by Alison Mello
He presses his lips to mine. “I love you.”
Hearing those words coming from his lips never fails to make me smile. “I love you too.”
Now that he’s gone, the house is silent. I grab the remote for the TV and tune to my favorite country music channel. I’m a fan of almost all music, but country is my favorite. I go back to finishing up what I need for dinner later, and then clean up. Brody is now whimpering at the back door, his sign that he needs to be let out. I run over, open the door for him, and he runs free. He truly enjoys my backyard. I stand out on the back porch watching him and soaking up the sun’s rays. The warm sun makes me wish I had some furniture for the yard.
Slipping my phone from my back pocket, I dial Vaughn. I’m lucky he answers right away. “Yes, Angel.”
“Have you left Mama’s yet?”
“No. I’m getting ready to leave now. Do you need something?”
“Yeah, it’s a gorgeous day, and I have no furniture for the yard. Can you ask Mama if we can borrow some folding chairs? Then we can sit out and enjoy the sun for a little while.”
“Good plan. I’ll ask.” He pulls his mouth away from the phone but I can hear what’s going on, so I know her answer before he tells me. “She said yes. I’ll collect four chairs and be home soon.”
“Thanks, babe.”
“Love you, Angel.”
“Love you too.” I cut the call, thrilled we’ll have something to sit out and play with Brody on. I’ll eventually get my own furniture, but with all the money I just spent furnishing the inside, it’s nice to borrow some for a little while. Grabbing some of Brody’s toys, I start playing around with him. He loves to fetch a ball or a Frisbee, but I think he’s getting bored with it. I got him this long chew toy that he loves to attack while I pull on it. When I call his name and hold up the toy, he drops the tennis ball and comes running. “Sit, Brody.” He listens, but as I lower the toy he jumps for it. “No. Sit, Brody.” He does as I ask. I hold the hand with the toy in the air and the other in front of him telling him to stay. “Stay.” I lower the toy. “Stay.” I lower it more. “Stay.” I’m practically touching it to his nose, and like a good boy, he still hasn’t moved. I start to move my hand, but still warn him to stay. “Get it, boy.” He grabs the toy with his teeth, growling as he attacks it. I pull slightly, and he fights harder, growling louder.
“Angel. Are you okay?” Vaughn comes sprinting into the yard, his voice full of panic.
“Brody, sit.” He doesn’t listen the first time. I’m about to say it again when Vaughn whistles to him through his two fingers. Brody goes running over to him and sits at his feet.
“Good boy. Next time listen when Brooke tells you to sit.” Vaughn pets his head and comes walking over to me. “I heard Brody growling and I panicked.”
“I’m sorry, I was training him.” I pat my leg. “Come, boy.” Brody runs over. “Sit.” Brody drops down on his rear and stares up at me. I turn to Vaughn, and now his parents are with us. “Watch this. You know how he reacts to this toy, right?”
“Yeah, he gets all hyped up over it.”
I do the trick all over again telling him to stay until I’m ready for him to attack. When I give the command, he responds, grabbing the toy and shaking his head, pulling me along with the toy. “Brody, sit.” Again he doesn’t listen. Vaughn is about to whistle when I stop him. “Brody, sit.” He’s too wrapped up in his toy, he’s not paying attention to me, but I know what will get his attention. I pull the toy snug, forcing him to pull back, and as soon as he does, I let go. He rolls to the ground and I walk away, ignoring him. When he realizes my back is to him and I’m no longer playing, he comes over and drops the toy at my feet, because he wants my attention and wants me to play with him more. I keep my head up and my arms crossed until he whimpers. “Do you want to play?” I pick up the toy. “You need to listen. Let’s try again.” This time when we’re about to start, I ask Vaughn to grab me a treat. “Listen.” I give him a stern look. He was trained well, I know he gets it. I say the commands again, allowing him to attack the toy. When Vaughn comes back out with a treat, he sneaks it into my free hand. Brody is growling at the toy and pulling on it as he does. “Brody, sit.” My voice is stern. His ears perk up, he drops the toy, and sits with his tail wagging a million miles an hour. “Good boy. Here you go.” I give him the treat and tell him to go lay down.
