21. Merging Families
21
MERGING FAMILIES
S ummer was emotionally drained, which meant she was physically exhausted as well. She didn’t want to go to the Fletchers’ house for dinner, but she didn’t want to leave Brandon’s side either. He’d held her all afternoon until she’d fallen asleep on his couch. Then he had slipped away to shower.
They were now parked outside his home. Many other vehicles were in the drive and along the front.
“This looks like more than our parents,” she mumbled as she leaned to look out the front windshield.
Brandon did the same. “I see Austin, Darcy, and Carly are also here. Is that one of your sisters’ cars?” He pointed.
She squinted at the Connecticut license plate. “Oh, yeah. That’s Autumn’s; the other two might be Hunter and May. Everyone is here?”
The soft feelings of love and contentment washed through her, lifting her spirits. She didn’t feel as tired as she had earlier. This would be the first time all of her family had been in one place for a long time.
She turned to Brandon with a teasing smile. “We could turn this into a special party if you wanted to ask me something.”
She almost laughed when Brandon’s eyes widened. Then, a slow grin replaced his shock. He reached over the console and took her hand while pointing to the glove box with the other.
“If you’re serious and don’t require me down on one knee, you can open the glove box. There’s something in there for you.”
This time, her eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”
“Yes. I’ve already spoken with your father.”
She reached with trembling fingers and unlatched the compartment. A blue velvet box sat in front of the papers and napkins shoved inside. Her heart beat wildly as if it could take flight and lift her out of her seat. She didn’t open it but returned her gaze to Brandon.
“Summer, I was going to wait until I could find some romantic way to ask you this, but I’m so impatient. And you keep bringing it up.” He chuckled. “I know there’s a lot we need to relearn about each other, but my heart knows that you are it for me. I don’t want to spend another day without you in it. When you laugh or cry, I want to be there. When I feel broken, I want to hand you all the pieces and let you put me back together. Would you be willing to do that? Would you make me the happiest man in Sugar Creek and become my wife?”
Tears were sliding down her face again, but this time, her heart was full instead of empty. She nodded and cleared her throat, afraid her voice wouldn’t work.
“Yes, oh yes!”
She plopped the ring box in the cup holder and reached for the love of her life. He met her halfway, and this kiss washed away the rest of her fear and weariness. Summer’s fingers ran across his beard in wonder as he tenderly moved her closer. His lips promised so many things, and she tried her best to answer each one with her own.
“Brandon,” she whispered.
“Yes, love?”
“I don’t want to wait long.”
“You name the day, and I’ll be there.
“How about the week before Christmas?”
He pulled back and met her gaze. “This Christmas?”
“Is that too soon?” A kernel of worry furrowed her brow.
“I’d marry you tonight if you wish, but I want you to have your dream wedding. Is four months enough time to plan?” He ran his fingers through her hair.
“It’ll be perfect if you’re waiting for me at the altar. Plus, I know of at least two women inside that will move heaven and earth to make it happen.” She winked at him.
“All right then. There’s only one thing, okay, two things left to do?”
“Oh?”
He let her go and picked up the ring box. “First, let’s see if it fits and you like it.”
Summer watched as he flipped the box open. Inside lay a platinum band with a pear-shaped diamond. It was simple, elegant, and breathtaking as it caught the light through the window.
“It’s beautiful,” she sighed and held her hand out so he could slip it on. It fit perfectly. “What’s the second thing?”
“We share our good news with our family,” Brandon said before giving her one more chaste kiss on the tip of her nose. Then he jumped out of the car and walked around to open her door.
The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the Fletchers’ backyard. The scent of grilled burgers and brats filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. Sara laughed from the swings as she pumped her legs to propel herself higher. The set was large enough that Darcy was right next to her.
Brandon nudged Summer’s arm. “My parents put that in a couple of months ago because Darcy and Sara like to have swinging contests. They plan to add a few other playground items as the grandkids arrive.”
“That’s the sweetest thing ever,” she replied.
