Chapter Twenty-Three
A month had passed, but they never spoke about that night.
There was nothing left to say. Jonah had said it all and finally got the much-needed closure.
But it didn’t happen at that abandoned house.
It happened at Jonah’s. They’d gotten back late, expecting to find it empty with Cord and Holden out or sleeping.
Cord was in the kitchen when they arrived.
Jonah had said nothing to her, but she knew what he was doing when he asked to speak to Cord alone.
She retreated to his bedroom. Telling Cord everything would be Jonah’s final closure, and she didn’t need to be a part of that. It was between the two of them. In time, when Jonah saw fit, he’d probably have the same conversation with Holden. And when he did, she’d be there to support all of them.
It was a miracle she fell asleep at all, and when she woke up the next morning, Jonah was beside her.
And life moved on.
“You nervous?”
Roxanne shifted in her seat in the truck as he pulled up behind Ethan’s car. She was hoping to be the first one to arrive. Unfortunately, her brother shared her incessant need of being punctual.
“Rox?”
She glanced over at Jonah, who had a small smile playing on his lips. “Nervous?”
Roxanne looked up at her father’s house. Her childhood home. It was a perfect setting for a comfortable gathering. Still …
“I just want Pearl to feel welcome. She means a lot to my dad.”
Roxanne knew all the details weeks ago and coordinated dinners and gatherings. She was reminded to leave some time for her dad and Pearl to be alone. Roxanne just wanted everything to be perfect.
Jonah opened the door and scoffed. “If there’s anyone who can make her feel welcome, it’s you.”
“Hey Rox?”
She glanced in the truck's backseat. Holden was leaning forward, looking up at the house through the windshield. She’d invited both brothers, but Cord was working.
“You sure it’s okay that I’m here?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well, I don’t know.” He shrugged. “It’s family.”
Ah, this kid. He didn’t get it just yet. But he would eventually. She’d make sure of it.
“Yes.” She smiled. “And you’re family, so let’s go.”
They rounded the bumper of the car when Jonah veered toward the yard. He lifted the cooler. “Just gonna put this on the deck.” With the chilly night, it would probably stay cold and save space.
Roxanne and Holden walked inside the house. It was eerily quiet. Aside from Ethan and Emory, no one else had arrived. However, she’d expected to hear voices. Was it going so bad no one was talking?
“You grew up here?” Holden glanced around.
“Yeah.”
“Cool.”
Yes, it was.
“Come on.” She waved for Holden to follow her, and they walked into the kitchen.
Pearl was standing near the breakfast bar fiddling with the edge of a napkin, clearly nervous. Roxanne was about to change that.
“Hi.”
She jerked her head, her eyes widening, completely caught off guard.
“Hello, Roxanne.” Pearl circled the counter, offering her hand. Roxanne noticed the slight shake.
It must’ve been intimidating getting together with all her dad’s children at once in an unfamiliar place. She hadn’t thought about that. Roxanne took her hand and placed the other over their clasped hands.
“It’s so nice seeing you again.” Roxanne smiled and held on to her hand, hoping to make her feel at ease. “I’ve been on my dad to have you come visit. I’m so happy you’re finally here.”
“Me too.”
Roxanne released her hand, dropping the bag of food on the counter. “This is Holden.”
He rushed forward and shook her hand. “Are you Roxanne’s dad’s girlfriend?”
Well, that’s a mouthful.
“Um,” Pearl seemed completely caught off guard and Roxanne snickered.
That was one way to break the ice.
“Yes, she is.” Roxanne winked at Pearl. “Where is everyone?”
“Emory is using the bathroom, and your father and Ethan are …”
She clamped her lips when her dad and brother walked into the kitchen with Emory a few steps behind. Her dad walked over and gave her a hug.
“Dad, this is Holden, Jonah’s brother.”
Her father reached out his hand with a welcoming smile.
“I’m not the one who hit Roxanne’s car and then ghosted her. I’m the other one.”
Her father laughed and walked around the counter and stood next to Pearl. He placed his hand on her back, and she leaned into his side. It was a move she’d seen before with her parents. If her mother seemed a little uneasy, her dad would always try to settle her with a simple touch.
Roxanne smiled at the new couple. This was good.
“So, Pearl, are you coming for Christmas?” Emory asked, catching everyone off guard, especially Pearl. It was still over a month away, but Roxanne had started mentally preparing.
Pearl glanced up at her father. It was clear they hadn’t discussed it yet. Maybe they were waiting to see how this visit turned out. Roxanne was going to take the decision out of her hands.