As soon as he runs off, Adriana comes over. “You’re amazing with him.” She hugs me.
“Thank you. I’m sorry about that, but I needed to teach him the lesson in the moment or it would be gone, and he wouldn’t learn that what he was doing was wrong.” I hug her back.
“No need to apologize, it was great to witness you teaching him like that. We’ve never had any pets, so we’ve never witnessed animals being trained.” Tucker steps forward and gives me a hug.
“Now that I know you’re fine. I’m going to go grab the chairs from my trunk.” He runs back out of the yard, leaving his parents with me. “I figured we’d hang out here for a while and then we can go in. I’m going to make some fried chicken for dinner.”
“Sounds good to us,” Tucker says.
Vaughn comes back into the yard carrying two chairs in each arm. He sets them up and we all take a seat. Brody comes over with a ball and he drops it at Tucker’s feet. He’s all too happy to throw the ball. He tosses it across the yard and Brody chases after it. “How’s the clinic coming?” Adriana asks me leaning back in her chair and enjoys the sun.
“It was tough at first. It still feels weird sometimes being there without him. I try to remind myself that this is what he wanted and carry on.”
She gives me a gentle smile. “Vaughn told us the story. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I think the toughest part for me right now is hiring someone. I need to bring in another vet, but I’m struggling to even run the ad. I need the person to be a perfect fit. Someone who’s going to understand that we’re more than a clinic, we’re a family, and this is more than just a job to us.”
“I can see why Vaughn loves you so much. You care about so much more than yourself and your individual family. You care for and love all those around you.” I blush at her kind words. I’ve always loved caring for any breathing soul, human or animal. It’s in my blood, it’s who I am, and what I do. I think that’s why when Vaughn wouldn’t let me in it hurt so bad, and it’s also why I felt I had to go to Remy. It was my way of helping him without being there for him directly.
“Even as a child Vaughn was stubborn,” Adriana carries on, pulling me from my thoughts. “He insisted on learning to do things on his own. It didn’t matter if he was learning the hard way as long as he could take the time to do it for himself, he was happy.”
I turn to him. “He’s a stubborn man.”
“Most of them are. He’s just like his father, and they are both very lucky to have found women who love them enough to stand by them when they put us through all kinds of shit.” She raises her brows.
I giggle. “I love your son very much. I’m not sure if he told you, but he’s planning on moving in come the fall when his lease is up.”
“That’s great. I think it’s smart that you two live together before you move onto marriage. A lot of kids these days rush to get married having no idea what true love is, and then they’re divorced before you know it.” I nod, agreeing with her because it’s true. I’ve seen kids I went to high school with get married right after high school and now they’re divorced and single parents because they rushed off and married their high school sweetheart without any true understanding of what being in love really involves. I feel like you have to experience loss and hurt to know when you’ve found love.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get the fried chicken started.” I stroll into the house, leaving Vaughn outside with his parents.
***
Vaughn
“Thank you guys so much for coming down. Not only am I excited to see you, but Brooke kep
t asking when she’d get to meet you.”
“We’ve missed you, Vaughn, but I’m glad to see you’re doing well for yourself. She seems like a fine young lady.” My mom’s voice is laced with pride. I wish she’d have more time to see just how amazing my woman is. Although she was not there directly, she helped me through all of this, and it’s thanks to her I’m doing better and have managed to keep my career intact. She went to Remy and got me help when I needed it most, and kept reminding me that she was here waiting for me. She showed me how much she loves me and that was what helped push me to go to the good doctor, who’s been helping me get through this. She was right that night outside her bedroom when she hugged me and told me that love can heal many things. If she hadn’t been there loving me, lord only knows where I’d be today, but I guarantee you it wouldn’t be sitting in a backyard enjoying an afternoon with my parents.
