Searching for Harmony (Boston Love 1)

“Jake went home to take a shower and eat, but I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”

Giving me a weak smile, he turned to leave. Turning and looking out the dark window, I softly spoke. “Preston, wait.”

His footsteps stopped, but I knew he hadn’t turned back around. “Harmony, I’m not here because I’m trying to be a hero. I’m here because I’m genuinely concerned about you…and your brother Jake. He hasn’t slept at all and barely eats.”

A tear slowly moved down my cheek as I looked at him and asked, “Why?”

Turning around and walking up to the side of my be

d, he asked, “Why?”

Our eyes met and once again, that feeling I knew we both shared moved throughout my body. A small sob escaped my lips as I tried to keep my crazy emotions at bay. “Why are you concerned about me?”

Shrugging his shoulders, he looked away briefly before glancing back at me. “I guess maybe it’s because we share a loss. I’ve never…I mean…I’ve never had…” Turning, he spoke under his breath.

“You’ve never what?” I asked as my stomach felt sick.

Chewing on his bottom lip, he nodded. “I’ve never lost…a child…” His voice cracked and his words broke off as he looked away. “I’m sorry. My loss is nothing compared to yours. It’s just…I felt a connection with you.” Rolling his eyes, he dropped his head back. “Jesus, I’m making myself sound like a real douche.”

Smiling slightly, I reached for his hand. “I don’t think you are.” His thumb moved across my skin and it instantly made me think of Trey. He would do the same thing with his thumb. My heart felt as if it would never heal. I would forever be broken from losing not only my son, but my husband as well.

“I feel the connection, too, Preston, and I appreciate everything you’re doing for both Jake and me. But it sounds like your girlfriend might be upset.”

Preston chuckled. “When is she not upset?”

The door opened and Jake walked in. He looked refreshed and wore a smile on his face.

“Hey, sleeping beauty. How are you feeling?”

Giving Jake a fake smile, I tried to give him peace of mind that I was somewhat okay. Once I had calmed down after learning about TJ, I knew almost immediately that Trey had also died in the wreck, only to have Jake confirm it for me. My crying had given way to exhaustion, then sleep. I’d woken up off and on and, at one point, heard Preston telling Jake to go get a few hours of sleep.

“What time is it?” I asked as I glanced back at Preston.

Pulling out his phone, Preston said, “It’s five thirty in the morning.”

Squeezing his hand, I smiled bigger. “Preston, go home to your girlfriend. I promise you, I’m all right.”

His eyes searched mine. He knew I was lying, but he nodded and said, “Okay. But I’ll be back later to check on you and Jake.” Preston looked over at Jake, who gave a wide grin and a thumbs-up to Preston.

Oh yeah. My brother was for sure trying his best to put up a front. I didn’t have the energy to even think about it.

“Sounds good,” I said as I closed my eyes and let sleep take over again.

I was soon lost in the most amazing dream. I was chasing TJ in the backyard as we played chase.

My baby. I miss my baby.

Chapter 4

Falling Apart

Preston

Walking through the front door, I dropped my keys on the small table. The kitchen light was on, as was the one in the living room. Sherry came walking around the corner wearing nothing but a long T-shirt of mine that she liked sleeping in.

“It’s about damn time, Preston. What in the hell? You have never gone and stayed at the hospital like this. I mean, what does this family think of you hanging around?” Rolling her eyes, she walked up to me and scrunched up her nose. “Son of a bitch. You stink. Go take a shower and we’ll talk.”

Pushing out a breath, I walked past her. “Nice to see you, too, Sherry.”