Page 89 of When the Time Is Right
“Okay. What can we do to help?”
I tucked a hair behind my ear and admitted, “I still have all of Brenden’s things, but it’s time for me to part with them. I have a storage unit where I’ve kept his belongings for years. So, before I sell anything, I want to know if you guys—or friends and family—need or want any of it.”
It was the right thing to do.
“We’d love to come look. I’m not sure if Allen and I need any of it, and the girls both moved out to Colorado, close to where I’m from, for school and then stayed after graduation. Can you believe that? But we still see some of Bren’s friends around every so often. I could ask around if they wanted anything special or something sentimental, you know?”
“That would be great. I’ll be at Westside Storage off Gilmore on Saturday around noon. You can drop by then. There’s also some of his stuff still at the house.”
She gasped. “Alexis. Do you live out there?”
“No, but I still have it. I’m disappointed to say I let it go pretty bad though.” I straightened my back and found my resolve. This wasn’t about me feeling guilty about it anymore. I was proud of myself for facing it. For myself. “But I’m taking care of it now. Hopefully, I can get it cleaned up and on the market sooner rather than later.”
“Good for you. I can’t believe you’ve been hanging on to all that.”
What I’d told Hud was true, but I wasn’t in love with Brenden anymore. But it had taken putting space between a life that wasn’t ever going to happen in reality and my new life after him to accept it. Had I stayed where I was, drowning in my pain six years ago, I might not have made it to the other side. So, although the choices I’d made probably weren’t right—probably were all-out freaking wrong—they’d me led to where I was.
A weak smile bent my lips.
I was in love with Hudson, and he deserved my whole heart. And every minute I spent taking care of and making plans for what was left of my past, I could feel myself getting closer to my future.
Our future.
“Yeah, it finally feels like the right time to let it all go. Plus, there’s so much stuff that shouldn’t go to waste. Brenden would lose his mind if he knew everything was collecting dust.”
She laughed. “I’m sure he knows, but you’re right. He’d be tickled knowing you’re giving his things a second life. Honestly, knowing him, he’d have traded or sold most anything you’ve been holding on to by now anyway. That boy was always on the move. Always looking for the next best thing. Well, except when he found you.”
She was so damn right. Why hadn’t that ever occurred to me? He’d buy a bike and then the next thing I knew it would be gone, replaced with a bigger and better one.
I bit my lip and the flood of relief and peace about what I was prepared to do washed over me. Brenden wouldn’t have given a shit about any of my stuff had the tables been reversed. He’d have only wanted me.
Again, she giggled, but this time, it was joyful, and it made me grin just hearing it.
“What’s so funny?” I asked.
“I was just thinking about something he said right before you two left for Jacksonville. I’d asked him if he was sure he wanted to elope—really, I was trying to advocate for you. I didn’t know if he was springing it all on you or if you’d talked about it. Most young women want a wedding, you know? He said there was no way in hell he could ever have a big wedding because he’d be too embarrassed that your groomsmen would be bigger than his.”
I chuckled, remembering him telling me that too on the beach the night before we tied the knot. Brenden was larger than life, but only about an inch taller than I was. Hudson and Cal towered over him.
“He did spring it on me, but I was fine with it.”
“Now forgive me for being nosy, but tell me about what’s going on with you. Married? Kids?”
“Nope. None of that yet. But I do have a boyfriend, even if he put me on a time-out to take care of my shit.”
“Men,” she snickered. “Well, I hope he treats you well and he doesn’t keep you on restriction too long. But, honey, it’s probably making him crazier than it is you. They can be such tough guys on the outside and big old babies on the inside. So listen, I’ll talk to Allen and we’ll stop in on Saturday to see ya.”
And they did.
Surprisingly, it was good to hug Brenden’s mom and dad. They even took one of his older bikes. Allen said it was one of his firsts and he’d always wanted it. Other than that, all his fishing gear, and a few small items, they left me with the rest. His mom said whatever pictures and keepsakes I didn’t want she’d take from the house to go through with the girls when they were back for the holidays.