“We should go help Brooke inside.” Mama stands from her chair. Dad and I follow her in. We put some football playing on the TV and sit quietly watching the way we used to when I was younger.
I can hear them giggling in the kitchen while we watch the replay of the Giants pre-season game from the other night. They lose to the Patriots, which sucks, because my father and I are both Giants fans. “They aren’t looking too good this year.” My father sighs.
“No, they’re not. If they keep this up, they won’t even make the playoffs.”
I don’t get to watch games too much anymore. I’m always busy doing stuff, and to be honest, it’s not the same not having my dad to watch the games with. He was always a bit more into it than me, but I enjoy the sport and the time with him.
“Dinner is ready,” Brooke calls from the kitchen. She has a bunch of serving bowls on the table and there are settings for four already out. I grab everyone water to have with dinner while Brooke lets my parents help themselves to food. Once I’m back and I’ve made my plate, Brooke makes hers. I chuckle to myself, because no matter how much I try to get her to eat first, she never listens. She always waits for me to have my plate made. We all sit and dig in, continuing the conversation from outside in regards to my childhood. Mom even brought some pictures to show her, but I’m lucky, because she left the really embarrassing ones at home.
After about an hour or so of laughter and fun, we realize we need to clean up from dinner. Everything is sitting on the table cold, but we don’t really care because it’s been a great night. “Brooke, thank you so much for having us over. It was really nice to spend some quality time with our son and getting to know you.”
“Oh, trust me, it’s been a pleasure.” Brooke stands from the table and begins the process of cleaning up.
Mom stands as well. “What can I help with?”
“I’ve got this, why don’t you enjoy the time with Vaughn? I know you have to get going soon.”
She sighs. “Unfortunately, you’re right. It’s already after seven and we have an early flight.”
“Mom, do you want me to bring you back so you can get ready for the morning?” She looks to my father, who gives her a gentle nod.
“Give me five minutes to help Brooke a bit.” Mom grabs some food off the table and helps Brooke pack the leftovers away.
I look to my dad. “Is she okay?”
He nods. “I think now that it’s time to leave, it’s sinking in just how much she misses you.”
“I miss you guys too. I’ll talk to Brooke and see if maybe we can take some time to come north for a visit.”
My dad stands from his chair. I put out my hand to shake his, but he pulls me in for a hug. “That would be great, son. We love you.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
When we pull away, Mom tells us she’s ready to go. There are some tears shed, but they say goodbye to Brooke and I drive them back to her mom’s house while she takes care of Brody. When we pull up to the house, I walk them to the door. “Thank you again for the flight, son. Although the visit was short, we’ve had a great time.”
“Thanks for coming, Mom.”
“You take care of that girl. She’s a good one.”
I look my mom dead in the eye. “I plan on marrying that girl.”
She nods. “I know you do, son. I know you do.” We hug one more time and they step inside.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” I reply watching them close the door behind them. I exhale a deep breath before climbing back into my car and heading home to the love of my life. My parents are the first people I have told I want to marry Brooke. Now I just have to get the courage to ask her father and her brother for permission, but I’ll figure that out soon enough.
When I pull back up at the house, Brooke is relaxing in bed, waiting for me. “Shall we do our exercises?” she asks the second I’m through the door.
“No, not tonight. Tonight I want to make sweet love to my angel, and then hold her in my arms and never let her go.” I strip as I make my way over to the bed, and when I slip in next to her, she lowers herself onto her back. I look down into her eyes. “I love you, Brooke Leah Bennett. You’re my angel, and you’ve helped heal me. Thank you.” Before she can say a word, my lips are on hers, showing her just how much she means to me.
The End
Epilogue
Brooke
I can’t believe we’re about to land in New York. I’m so excited I hardly slept a wink last night. I’ve never traveled outside of Georgia, and I’ve certainly never flown before. Vaughn’s parents are picking us up at the airport, and we’re going to stay at a hotel. Callen has Brody while we spend four days up here, and he’s promised us he will take good care of him while we’re gone.
