Page 47 of Fractured Grief (Hope’s Ridge #2)

I was getting ready to leave for dinner at Ma’s house on Friday, yes, we have a Thanksgiving leftover dinner, when my phone rang. It was Indy.

“Hey, Sunshine. How was your day?” I asked, already feeling lighter at being able to talk to him.

“It was okay,” he murmured, sadness leaking into his voice.

“Sweetheart, what’s the matter?”

“Just a hard, long week,” he breathed heavily. My poor Indy, I wanted nothing more than to hold and comfort him. “It’s her birthday today,” he whispered, “And she’s not here.”

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” The first birthday without Pa had been the hardest, but I’d had my whole family. We’d leaned on each other and ensured we were okay, but Indy didn’t have anyone. He had me, but I couldn’t get to him, and in that moment, I’d never felt more helpless.

“Tell me about her,” I whispered, knowing it was hard, but it had helped me, so I hoped it could help him too.

He told me story after story. How they’d met at ten years old when he was the new kid, and how she’d saved him from a pack of bullies, to her rebellious stage and her hidden tattoo, to their early years with Hazel.

He occasionally laughed, sometimes choked up, but by the end, I felt closer to him and knew Lexi so much better.

“She sounded like a beautiful soul, just like you. You were lucky to have her in your life.”

“I miss her,” he whispered, his voice shaking.

“I know you do, sweetheart. I wish I could be there with you. Try to remember the good times. She was courageous and strong, and she would want you to live on for her.” I knew in my soul that Lex would have a fit if Indy didn’t keep on living and striving to fulfill their dreams. I hoped more than ever that I was part of that dream for him.

“Do you think she would have approved of me?” I asked half joking, half serious.

“She would have loved you, Seb. She would have threatened your manhood if you were to hurt me, but she would have seen what I do.” I could hear the smile in his voice, and I knew he’d be okay.

“And what’s that?” I asked, needing to know what he was going to say.

“That you’re perfect for me.” My heart raced double time at his whispered words.

“Oh, Indy. I love you so much, Sunshine. I wish I could be there with you right now. I’m sorry I can’t hug you and hold you through this, especially today.” I vowed to call Judy and Carol tomorrow and get a timeline on when I could drive.

“It’s okay, Seb. You’re in my heart, and just talking to you is helping. Thank you for letting me share her with you.”

“You don’t need to thank me, Sunshine. I’m here for you always, and Lexi is a part of you and Hazel. I’m honored you shared her with me.”

We chatted for a little longer before he had to go and finish getting Hazel ready for bed. My heart was heavy as we hung up. I thought about those two beautiful souls, miles away from me, dealing with all this sadness and pain today.

I was late to Ma’s and not in the mood for Theo or Atty’s teasing.

“I was talking to Indy,” I exclaimed, only for them to tease me more—Lyric joining in making lewd gestures. “Shut up, it wasn’t like that. It’s Lexi’s birthday today,” I snapped, and the whole room fell silent. Everyone in my family knew Indy’s story, and we’d all gone through it when Pa died.

“I’m sorry, bro,” Atty was the first to speak up. “How are you handling it? Are you okay?”

“I feel so helpless. I still can’t drive, and all I want is to be there for him, with him, and I can’t,” I groaned in frustration. Being a mechanic and not being able to drive was bad enough, but knowing Indy was alone and sad, it hurt that much more.

Atty, Bodhi, and Theo all shared a look before Atty spoke up. “Well, we have a surprise for you. We were going to wait for Indy’s next visit as he wanted to be here, but I think now might be the perfect time.”

Theo dug a set of keys out of his pocket and handed them to me.

I gazed at the keys, then at my brother. “Aren’t these yours?” I asked Atty. “Why are you giving me your car when I can’t even fucking drive?” I was frustrated and emotional and couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

“Language, young man,” Ma admonished.

“Sorry, Ma,” I said, “But I’m so confused.”

“If you give us a second, we could explain,” Theo started. “We’ve modified Atty’s Ford with automatic hand controls so you can drive it.”

I was frozen in place. They’d done all this… for me. I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed by all the emotions overflowing inside me: gratitude, love, awe, and amazement. I wasn’t even embarrassed as silent tears streaked down my cheeks.

“Don’t cry,” Bodhi said as he came around the table to engulf me in a tight hug. “This is a good thing.”

“This must have taken ages. That’s a hard modification. And your own truck, Atty. Why?” I was so overwhelmed.

“Because you needed something to drive, and Lyric’s car was too small. We didn’t want to risk touching your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 without you knowing, as we all know she’s your customized baby. We wanted to surprise you.” Atty was beaming at me .

I couldn’t help the wet chuckle that burst out of me. “You guys are the best,” I said as I hugged Bodhi and rose to thank my brother properly. Hugging each one fiercely.

“They’ve been working on it for weeks, and we just needed Theo to come home to help with the last part, as it was a two-man job,” Bodhi explained. “We even talked to Judy and Indy about it to ensure they knew, and it would work with your therapies.”

“It’s why Judy was so insistent on having an in-person appointment tomorrow, but wouldn’t say why. You’ve got a driving lesson, man,” Lyric added, waggling his eyebrows.

“Really?”

“Yep. She needs to assess and approve your ability to drive an altered vehicle. She said she booked one just in case we decided not to tell you today. Atty and I can tow your new truck to the lot, and you can learn on your own vehicle. It’s all perfect timing, wouldn’t you say? ” Lyric finished with a wink.

“I don’t know what to say,” overwhelmed with gratitude. “What are you going to drive, Atty?”

“Well, funny you should ask. Bodhi and I just bought Sidney’s Ford F-150 as he is no longer traveling to Dallas for his girl.

She’s coming here, and they’re moving to Great Falls.

Sidney said he couldn’t afford the upkeep or parking in the city, and if we wanted it after everything, then we deserved it. ” Atty and Bodhi shared a smile.

If they were willing to keep a car that Atticus had been in an accident with when Bodhi’s ex had shot at him, then more power to them. They were braver than I was .

“You sure you’re both okay with the reminder?” I asked.

“Yeah. It’s just a truck, and it’s not actually the same one anyway, since that one was written off. Atty’s going to modify it for us, and it’s just a reminder of all we’ve been through together and how solid we are.” Bodhi beamed at my brother with all the love in the world, shining in his eyes.

These two were so smitten. I was excited to see Bodhi’s reaction when Atty finally popped the question, and now that Theo was home, it wouldn’t be long.