The others sat in various chairs around the yard. Austin and Evan played corn hole, Jackie and Autumn sat side-by-side chatting about their new babies, and Carly laughed at something May said. Both sets of parents gathered around the grill and table, which was full of food.
“Uncle Brandon,” Sara yelled his name before jumping from the swing and running to him. “You’re here.”
She launched herself at him, and he caught her. Before setting her down, he tossed her in the air, causing her to shriek even louder. Summer couldn’t help the huge grin that filled her face. This was a place full of laughter and love. It was where she belonged.
Her mother walked over and wrapped an arm around her waist. “How are you?”
“Today was hard, but I’m much better,” Summer replied.
“Mr. Fletcher said as much. We’re glad you joined us.” Her mom gave her an extra squeeze before letting her go.
“I wouldn't miss this for the world,” Summer said. She felt a sense of belonging here, surrounded by people who cared deeply for her and Brandon. Her brother, Hunter, stepped out from inside the house. Summer hadn’t seen him in almost two years.
He looked tired, but he still managed to smile at his sister. “Hey, little sister.” After hugging her, he noticed the ring on her finger. His eyes widened. “What’s this?”
Brandon moved to her side and pulled her close, but he let Summer do the talking.
“Everyone, we have an announcement.” Summer called for their attention. Once everyone looked her way, she held her hand for everyone to see. “Brandon and I want to get married the week before Christmas.”
Everyone cheered, and the women rushed forward to see the ring better. Summer didn’t mind the crowd or the noise. She let it embrace her for what it was—love and family. Eventually, after everyone had congratulated them, they settled to eat. She listened quietly as Brandon asked his parents to take care of the store and cabin rentals so he could drive her to Tennessee.
“I appreciate you stepping in. I’m sure you never thought you’d have to do it after retiring,” Brandon said.
Adam Fletcher rubbed his hands together. “I’ve missed it, so don’t worry about anything.”
“Austin,” Brandon called in a half groan. “You’ll keep an eye on Dad so he doesn’t mess up our system, right?”
Austin laughed. “Sure. I’ll do my best, but I’ll be twice as busy without Summer’s help. So, no promises. ”
Brandon sighed, and she bumped his shoulder. “You don’t have to go with me.”
“Of course I do. And the extra work will be worth it if I get to spend several days traveling with you. Do you want to drive or fly?” he asked.
Summer examined his face for traces of discomfort and didn’t find any. He was telling the truth about wanting to go with her. “Let’s drive. We can use the time to catch up on all the years we’ve missed.”
His smile grew wider. “That sounds perfect.” He turned back to his dad. “Thanks. We’ll leave Tuesday and be home by Saturday.”
Sara ran over with Carly in tow. "Summer, Carly says you used to jump out of the swings with Mama Darcy. Will you come swing with me?”
Her sister May laughed and said, “Oh, she did, but I could jump farther than her every time.”
“Whatever,” Summer scoffed. “I haven’t jumped from swings in years, but I’ll take you on any day, May.” Summer kissed Brandon’s cheek and nodded to the swings. “Let’s go.”
Carly followed them with a shy smile. As they walked across the yard, she nudged Summer’s arm. “I had no idea you’d be engaged so soon after the campout, but I’m happy for you both.”
“Thanks. I didn’t think we would be either, but after I got out of my way, I knew it was right, and there’s no point in dragging things out,” Summer said as she sat in one of the swings and May took the other.
“Well,” Carly continued. “I hope I get as lucky as you someday. Too bad you don’t have any unmarried brothers.”
All three women laughed, but May said, “Aren’t there any hot doctors in that hospital of yours?”
Carly’s face turned pink. “Maybe, but none I’m interested in.”
“Really?” May teased. “Then why the blush?”
Carly hid behind her hands. “I don’t know.”
“You can tell us if you like someone. It’s not like we’re going to be in Boston any time soon,” May pushed her feet off the ground but didn’t swing in earnest .
Summer smiled at Carly and added, “You’ll figure it out. Be honest with yourself, and don’t be dumb like me.”
