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I slid on a pair of shorts and walked into the kitchen as my phone vibrated in my hand.
Brooke: They’ve got two left with the markings you hoped for.
My sister messaged in response to my earlier request to help pull off a surprise for Lakelyn.
Me: Pics?
Brooke: [Download Image1]
Brooke: [Download Image2]
Bouncing between the two photos, I couldn’t help but beam with anticipation. Lakelyn was going to lose her ever-loving mind, and I couldn’t wait to see her reaction.
Me: How do I choose?
Brooke: You don’t ??
Me: Funny! One will do for now. Any suggestions?
Brooke: First pic has more white.
Me: Done. Lake is going to freak out.
Brooke: I’ll make it happen. They said the earliest pickup is tomorrow. Will that work?
Me: That’s perfect. I can’t thank you enough for making all the arrangements. I’m just not comfortable sneaking away at the moment.
Brooke: How is she? Still sleeping a lot?
Me: Yes, her body clearly needs it.
Brooke: And it’s not a problem. I owe you for all you’ve done for me over the years, and my debt will never be repaid.
Me: I’m not keeping score. I love you, sis.
Brooke: I love you too, but please promise me you won’t run into any more burning buildings; I can’t lose you too.
Me: I’m not going anywhere.
Brooke: You best not! Anyway, I have to jump on a work call now. Text me once you have a time for drop-off.
Me: Will do ??
I slipped my phone into my pocket, not wanting to leave anything to chance and blow the lid off my surprise before I was ready. With my freshly brewed coffee, I headed out to the deck and sat on the edge of the step, soaking in the warmth as the sun crested over the morning horizon.
Looking out over my yard, I reflected on how I’d gotten to this point: a place of living with a sense of inner peace full of abundance. For years, a little voice in my head remained constant, reminding me of the heartbreaking cost of loving and losing someone. My parent’s death showed me the fragility of life while leaving a void of darkness inside I couldn’t escape.
Brooke and I were your typical siblings growing up, alternating a healthy balance between tolerance and annoyance. It wasn’t until later, with age, that came an understanding. A thankfulness for having each other. With that knowledge, our immeasurable bond later strengthened through tragedy and was something I’d forever treasure and hold close to the vest. It’s the only reason I tolerated her relentless pestering for years to let down my guard and open myself up to the possibility of finding love as she had. However, I remained steadfast in protecting what remained of my damaged heart.
It was never that I didn’t want to experience great love; the urge was strong, but I couldn’t find the strength to step out of the shadows. It turned out the universe had its own set of plans for me.
Lakelyn.
She was all the proof I needed that love had the power to find you, even when you were shielding your pain. I could sit here questioning why I avoided this feeling for so long, but I knew the answer.
It was her, and only her.
Our time hadn’t come yet.
