“I don’t… hell, I don’t know what the hell I’m doin’. And it hurts to look at ya, Alina. You’re so damn like her. I don’t think I’ll survive if I stare at ya too long.”
“Pops,” Eli starts.
I reach over, putting a hand on his arm, letting him know it’s okay. Daddy’s just being honest. He’s not saying anything I didn’t already know.
Daddy shakes his head, gripping his mug tighter. “Anyway, Bud says I’m gonna be lookin’ at payin’ that family’s hospital bills, among other things, and that I’ll need to lawyer up.”
Eli pipes in again. “We’ve talked this morning and decided it would be in Pop’s best interest to check into a ninety-day rehab program. I’ve been in contact with one over the past few days. They have a spot for him.”
My stomach flips so hard it makes me lose my breath. Hope is a dangerous feeling. Eli’s been talkin’ to rehabs? A piece of my anger chips away.
“When?” I gasp out.
Eli’s face is serious. “Today. This afternoon. I had Pops pack a bag and we leave in…” He glances down at his wrist-watch. “Thirty minutes.”
I whoosh out a breath, overwhelmed. I never could have guessed this would be my morning. I gaze at Daddy, his head still hanging over his coffee cup, embarrassment, and shame circling the air around him. Then I swing my gaze to Eli. Even though things are rocky between us, I can’t help the gratitude that fills me. Because he’s here now. He’s helping. He’s present. And at the end of the day, he’s still my big brother.
“That’s real good, Daddy.” I try to grab his hand, but he jerks, moving it out of reach. My heart twists. These things take time, I guess.
Daddy doesn’t say anything else. The words “I’m sorry” never cross his lips. And while I long to hear them, I’m not surprised. We aren’t okay. We’re nowhere near healed. He has a lot to make up for, and I have a lot to forgive.
But for today, it’s enough.
Thirty minutes later, I watch them leave, knowing Daddy’s on his way into battle. I close my eyes and send up a prayer to God. And then I send one to Mama. I’ve been waiting on a miracle for years. Today feels like the perfect day to get one.
The breeze whips across my face, and I smile.
With a deep breath, I turn and walk away, heading back to Chase. To my love. To my future.
To the start of my happily-ever-after.
Epilogue
Journal Entry #423
Well, Doc. This is it. The last journal entry you’ll read of mine. Does it still count as an entry if I’m ripping out the page to mail to you? It doesn’t matter, I guess. It’s been a hell of a ride, eh? Maybe you think that way of all your clients. I’ll tell you one thing, my bank account is happy as hell that I’m no longer gonna be seeing you. And Goldi’s happy that I have no reason to go back to Nashville. Less chance of running into Marissa that way. Not that she’s been a problem ever since I threatened her with a restraining order.
Anyway, thanks for the recommendation of someone closer. Other than starting a new Nar-Anon chapter in Chattanooga, that was the last step to leave my old life behind and make Sugarlake really feel like home again. Home. Can you believe it? I can’t. A year ago, this all felt like a dream that was out of reach, and now we’re breaking ground on a house that I’ll get to build with my own two hands. One that Goldi designed from top to bottom. She’s still fucking perfect. Finally teaching dance at the studio that helped bring us together. I hope that one day I’ll be helping her build her own studio. She hasn’t told me that’s what she wants, but I see it in her eyes, and fuck, I want to give it to her. I WILL give it to her.
I’m proposing tonight. I’m nervous as fuck. Spent a million fucking years trying to pick out a ring. Another hundred trying to plan the perfect way to ask. I had a big celebration planned, invited everyone we love and even the ones we don’t. But I canceled it. Instead, I’m gonna take her out to the lake. The stars that always lit the path to her are gonna be the ones that illuminate her face as she tells me she’ll spend the rest of her life with me.
I can only fucking hope.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Damn, those words have saved me more than once.
Also… since I won’t be seeing you again, I might as well tell you. That private investigator I hired a fucking year ago to look for Lily? He called today.
He found her.
Thanks for reading Beneath the Stars!
If you enjoyed, please consider taking a second to leave a review! Even one word can make all the difference. :)
Click here to leave a review on Amazon
WANT MORE SUGARLAKE?
Beneath the Stands
Becca and Eli’s story is coming December 1st, 2020!
Pre-Order Beneath the Stands Here!
Also by Emily McIntire
SUGARLAKE SERIES
Beneath the Stands (Becca & Eli) - December 1st 2020
Title TBA - Releasing Spring 2021
Title TBA - Releasing Summer 2021
Let’s Connect!
Join my Facebook Group! - First looks, exclusive sneak-peeks, giveaways, live hangs and more!
Sign-up for my Newsletter to stay in the know about my upcoming releases, plus a chance to win a $5 gift card every month!
Goodreads
Bookbub
Website
Acknowledgments
I have so many people who deserve more than a simple line at the end of this book.
I want to thank my TRIBE: My girls who talk me down when I’m having
