Page 74 of Fire and Rain
And then it hit her.
She was happy. Eden was genuinely happy.
Too full of excitement to sleep, she took a shower, dressed, and then took the sheets off her bed to wash them. Arm full of bed linens, she found herself standing at the foot of the bed, glancing around the room. She’d shared this room with Justin from the time she was four months pregnant until the night he’d died.
The wedding photo on her chest of drawers. His clothes in the closet and dresser drawers. His favorite fishing hat hanging on the coat rack he’d made from an old ski. The box with all of his Coast Guard ribbons. The case that held the folded flag from his memorial service.
Past and present collided, and she sat on the edge of the bed.
She had loved Justin with her whole heart. She loved him still. She had no intention of erasing all signs that this used to behishouse. The idea made her heart hurt. But was it fair to expect Sean to share this space with her, to sleep here, to make love to her in this bed, when the space was still Justin’s?
She stood, walked to the laundry room, started the load, then made coffee. She’d finished her first cup when Maverick surprised her by walking into the kitchen. “Well, good morning, buddy. You climbed out of your crib. It’s time to get you a big boy bed, isn’t it?”
Time was passing. Life was changing. Eden needed to keep up with it somehow.
She got up from the table, scooped him up. “Let’s get you out of that wet diaper and have some breakfast.”
By the time Maverick was dressed, fed, and settled with his little wooden train set, Eden knew what she needed to do. She sent a text message to her sisters.
Sean spent the night here with me last night. I need your help sorting through Justin’s things. Can any of you come over today?
Immediately, her phone blew up.
OMG! I’ve got swim lessons with the kids this morning. Maybe later?
That was Natasha. Katie was next.
I have to work, but I want to hear all about it!
Then came Maria’s reply.
I knew it! Good for you! We’re about to go out on our boat. Maybe tomorrow?
But it was Anya’s answer that made her laugh.
What?!? I am so here for this. I want all the deets!
Twenty minutes later, Eden sat with Anya, the two of them sipping lattes and enjoying the pastries that Anya had picked up from a coffee shop on the way.
“I would have brought Mila to help,” Anya teased. “We know how enthusiastic she was to do this. But Charlie got laid off, and she’s upset.”
“What?” Eden hadn’t heard this.
“She doesn’t want anyone to know, but I overheard Mom talking to Aunt Evelyn.” Anya nibbled at her pastry. “Charlie got laid off and is looking for work in Anchorage and Deadhorse. Mila is afraid she’s going to have to get a job. She’s never worked before.”
“I can understand why she’s overwhelmed and afraid.” Eden might not like Mila, but she didn’t want her to be unhappy. “I hope Charlie finds a new job soon.”
Anya had apparently said all she cared to say on that subject. She leaned closer. “Tell me everything.”
Refusing to share intimate details, Eden gave Anya an overview of the past few days. But that wasn’t enough for her sister.
“Oh, come on! At least tell me whether the sex was good?”
Eden couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “It wasincredible.”
“So, he protects you, reads stories to my nephew, and f-u-c-k-s like a god. What’s the problem?”
“Come.” Eden led her to the bedroom. “Look.”
