The Strength to Fall (McKinnon Brothers Book 1)

by Chisolm, D. M.

  October 20, 2014

  Ozias,

  I assume by now you that you have met your new neighbor my niece, Adira. If you’re reading this that means she did make the brave move to the city. Don’t take this lightly. She has been stagnant, afraid to move forward by the pain of her parents’ death. If she hasn’t mentioned this to you yet, don’t bring it up. Let her tell you in her time, but please, don’t hold back getting to know her. I truly believe the both of you would benefit from knowing the other. Whether this would lead to romance, who knows, but if nothing else you would make wonderful friends. She needs someone like you in her life.

  If neither of you has taken the opportunity to get to know each other, I have planned a special day for you both for your birthdays. Yes, you share the same birthday, August 14. How amazing is that! If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is? You will find enclosed in this letter information for reservations at one of the nicest restaurants in the area. I made the reservations well in advance as it takes that long. I’ve arranged for Adira to go shopping at a boutique owned by one of my friends and a car to escort you both to dinner and then a showing of Wicked. Adira loves musicals so even if she’s seen it, which I doubt, she will love it again!

  Take this gift and get to know each other either for the first time or more intimately. My hope is this isn’t your first date and that you’re already well acquainted. Have fun. Live and love, my wonderful friend and niece. Life is so painfully short. Make the most of it.

  Love,

  Claire

  Ozias looked at the last page detailing our date. Wow. He looked at me. We were both speechless.

  “I am in awe of this woman,” Ozias said.

  “Me too. How did we not know we have the exact same birthday? August 14, 1989?”

  “Guess, it just hasn’t come up.”

  “Amazing, I have goosebumps,” I said showing Ozias my arm.

  “Me too. Adira, I, I love you,” Ozias leaned in and kissed me the most passionate kiss we had shared yet. It took my breathe away. We lay there in each other’s arms just processing what he just read.

  “Guess, I’ve got some shopping to do. Think Erica would go with me? She leaves to go back to school next week so it’d be nice to have a day with her.”

  “I think she’d love to. She’s going to eat with us tonight at my parents’. You can ask her then.

  We changed into more casual clothes to get ready for dinner at the McKinnon’s. We started having dinner once a week together, Declan made sure he attended. Erica joined us most times. Alastair still had not made an appearance but he was supposed to be there tonight. I had been making dinner on the nights we ate at his parents’ because I loved to cook and it gave Carla a much needed night off. I got busy preparing the meal I’d planned tonight. I was going casual making pulled pork tacos with mango salsa on corn tortillas. A side of spicy coleslaw and black beans made a colorful plate. I made sweet tea, now by request since I had all the McKinnon clan addicted to my southern beverage. Mini key lime pies for dessert to complete the meal. I had made everything the day before so I just needed to arrange the meal in my favorite serving dishes and transport it their home.

  “You don’t have to put this in serving bowls you know,” Ozias never understood my need to have the table scape match and the food be in the right serving bowls.

  “Eating is an event where I’m from. I’m not serving my meal out of Tupperware. Doesn’t my red glazed earthenware bring out all the colors of the salsa and coleslaw? It makes it look so much more appetizing” I just shook my head at his misunderstanding.

  “I’d eat anything you cooked out of any type of container. You are an amazing cook.”

  I kissed him as I passed with my arms full carrying the two bowls as we left my unit. “Thank you. You’re just used to eating out all the time. Anything homemade amazes you. Grab those other dishes and let’s go, I’m starving.”

  Ozias went to bring Ms. Jo from the library while I set the table. Another nonnegotiable aspect of our dinners was that we use nice plates and silverware, not China, but the everyday dishes that one would use for company. It had been so long since the McKinnon family entertained guests they thought my insistence on a pretty table setting overboard, but I didn’t care. I made sure we had fresh flowers for the centerpiece as well and Ms. Jo always remarked how pretty they were. Plus, she could enjoy them all week until next week’s dinner. I was arranging the beautiful red and orange gladiolas I had bought yesterday and kept in water at my place in a rust colored glass vase that I found in their kitchen. Ozias came and hugged me from behind while I put the flowers just how I wanted them.