We’ve just landed, and the captain has announced that we’re free to get up to claim our carry-on luggage. “How was your first flight, Angel?”
“It was amazing. I was a little nervous at first but once we were in the air I was fine. Although the landing was a little scary too.”
He laughs. “Well, you have to do it at least one more time so we can get home.” I shrug, not really caring. It wasn’t that bad, and now that I’ve experienced it once, it probably won’t bother me again. I’m probably more nervous over the fact that I closed the clinic for four days. I still haven’t brought myself to hire another veterinarian, and of course Vaughn used this as another chance to remind me why I need to. Had I done it already, we’d still be open right now. Of course he’s right, so I’ve promised him I would start looking as soon as the holidays were over. It’s two weeks before Christmas, certainly not the ideal time to try and hire someone.
We walk off the plane and Vaughn instantly takes my hand. “This place is a zoo,” he warns, holding me close. There are holiday travelers everywhere, and no one is paying attention to anything other than themselves. I shake my head, shocked. We hurry through, trying to make our way to baggage claim. We only have one bag, but there’s no way I was flying to New York without luggage. I told Vaughn for starters I’m going to freeze my ass off, and second, I want to have room for souvenirs. He laughed, but caved, and let me pack a light suitcase. Taking my brother’s advice, I flagged our suitcase with some ribbon so it would stand out from the rest of the bags on the conveyor belt. The light starts flashing and the belt starts to move, carrying bags into the room. We’re both watching for our basic black rolling suitcase. It takes a few minutes, but it appears, as do his parents.
They come running over to greet us with a hug and a kiss. “Welcome to New York, dear.”
“Thanks, Mama Anderson.” I’ve recently started calling her that because I have a hard time calling her by her first name. We were speaking over the phone one day when I explained that it’s simply my upbringing. In the south we rarely refer to someone older than us by their first name. When I offered this as a compromise, well, let’s just say she was thrilled.
We’re heading out to the parking lot when Vaughn gives his father the name of the hotel we’re staying at near Rockefeller Center. I clap my hands, excited. “I can’t believe I’m going to g
et to see it. The lights are going to be just beautiful.” Everyone around me looks at the southern girl with the thick accent. I blush and take Vaughn’s hand as we approach the car.
“I’m sorry we don’t have a room for you to stay with us.” Mama Anderson blushes.
“Mom, I’ve told you. I want to stay in a hotel with Brooke. As excited as we are to visit, this is our vacation too, and it’s the first time Brooke has left Georgia. I want to show her around.” His mama nods.
Traffic is a mess as usual, but we finally make it to the hotel. “We’ll see you two for dinner in a little while.” They wave goodbye and pull away.
“If they’re leaving, how are we getting to their house for dinner?”
Vaughn chuckles. “Angel, we’ll take the subway and then walk.” My face lights up yet again. My first flight and now my first train ride. I feel like a little kid again. I’m getting to experience all these firsts with my love. We walk into the hotel and straight up to the counter. Vaughn gives the woman standing there his name. She pulls up our reservation. He signs a paper and she gives us two keys with directions on how to get to our room. When we get up there, I’m thrilled. The room is small, but has a gorgeous view of Rockefeller Center. It’s breathtaking.
I can see people skating around on the ice and there are lights all over the place. Vaughn comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He whispers in my ear, “Have you ever ice skated before?”
“No, where am I going to find a frozen lake in Georgia?” I give him a look that screams really.
“They have indoor rinks,” he says like it’s common knowledge.
“I guess, but no, I’ve never ice skated, and I don’t know of any indoor rinks.”
He laughs. “Okay, do you want to change before we go out?” I shake my head no, and continue to look out the window. It’s already after five and I’m starved. We probably should have gone straight to his parents for dinner, but he wanted to get us settled first. He takes my hand and pulls me toward the door. “Let vacation begin.”
