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“You think I give a fuck about that money or that sleazebag who’s going to pay it?” His arm mirrors Oma’s so that they’re both pressed to either side of me, huddled around me. Propping me up.
“Your happiness is our number one priority. It always has been, and it always will be. We promised your mother that we would love you as if you were our own, if anything ever happened to her. And we do. She would have been proud of the man you’ve grown up to be.”
The mention of my mom only makes more tears spring up in my eyes, my throat constricting even further. Opa forges ahead, though.
“You’re thoughtful, but shrewd. Nobody’s fool. You’ve guarded that heart for too long. And you’ve made more than enough sacrifices for this family. So, this is one venture I’m glad to see crash and burn. Because if it means your happiness, then who gives a flying fuck about the rest? I’d sell this farm a million times over to see you or any of your siblings living a good life.”
His words make my throat ache, and dampness trails from my eyes. This has always been what being a Brandt is about. This is what’s held me together all these years. The knowledge that no matter what, my family has my back.
And I should have remembered that before I tortured myself over this. I should have known that this is what they would say.
Their hands rub in tandem against my back as I gain my composure. “Oh my god, I’m a fucking mess,” I whisper, sniffling and rubbing my tearstained cheeks on my forearms. As though I couldn’t possibly face them like this.
Oma leans in close, dropping her head to my shoulder. “But what a girl to be a mess over. One who’s strong enough to pretend her car stalled just to keep Carl from crossing this property line.”
At that, my head shoots up. “What?”
They both burst out laughing. Opa’s firm clap on my shoulder draws my attention to him. His eyes are watery too. I mouth a silent Thank you to him, to which he says back, “Always. Now take a big drink of that bourbon and let Oma tell you this story. It’s an entertaining one.”
The night wears on in a haze of warmth and feelings of love and safety. It’s a good reminder that I’m surrounded by people who love me unconditionally. I head to bed feeling more at peace than I have in a very, very long time.
And as I pull the sheets of my childhood bed up over myself I’m barely able to keep my eyes open. I consider texting Julia, wanting to tell her the good news.
But then I think better of it. She’s out of reception, enjoying time with her family.
Plus, the thought of being able to see her face when I share this good news brings a smile to my lips as I sink into a whiskey-induced slumber.