  “You always go to such trouble for these dinners. Thank you. You have brought my family together in a way we haven’t been in years.” He kissed the back of my neck and I moaned.

  I shooed him away from me, “Stop, I can’t concentrate when you do that.”

  “Good, I’ll make sure you can’t focus on anything but me later.” He walked away but swatted my butt first. I turned around to swat him back but a tall figure standing in the kitchen opening stopped me.

  Ozias followed my eyes. “Al, hey. Long time no see.” He extended his hand to his brother who hesitated before shaking his. So this was the mysterious older brother, Alastair.

  Alastair had Doc’s height and build, though he was slightly more filled out than Doc or Declan. He had Ms. Jo’s dark black hair and hazel eyes very similar to Ozias’. My first introduction to this brother was nothing like the one I shared with Declan. Alastair was serious and held an unreadable, emotionless face. Much like Doc when I first met him. I could see why Ozias felt like the black sheep of the family. He didn’t look like his brothers and as far as I could tell he didn’t share either of their personalities.

  “Al, this is Adira,” Ozias motioned to me as he made introductions.

  I dried my hands off on the apron I was wearing, another thing they all made fun of me for, and extended my hand to Al. He looked at my hand like it was a foreign object. I stood there and raised both my eyebrows at him. “Hello, I’m Ozias’ girlfriend. Nice to finally meet you.”

  “So, I’ve heard,” Al said and quickly shook my hand then retreated to the dining room.

  “I’m sorry. This is why, even though it hurts mom’s feelings, we are all glad he doesn’t come around much.” Ozias apologized for his brother’s behavior. “Just let it go, ok? Nothing you say to him will change who he is.”

  “Are you insinuating I would confront him about his rude behavior?” I feigned insult knowing that was exactly what I wanted to do.

  Ozias kissed my forehead and looked in my eyes, “I say this with love, but yes, babe, you call a spade, a spade, and I love you for it, but just let this one go. For me?”

  I suppressed a smile, “Ok, but only for you,” I said kissing him lightly. He smiled. I brought the flowers to the table and Ozias called everyone for dinner. Erica and Declan had just arrived and as usual even in a casual pair of pink shorts and a white t-shirt, she was stunning. I ran my hands through my hair and took my apron off. My Captain America t-shirt and blue cotton shorts would have to do. I cared more about the table’s appearance than my own and I usually didn’t care but sitting next to Erica I felt self-conscious.

  Alastair greeted his mother with a kiss on her cheek and shook Doc’s hand. We all chose our seats, Ms. Jo and Doc at each end, Declan and Alastair next to each other. I sat in between Ozias and Erica on the opposite side. Silence filled the room as we ate until Declan broke the silence.

  “The flowers are so beautiful, thank you dear,” Ms. Jo remarked. “I’m so very happy all of you are here. My heart is full.” Ms. Jo looked tired but so pleased.

  “I’m so happy to be here, Ms. Jo,” I said looking her direction.

  “You’ve outdone yourself, Adira. These tacos are amazing and key lime pie is my favorite.” Delcan said stuffing his mouth with pie.

  A round of agreement went around the table with complement
s from everyone but Al.

  “Thank you,” I love to cook so it’s no trouble at all. I’m glad you like it.”

  I asked Erica to pass me the coleslaw, but when she didn’t respond I noticed she was staring at Al. A women knows that look. I glanced at him but he was oblivious just as everyone else at the table. So, Erica liked Al. That made me like her even more, even though I knew now she wasn’t after Ozias, I liked to know that her affection truly was directed to someone else. Al either didn’t share her feelings or didn’t know. I planned to find out.

  “So, Al, is it ok I call you Al, everyone else does? I hear you work a lot. What do you do for fun?” I was met by astonished stares from everyone including Al. Guess no one really talks to him that much.

  When he finally spoke his answer surprised me somewhat. “Everyone calls me Al whether I like it or not. And as far as fun, I don’t. Too busy.” He hesitated then continued. “I run and work out a lot. I paint, but I don’t get to do that much anymore.”

