“Aunty Amy!” Finn cried out as he launched into her arms the moment she got out of Reed’s Tesla.
My son loved Amy. Everyone did. People were drawn to her vitality, and for a long time, I’d resented her for it. She grew up a free spirit while I took on the responsibilities. I cared for her when our parents couldn’t, but there was no one to care for me. It was no wonder I married the first boy who looked my way.
It’s not that I regretted marrying Dominic, but I often wondered if we would still be together had he not been so cruelly taken away. We were so different in many ways yet bonded by the love of our child. Dom was content with the simple life, but I yearned for more. More love, more experiences, more everything.
“Cassidy!” Amy’s smile lit up my heart as she ran over. “I’m so happy I got to see you before you left.”
“Hey, sis.” I hugged her while smiling at her boyfriend. “Hey, Reed.”
“Hey, Cass.” Reed gave Finn a high-five. “Hey, little man! Great game last night.”
“I know! Did you post the vid?”
“Hell yeah, let’s go inside, and I’ll show you.”
Amy grabbed my hand as we followed them into the house. “How are you, Cass?”
I forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
She bumped my side. “It’s me you’re talking to, remember.”
“I don’t want to talk about the Harlows, okay?”
“Are you sure? Josie’s been so worried about you.”
“She shouldn’t be.”
“That’s what I told her,” Amy said proudly. “Everything will work out.”
“You always say that, Ames.”
“Well, that’s because it’s true.”
“You always were the eternal optimist of the family.”
“The future is so bright, Cass.” She leaned into me with a dreamy smile. “I wish you could see what I can see.”
“You could tell me…” I prayed for a life void of heartache and misfortune.
Amy giggled. “Now, where’s the fun in that?”
Once we’d finishing devouring Dad’s barbecue feast, we sat around the table, chatting about everything and nothing, until Amy’s energy shifted.
She sheepishly glanced my way. “So, Reed and I have some news.”
Reed placed his beer on the table and wrapped his arm around my sister. “I asked Ames to marry me.”
“And I said yes!” Amy whipped out her hand, sporting a huge pink diamond. “Can you believe it?!”
The bittersweet memory of Dominic’s proposal floated past, but I brushed it away. Amy deserved her moment. “Congratulations, guys!” I hugged them both. “Did you manage to surprise her?” I asked Reed while Amy showed her beautiful ring to Dad and Finn.
“Of course he did,” Amy uttered with a familiar glint in her eye. I knew that look.
Dad launched out of his chair to find some champagne. “I’ll have to buy a new suit.”
“There’s no rush.” Amy squeezed Reed’s hand. “We’ve decided not to set a date until we get back.”
“Wait. Where are you going?” I asked, more confused than ever.