The ground was coated in a light, fluffy snow.
Anthony's Cadillac was covered beside Liz's red Honda, with my mustang parked close to the backdoor. I walked up from the street, taking a deep breath before twisting the doorknob to the front door.
I walked through the foyer quietly, finding Rose and Luke in a deep conversation in the living room.
"Bet you thought you saw the last of me."
Rose and Luke meet my gaze.
Rose smiles, with tears building in her eyes; Luke's jaw hits the ground.
"Asshole," Rose tackles me with a tight hug; I wince slightly, patting her back gently.
"Nice to see you, too." Rose pulled back, caressing my cheeks.
"What in the-," Liz entered the living room, looking utterly beat; she covered her mouth to suppress a squeal.
"Liz," I pull her into a hug; she pulled back after a long hug, kissing both my cheeks.
"My sweet boy," she says, tears in her voice, "Thought we'd lost you for good."
"Never," I promised, kissing her forehead.
"Dad," Rose hollered down the hall.
Seconds to minutes, Anthony emerged from his office, sporting a beard and a glass of scotch.
His eyes widen upon me, a slight smile tweaking his lips; he sets his glass down and walked over, pulling me into a tight hug, hitting my back firmly, "I knew you were alive; I knew it."
I pulled away after a long moment, looking to Luke who stood back, letting us have our family moment.
"Liv's alive," Luke answered my unspoken question.
I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding.
"She was up a while ago," Rose continued, "but went to lie down. Migraine, she said."
Liz huffed, "I can tell you why she had a migraine, the poor girl hasn't eaten in three days."
I sigh, and make my way upstairs, running into Owen as he left the bathroom.
He paled, looking like he just saw a ghost.
"Brandon?" He didn't think I was real.
I nod, "It's me, bro."
Owen tackles me, surprising me; I pat his back as he hugs me.
"What the hell happened?" He pulled back, searching my face for answers.
"I'll tell y'all everything...after I see my girl."
I saunter past him, entering my cracked bedroom.
My heart jumped in my throat.
Liv stood in front of the window, one of my grey t-shirts reaching the back of her knees. My need to have her in my arms was consuming.
I walked over to her as she gasped and stumbled backward into me.
"Liv," I steady her, "I'm here, darlin',"
Liv shook in my arms, turning to face me with wide brown eyes.
"Liv."
"You're real?" She caressed my neck, feeling for a pulse.
"I'm home. I'm right here."
Tears welled in her eyes, "How?" Her eyes wandered down to my shoulder, no doubt seeing one of my dressed wounds.
YOU ARE READING
Reed (Book 2, Southern Royals Saga)
Gizem / GerilimIs 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...