  “Don’t let work dictate your happiness, son,” Doc said to Al.

  “Really? From the man I have few childhood memories of because he was, and still is, a workaholic?” Al fired back at Doc.

  “Trust me, it’s not worth it. In the end, you’ll wish you chose differently. Time can’t be recaptured.” Doc said with a sadness in his eyes. Al started to respond again, but Ms. Jo stopped him.

  “Boys, I have all of you together so rarely, and I feel more myself today than I have in a while. Please, let’s not do this, especially with these ladies present.” The men complied and I got a glimpse of how strong a woman Ms. Jo was before her illness. I decided to question Al more hoping to get a conversation started between him and Erica.

  I wondered what type an artist is he? Maybe he’s one of those dark, brooding types? “So, Al, painting? That’s interesting. What is your favorite medium and style?” Again, the shocked stares.

  He was quiet as if he didn’t want to answer me but then Erica answered for him, “He paints abstract, mainly. He’s very talented. His work is amazing.” Al met her eyes but she looked away nervously. Everyone fell silent again, so I decided not to push anymore.

  Declan broke the awkwardness. “Hey, anyone up for a game? Adira, you can’t beat me again this week. You an Ozias can’t be on the same team. That’s all there is to it.”

  “Hey, it’s not our fault you can’t draw more than a stick figure,” Ozias said. We had been finishing out every family meal with a different board game. Ozias and I were the defending champs, frequently beating Declan and Erica in Pictionary.

  “Exactly,” I agreed, “but if it makes you feel better you and Ozias can be on a team and Erica and Al can be a team. I’ll clean up and read to Ms. Jo tonight instead. That should level the playing field for you.” Declan laughed.

  “I can’t stay. I’ve got work to do,” Al said.

  “One game can’t hurt?” Erica said staring deeply at Al.

  “I don’t want to be on Dec’s team. He cheats. Come on, play with me, babe. If Al wants to go Dec and Erica and be a team. We’ll give them extra time to make it fair.” Ozias joked then moved out of Dec’s reach when he tried to playfully punch him.

  “Ozias, help me clear the table,” I said. This man was oblivious to my matchmaking scheme.

  “You kids, go have fun. I’ll clean up,” Doc said already taking dishes to the kitchen.

  “No, go get Ms. Jo settled,” I insisted.

  “Al, come read to me. I miss you reading to me,” Ms. Jo had clearly wanted to be with Doc.

  Doc went to her and placed a gently kiss on her head. “If you wish, darling.”

  I could see that he still loved her but he never had the fire in his eyes as when he talked about Aunt Claire. My heart broke for the cruelty of their situation. Doc took Ms. Jo to the library as each of her sons said their goodnights to her.

  I motioned Ozias to the kitchen. “I’m going to sit out tonight. I’ll play moderator, ok?”

  “Don’t let Dec get to you. He’s always been a sore loser,” He said still not understanding.

  I sighed, “Can’t you see that Erica likes Al? Talk him into playing and let them be a team.”

  He looked at me like I was crazy. “Erica and Al? No. You’ve got that all wrong.”

  “You are so blind. I know the look of a woman when she’s got her eye on a man and Erica has it written all over her face.”

  “She’s like our sister. She’s always hung around. She would spend hours talking to Al while he painted when we were teens, but….” Realization hit him then. “Oh!” He hit his forehead with the palm of his hand. “I really am clueless to women.”

  “Bless it, you are, but I love you anyway. Now go convince Al to stay. I’ll be right out,” I laughed as he left me.

  Dec and Ozias were tied with Al and Erica. She glowed sitting next to him and when they had to lean in to whisper about the game, she blushed. Men were so clueless. This girl was head over heels. I sat the timer and handed the marker to Al for their last turn. He read the card and I nodded that it was time to start. He drew a large circle and scribbled a shape in the middle with one end having a long oval shape. He drew arrows to the shape and then made little umbrellas and a pail next to it.

  “Florida!” Erica exclaimed jumping up and down. I stopped the timer.

