It takes a few minutes for the next text to come through, but when it does, I feel like I’ve at least helped withsomethingtoday.
Dare: You’re a lifesaver, Em. I’ll keep you updated.
Asher: Don’t worry, if all else fails, I’ve got a backup dinner order ready to go with Mac at the Icebox diner.
Dare: Hey! Where’s the faith?
Asher: I have faith, I’m just looking out for the family in case things go wrong.
That makes me laugh, but as soon as my smile appears I’m hit with an overwhelming sense of sadness. This isn’t just about me because my brothers are spending their first holiday withoutDad too.Why did I think I’d be better staying away? Why can’t I just go back home?
I drop my phone onto my desk and push my chair back, covering my face with my hands.
My phone buzzes again, but instead of one of my brothers, it’s Jude’s name I see on the screen. Quickly wiping my eyes, I suck in some deep breaths to compose myself before clearing my throat and answering.
“Hey, hubby.”
“Hey yourself,” he replies. “You OK?” This time his voice is gentle.
“Yeah…” I say before shaking my head to myself. “No…”
He sighs. “I didn’t think you were. I could feel it. My chest was achin’ and it was like there was this weight on my shoulders I couldn’t explain.”I’m never going to get away with anything ever again, am I?
“I was just havin’ a moment. I’m better now that I’m talkin’ to you,” I reply.
“As happy as I am hearin’ that, doesn’t make me not wish I could be with you right now.”
“In the interest of honesty, I wish I was with you too,” I say, leaning back in my chair and getting comfortable. “Saturday’s not that far away. I’ll just count down the hours until you get here.”
Jude falls quiet, the background silent too. I’d expect the ranch house to be a hive of activity. Then again, maybe he just went to his room to call me.
“Where are you? It sounds so calm there.”
“If I could teleport, I’d be standing in front of you right now.”
“Jude, that’s…”
“Nuts? Yeah, I know. Case and Sutt have told me that already,” he says with a laugh.
“I was goin’ to say it’s sweet. Though, if they thinkthat’scrazy, then that means I am too, because I’d be so damn happy if you just appeared out of nowhere.”
He chuckles. “Must mean we’re made for each other.”
“Must be,” I reply. “Anyway, enough about my pity party. Tell me what’s happenin’ over there. Who’s in charge of cookin’? Who’s in charge of eatin’? Because I was just talkin’ to my brothers and it’s a hot mess over there, but they’re given’ it a good go. I helped a little bit, I think, by tellin’ them where Mom’s old recipe folder is. It’s full of all her favorites—and ours—and I know Dad used it too.” When Jude doesn’t answer, I realize I’ve just been blathering away without letting him get a word in edgewise. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to?—”
“Em?”
“Yeah?”
“You can rant, ramble, and talk my ear off about anythin’ whenever you want, OK? I love that you feel safe enough to just tell me whatever’s on your mind.”
“I—really?” He chuckles and the sound of it makes me smile.
“I can’t wait to see you,” I whisper, my heart swelling until it feels far too big for my chest.
“I can’t wait either.”
“Can I ask you somethin’?” I say, feeling emboldened.