that. He’ll wouldn’t miss it for the world. Landon and him are tight.”
“Mama, Daddy wook what I found!” Landon came barreling towards us, his small feet eating up the sand as he extended his hand, a look of pure joy on his face.
Cora gathered him in her lap, a small giggle warming my heart. He handed his mother the item in his hand and when I caught sight of it, my breath froze.
She held the class ring up, a gasp tumbling from her mouth. “Oh my God, Cannon. Is this?”
“Landon, where did you find this?”
“Sand!” he exclaimed.
I took the ring from her hand, remembering the day he lost it. We were out here with a bunch of friends playing football when it fell off. We searched this damn beach for hours looking for it. Landon’s parents were pissed. He’d just gotten it two weeks before, and they’d paid a pretty penny for it. How the hell had Landon found it after all these years?
I looked up to the clear blue sky. I always felt like he was watching over me, but now I knew.
“Peace, brother,” I whispered quietly, the emotionally charged moment grabbing hold of me.
Cora’s lips touched my cheek. Looking down at the woman I loved, my son in her arms, my daughter in her belly, I smiled affectionately. It had been a long time since I thought about Landon’s death in a negative way. When I thought about him now, I thought about all the good times we had, the bond we shared, and my sacred vow to live for him.
Live and love as hard as you can.
“I love you, Cora.”
“I love you more,” she said, kissing me soundly. Her warmth and love seeping into my soul, offering me comfort only she could give.
“Forever?” I asked, my forehead pressed to hers. I knew the answer, but I longed to hear her say it anyway.
“Always.”
The END
maybe…
Thank you so much for reading!!!
E,
My one love. Thank you for everything. For being the amazing man that you are. For loving me despite my crazy.
Blessed to call you mine.
Mom & Dad,
I can’t thank you enough for your endless support.
L & C,
Love you both more than you will ever know.
K’s Street Team aka My Bitches
I am constantly blown away by your love and support. I adore each and every one of you and I am honored to call you friends. Love ya’ll so hard.
Nobody’s bitches do it better.
Shelbi,
We did it, again!!! My books would suck without you. Thank you for your honesty and friendship. I love you to pieces.
KC Lynn,
This story would not be what it is without you. Thank you for your advice and brutal honestly and most of all, your friendship. #rideordiebitch
Betas: Marianna, Tracey, Lara, Alissa, Maggie,
Thank you for taking time to read and give me the feedback needed to make this story the best it can be. Love you all!!!
Letty and Kim,
Thank you for proofing my baby. Y’all are freakin’ amazing.
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