  “Yes!” Al said. Erica hugged him as they congratulated themselves on the win. Al picked her up but once their eyes met he sat her down quickly and a seriousness came over him.

  She looked hurt over his response. Again, Dec and Ozias were clueless and Dec was trying to convince us they cheated somehow.

  “Get over it, Dec. You suck at board games,” Ozias said. We all laughed. Al was already making his way to the door to leave.

  “Nice to meet you, Al,” I yelled out to him. Erica approached him.

  “You too,” Al said to me and walked to the door.

  “Bye, everyone. I’ll see you tomorrow at the boutique, Adira. I’m gonna go now.”

  We all looked their way as they left. Interesting. I will get the rest of the story tomorrow.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “I love it!” Erica was beaming at me in the emerald green Chiffon dress I wore. I stared at my reflection in the dressing room mirror of the boutique Aunt Claire sent me to. The dress had a sweetheart top with a tapered waist that opened to a flared skirt that hit mid-thigh. The whole dress was covered in a thin layer of black lace that was sheer from my breast up to an oval neckline with a keyhole back. It was beautiful. I chose a pair of low heeled black pumps, despite Erica’s objection that I wear high heels. I refused to tower over Ozias so we had to compromise. I bought a new pair of new earrings, emerald colored studs with a bracelet to match. The whole outfit was very ‘40’s, my favorite era of dress. I was excited! I decided to wear my hair up in a modern twist. I felt like I was in a movie with all Aunt Claire had planned for Ozias and me.

  As we walked back to the co-op, I broached the subject of Al to Erica. “So, how long have you like Al?” I asked innocently.

  “What?” Erica was not good at hiding her feelings. She blushed at the mention of his name.

  “I’m not the guys, Erica. They are obviously blind to a woman’s interest. It was all over your face. Sorry, if I’m prying.” I wasn’t really sorry.

  She looked at the sidewalk embarrassed. “I’ve never really talked about it. I guess, I’ve like him since I was old enough to think boys weren’t gross anymore. He just fascinates me.”

  “You haven’t ever told him? That’s a long time to like someone and never tell.”

  “You’ve been around them long enough to know they are not exactly the smartest when it comes to women. We’ve four years apart, which as adults is nothing, but as kids Al always seemed so much older than all of us. He just sees me as a little sister. He doesn’t think of me as a woman, about to graduate medical school.”

  “I’m sorry. Maybe you should just tell him how you feel. I saw som
e chemistry between you two the other night.”

  “Really? If I can get the courage, I might, but I’m about to go back to school and I won’t have time for anything but studying.” She changed the subject. “I’m excited for you and Ozias tonight. You are going to have a great time. Can’t wait to hear all about it.”

  “Me too. Finally some fun times for us.”

  The restaurant was beyond my expectations. We had a quiet table in a far corner. Very private and romantic. It was Italian, my favorite. It was picture perfect down to the dripping candles, dim lighting, and romantic music. I ordered my favorite dish, chicken Marsala, while Ozias ordered beef tortellini in a wine sauce reduction. We tasted each other’s dishes and I moaned at each delectable bite. He laughed over my love of food. As we shared tiramisu for dessert, I pulled out Aunt Claire’s journal. I had yet to tell him about it.

  “I found this in the greenhouse. It’s my aunt’s journal. I’ve been afraid to read it but I’ve read a few entries while at lunch.”

  Ozias took it and looked at it but didn’t open it. He handed it back to me. “What did it say? If you don’t mind telling me.”

  “Ozias, she has been planning on getting us together since at least the end of last summer. I couldn’t bring myself to read anymore. She talks about Doc and my mom. It was too hard to read and I felt wrong reading about her and Doc.”

  “Yea, I don’t want to read about that. I don’t blame them for wanting to be together considering the circumstances, but the fact is, they cheated on my mom. I know she gave him permission, which still amazes me, but I can’t think about it much less read about it.” Ozias looked upset so I changed the subject.

  “Sorry, I don’t want to ruin the night. I just hadn’t had the time to tell you about it and I wanted to, especially since we’re here tonight because of her.” I placed my hand in his and squeezed. “Happy birthday, baby.