November 28, 2014
Selma, Alabama
Six years. That's how long it's been since Charles' funeral.
That day altered the course of my entire life.
It was early when we got there, to the funeral home, at noon. A few people stood outside of the chapel.
Liv's grandmother, her aunt Maggie, and...her mother.
"Is that her mom?" Rose asked beside me, pointing to the tall blonde in a black pantsuit, smoking a cigarette on the side of the building; I nod.
Anthony parks and I make a mad rush for the front of the building.
Liv was in there. I felt it in my gut.
"Excuse me," I brush past Maggie, coming up to her grandmother, who had her grey hair pulled into a tight bun, "You mind?" I point to the double doors.
"My daughter wanted afew minutes alone," Rebecca piped around the cigarette in her mouth, glaring coldly at me.
"Oh hush, Rebecca," said a gravelly voice.
I met the tired hazel eyes of Nana Walker.
"Brandon?" she asks, and I nod, "Go on in. My granddaughter shouldn't do this on her own."
She smiled gratefully with a sad glint in her eyes. I felt all their eyes on me as I entered the old chapel.
My eyes were on Liv.
Her lacey black dress clung just right to her body, ending just above the back of her knees; she hovered over the open casket.
"Zoey, I'm sorry," I heard her whisper, the sound coming out guttural, "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you..."
I sauntered closer, seeing her small form begin to shake.
"I promised when you were a baby that I would always protect you. I'm s-sorry, Zoe. I'm so s-sorry," Liv sobbed, a sad and tragic sob. It killed me.
"I-I love you, sissy...so much." Her head fell, her sobs taking over.
I did the only thing I could do.
I wrapped my girl in an embrace, letting her cry into my chest.
"Breathe, Liv," I ordered, running my hands down her back. Her breaths came out choppy as she cried, "You have to breathe, baby."
I held her against me tightly as she gripped onto me like her life depended on it.
In many ways, it did.
Liv leaned her head up after a few long moments, a few tears dripping off her chin.
It was a different type of pain, seeing her like that; I wanted nothing more than to take her far away from here.
She peeked over my shoulder, sighing, no doubt at our captive audience.
Let them gawk, make their little remarks, and glare at the PDA between Liv and me because, at the end of the day, that wouldn't change a thing.
Liv was mine, and I was hers.
That's how it was going to be from now on.
I wiped her remaining tears away, smiling as she looked up, shyly, at me.
"Sorry."
"Don't apologize," I say, fighting the urge to kiss her lips; I settled for her forehead, planting soft kisses all over it.
YOU ARE READING
Reed (Book 2, Southern Royals Saga)
Детектив / ТриллерIs it betrayal if it's something you really want? Brandon Reed knew pain from a young age. He also knew betrayal. His uncle instilled in him to never trust anyone but his own. Most importantly: Never trust a Walker. Liv Walker caught his heart at ag...