“You aren’t dumb,” May said.
At the same time, Sara piped up, “Are we talking or swinging?” Then she turned to Carly. “You’re beautiful like my Darcy. When you like a boy, all you’ll have to do is tell him, and he’ll fall in love with you.”
The women laughed again, and Carly said, “If only it were that easy.”
“It is,” Sara huffed, then pointed at the Blakely sisters. “Swing.”
SEVERAL DAYS LATER…
The cemetery was quiet; the only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. Brandon held Summer’s hand as they walked down the gravel path, each step bringing them closer to Griff’s grave. The weight of the moment increased as the sun beat down on them, and Summer’s hand trembled slightly in his.
They reached the simple, well-tended grave marked with Griff's name and dates. There was no heartfelt inscription, and that felt wrong somehow. Brandon had never met the man, but he had listened to Summer’s stories during the drive. He knew how the man had become like a brother, watching over and supporting her for years. Brandon’s throat tightened, the reality of their visit hitting him fully. He glanced at Summer, whose eyes were already glistening with unshed tears.
"Hi, Griff," Summer said softly, her voice mixed with sadness and affection. “I’m sorry it took so long to come. I brought Brandon with me."
She took a deep breath, knelt, and placed a hand on the stone. With her head bowed, she said, “Thank you. For everything. For always sticking with me and for not letting me give up. I wish?—”
Brandon rested a hand on her shoulder as she cried. Eventually, she stood and moved into his arms.
“We can go,” she said.
“Can I say something?” he asked.
“Of course.”
"Hey, Griff," Brandon began, his voice steady but thick with emotion. "I wish I had met you. I think we would have been friends because you loved Summer and cared for her when I couldn’t. I wish I could have thanked you in person for everything you did for her.”
Summer wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed, encouraging him to continue. Brandon felt the weight of gratitude fill him. She might have given up long ago without Griff doing all he could to protect her. She might have removed herself from the world and he would not be holding her now. How do you thank someone for saving the thing most precious to you? Brandon hoped the man could feel what he couldn’t fully put into words, but he wanted to try.
“You were there for her during some of the toughest times in her life. You were her rock, her friend, her family away from home. I’m grateful for that, more than words can express." He paused, taking a moment to compose himself. "Thank you for being there when I couldn’t be. Thank you for looking out for her, protecting her, loving her, and sending her home to me.”
Summer’s tears were soaking into his t-shirt. “I’ll miss you, Griff," she whispered. "Every day. But I’m so grateful for how you held me together when I couldn’t do it alone. Thank you for encouraging me to come home."
Brandon pulled the small metal plaque from his back pocket and handed it to Summer. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she replied. Then she popped the pick into place on the back so she could push it into the dirt in front of the gravestone.
It wasn’t fancy, but since nothing had been written on the stone, Brandon was glad they had done this small thing. The plaque was black with a gold border around it. There was the impression of a soldier with his head bent in thought on the left and the words ‘A brave soldier, a loyal friend, and a beloved brother’ on the right.
Once she had placed it, Summer returned to Brandon’s arms. He rested his chin on her head and said, “You meant the world to her, Griff. And because of that, you mean the world to me, too. I promise to take care of her, love her, and honor your memory beside her.”
Summer looked up at Brandon, her eyes filled with love and sadness. "I know he’s somewhere smiling because we’re together.”
Brandon nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "I hope so. I owe him so much."
Summer grinned. “Good, because he made me promise to name one of our kids after him.”
Brandon reread the name on the headstone.
Griffin Alexander Taylor
“I’m good with that.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Griffin is a good name. So is Alexander. And I think Taylor would be an awesome girl’s name.”
Summer shifted in his arms to face him. He had never been so full of emotion as that moment. This woman gazed at him in love and wonder, and everything inside him wanted to make her happy.
“You are amazing,” she whispered before rising on her tiptoes to kiss him.
Eventually, they walked back down the path, hand in hand, full of love, gratitude, and, most importantly, hope for their future.