Page 84 of Until the Storm Breaks

I trace the letters with my finger, then fold the note and tuck it in my pocket. Something to hold onto.

The house is too quiet as I move through it, Laila at my heels, making coffee with Mom’s pour-over setup, the familiar ritual both comforting and painful. Through the kitchen window, I watch the rental company wrap up setting out all of the chairs on the bluff. White folding chairs in neat rows, facing the water where Mom used to sit for hours. Maren helped us to orchestrate all of this. The rentals, the timing, the logistics of grief made manageable.

I’m outside waving off the rental company van when Dominic’s BMW pulls up the drive, polished even for a memorial.Laila sits beside me, her tail sweeping the gravel as she watches the van leave. He’s early, of course he is. Always has to be first, always has to be in control.

He steps out looking like he’s dressed for a funeral and a boardroom meeting. Black suit perfectly pressed, and that particular tension in his shoulders that says he’s ready for whatever conflict I might bring. We haven’t spoken since the confrontation at his house. Haven’t addressed the elephant in the room wearing a Verdant State logo.

Laila trots over to greet him, tail wagging, and Dominic bends to pet her.

“Hey there, girl,” he says softly, and she leans into his hand before remembering her morning mission and trotting off toward the big Douglas fir by the fence, the one where Maren says she saw a raccoon months ago. Laila checks it religiously every morning, just in case today’s the day it returns.

“Cal,” he says, straightening up.

“Dom.”

We stand there, two brothers who share so much history and absolutely no idea how to talk to each other anymore.

“The place looks good,” he says finally, gesturing at the house, the fresh paint on the shutters, the repaired steps. “You’ve been busy.”

“Maren and I handled it together,” I say.

He shifts his weight, looking uncomfortable at her name. “Right. She’s been... helpful.”

“She’s been everything,” I correct, feeling defensive. “She was here. Actually here.”

“I know that,” Dominic says quietly. “I told you that myself.”

We stand there for a moment, the morning still gray and quiet.

“We need to talk,” I say finally. “About the sale. The cabins.”

“I know. Theo already called me twice this week trying to get me to delay things.” He sounds tired more than angry. “Andbefore you ask, I will consider alternatives if you can give me something concrete. But it has to be real, Calvin. Not just wishes.”

“I’m working on it,” I say. “I’ve been talking to my financial advisor, looking at what I can pull together. Between my savings, investments, and a potential loan against my Seattle place, I could make a reasonable offer. Should have real numbers by next week or so.”

Dominic looks surprised that I’m actually putting something together. “You’re serious about this.”

“Of course I’m serious. It’s our family home.”

“The developers’ offer is substantial, Cal.”

“I know.” I meet his eyes. “But please just give me a little time to try and make this work.”

He studies me for a moment. “I’ll see what I can do about slowing things down. But Calvin, I need something concrete soon.”

“You’ll have it.”

Before either of us can say more, another car pulls up. Theo’s Subaru, with Chloe visible in her car seat in the back. Perfect timing.

“Uncle Calvin!” Chloe races toward me as soon as Theo lets her out, a single daisy clutched in her small fist, already slightly wilted. “I brought a flower for Grandma Susan. Daddy says we’re going to throw it in the water and it will find her in heaven.”

Laila bounds over at the sound of Chloe’s voice, tail wagging so hard her whole back end moves.

“That’s perfect, sweetheart,” I say, lifting her up. She’s light, all energy and excitement, smelling like apple juice. Her dress is yellow, bright against all the black everyone else is wearing.

“Laila!” Chloe squeals, wiggling to get down. I set her back on the ground and she immediately wraps her arms around thedog’s neck. Laila licks her face enthusiastically while Chloe giggles.

Theo follows, already in his black suit, looking tired. “Alex is at the restaurant, making sure everything’s ready to transport to the bar for the celebration of life gathering.”