“It’s a three-day event. Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the day after. I suggest coming a few days earlier, though.” She held up her hand. “And plan to stay for New Year’s.”
Her father chuckled. “And if you need any help planning your trip, Roxanne seems to be volunteering.”
Yes, I am.
****
Jonah slid open the patio doors leading to the backyard.
There was talk about having a fire in the pit, but everyone seemed content inside near the fireplace.
The temperature was unseasonably cool for this time of year.
Jonah walked to the cooler and grabbed a beer.
When he straightened, a waft of smoke filtered through his nose.
John Garrison had a large parcel of land, mostly wooded. He scanned the trees in the distance. Surely if there was a fire, he’d see it.
He stepped off the patio and rounded the house, stopping short when he spotted the culprit.
He flattened his lips and considered sneaking away unseen.
It was obvious she was taking a minute to herself.
Jonah could understand. For as kind and welcoming as the family was, there were a lot of them with big personalities and a past she wasn’t a part of.
Pearl turned, taking a drag from her cigarette, and locked eyes with him. Her gaze widened, and there was a flash of panic in her eyes, followed by a blush so bright he saw it in the dark.
She quickly exhaled, and a gust of wind directed the smoke toward Jonah. She waved her hand, shaking her head.
“I’m so sorry.”
He held up his hand. “You’re fine.”
Pearl forced a smile, tossing her cigarette into the can of beer she was holding. “I’ve been trying to quit for years. But,” she raised her brows and shrugged, “we all have our vices, and this is mine.”
“Imperfections. It’s what makes us human.” Jonah smiled.
“Well,” she snorted and walked toward him, “I’m extremely human. And unfortunately, cigarettes are my go-to for calming my nerves.”
“Nervous?”
Pearl smacked her lips together, stalling. He’d just met her and usually wasn’t the best support for women he didn’t know. Or am I? Kenzie would probably dispute that statement.
“I’m a little overwhelmed. When John asked me to visit, I didn’t even hesitate to say yes. But now that I’m actually here, around the family, I just …”
“Feel like an outsider?”
“Yes.”
“If it’s any consolation, I’m new here too. So, I understand what you’re saying.” Jonah nodded. “But as someone who has some insider information, I can tell you, they were all looking forward to you coming.”
She smiled, and her tension eased slightly. “Really?”
“Yeah, Roxanne especially. You make John happy. That’s all that matters to them.”
She laughed, glancing up at him, ease spreading across her features. “Thank you.”
“Let’s get inside before we freeze out here.”
Pearl scoffed. “This is your idea of freezing? I take it you’ve never been to Nebraska in the winter?”
“No.”
“It shows.” She winked.
Jonah laughed and stepped back, allowing her to pass. He followed her to the patio and reached out, sliding the door open. Jonah walked in behind her but abruptly halted when Pearl stopped a few feet into the kitchen. Jonah glanced past the woman to find everyone gathered, staring at them.
What the …
“Are they staring at me or you?” Pearl muttered quietly.
“I don’t know.” Jonah looked at Roxanne, who was openly smirking.
What the hell was going on? It was on the tip of his tongue to ask, but Bogs beat him to it.
“We’re all available next Saturday, but our services are gonna cost you. We don’t work for free. You gotta feed us.”
“Such an asshole.” Stone slapped his brother on the back of his head, rounding the kitchen island. “We got a job next week, but we’ll be back on Friday. You rent the truck and I’ll pick it up.”
Rent a truck? What the hell was he talking about?
“She’s got a lot of shit, man,” T said.
“Possessions, T. I don’t own shit.” Roxanne glared at her brother and then glanced up at him, offering a playful smile. “And if I do, it’s the good shit.”
Jonah was at a complete loss until Holden stepped up next to Roxanne. His eyes widened like a deer caught in headlights. “Yeah, so I thought you already asked Rox to move in.”
Fuck me. Was nothing sacred to this kid?
Jonah had made a point of having the conversation with his brothers.
He may have owned the house, but it was their home too.
Eventually, they’d move out, but for now, he wanted to make sure they were good with Roxanne moving in.
Jonah could’ve rationalized the reasoning.
She spent most of her nights at his place.
She was wasting her money on rent. It made sense.
And selfishly, he wanted her in his life, in his space that would become theirs. Forever.
Roxanne burst out laughing, hooking her thumb over her shoulder. “Holden swears Cord is on board.” She squinted. “Is he?”
Jonah smirked. In fact, he was. Cord gave his blessing before Holden got the chance.
“Yeah.”
Roxanne walked through the kitchen and straight to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and his hands circled her back.
“Are you sure you want me to move in?”
“Never been more sure in my life.”