Before the Cherry Trees

by H. D'Agostino

“Gross, no,” Ken’s lip curled as he relaxed and sat back down.

  “I know you had me right after graduation. I can do the math. I know Mom got pregnant when you guys were in school. I haven’t done anything. You don’t have to worry,” he grumbled.

  “I don’t want you to give up your dreams like your mom and I did. We had to make a lot of sacrifices over the years. I want you to have a better life,” I ruffled his hair like I did when he was younger.

  “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be the only guy on the baseball team that’s still a virgin,” he grumbled as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

  “Un huh,” I muttered as I watched him. “What are you trying to hide?” I narrowed my eyes on him. “You do something stupid while we were gone?” I lifted my brows just waiting for him to explain why on Earth he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt on a hot day.

  “I didn’t do anything,” he mumbled.

  “Hey, Mikey!” I motioned for him to come over to where we were sitting. “What boneheaded thing did your brother do?” Mikey was notorious for ratting out Ken. I knew I could get him to blab.

  “Don’t,” Ken growled at Mikey as he reached behind his neck and pulled his shirt off. “Happy now?” he glared at me as I gave it right back.

  “What the hell is that?” I grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm so I could see it better.

  “It’s called a tattoo, Dad,” Ken rolled his eyes.

  “I know that! Why is it on your arm, and how the hell did you get it?” I stared at the intricate design that swirled all the way from his shoulder down to his forearm.

  “I went to a shop,” he shrugged. “You’ve only gotta be eighteen. I’m eighteen. I don’t need your permission for this,” he waved his hand in the air and it took everything in me not to beat some sense into him. “It’s no big deal.”

  “No big deal?” I scoffed. “It’s there forever!”

  “And?” his eyes widened as he dared me to come up with something better. “Beth likes it, and so does Uncle Ty,” he lifted his chin defiantly.

  “Of course Uncle Ty would like it,” I gritted out. “I’m gonna kill him.”

  Ken shrugged, “He got one too. Just don’t touch his shoulder. They hurt until they’re healed.” I was going to beat my brother to a bloody pulp, and I was going to start with his shoulder, the asshole.

  Since taking off his shirt, Ken jumped in the water leaving me there stewing over the whole thing. Sharron came over to try and calm me down, and I soon realized that despite how frustrated I was with my brother, things were pretty normal again. My family was all together, and I was going to be sleep in the same bed as my wife tonight. Our time in the city really changed things. It opened both our eyes to things we’d let slip to the wayside. I was determined to never let myself take our time together for granted. I was going to keep reminding Sharron and myself what it was like before. We’d always had a great relationship, and I think all this, as painful as it was, made us that much stronger.

  IT’S BEEN THREE months since we came back from our trip and life is better than ever. I stopped taking my medication two weeks ago, but I’ve continued to see Dr. Marlow each week to update her on how I’m doing. Trevor’s finally moved everything out of the apartment he was renting, and we gave most of it to Ken for his new apartment. He found a place near campus with two other members of the baseball team, and as long as he keeps his grades up we’ve agreed to help with his rent.

  Tyler and Mia finally picked a wedding date. I’d threatened them that I’d have them married in their sleep if they didn’t do something. I mean, I’ve heard of a long engagement, but they were taking it to a whole new level. This summer after the Cherry Festival, Mia will finally become a Cook and I’ll gain another sister.

  Mikey met a girl a few weeks ago, so we’ve seen a new side of him. It’s one that likes to bathe, and wear clothes without holes in them. I knew something was up when he asked me what kinda cologne Trevor wore. It’s sweet really, but I miss my boys being babies.

  We haven’t tried to get pregnant anymore. I figure, if it happens then it happens. I’m getting up there in age for children anyway. With Mikey being fourteen now, Trevor and I can get away more. CJ comes over quite a bit to get away from Eva and her friends, and Mikey runs off with him. Now that he’s noticing girls though, things may change.

  With summer in full swing now, Trevor’s had to work late. The Cherry Festival isn’t far away, and the summer tourists are all in town. I’ve been wracking my brain to find a way to thank him, and I finally figured it out earlier this week. Taylor’s been helping, and as I look around at my work, I’m rather proud of myself. When I bring Trevor here tonight, I hope he’s surprised and that he understands the meaning of it all.

  IT’S BEEN A long day at work today, and as if it couldn’t be worse… the air conditioner in my office is broken. It’s been hot as hell, and I’m sitting here fanning myself when my brother shows up. He leaned against the jamb smiling like an idiot at me.

  “What?” I grumbled as I stared at him.

  “Came to tell you something,” he laughed “but I can see now is not a good time.”

  “It’s fine. I’m just tired,” I sighed as I leaned back and reached for the small fridge in the corner. I kept bottled waters in there and right now I wanted to pour one over my head.

  “I’m supposed to make sure you leave on time, and dress nice for the evening,” he rolled his eyes.

  “Why would I dress up?” I grumbled. “It’s hot as hell.”

  “Sharron told Morgan to make sure you wore something nice. If I want any adult attention from my wife tonight, I need to make sure you follow orders.”

  “Adult attention?” I snickered. I remembered the days of having a young child. Eva was six which is just old enough to be curious.

  “Shut up,” he grumbled. “Wear something nice, and go to the school. I’m outta here. I did my part,” he waved his hand in the air as he turned and left me there. I had no idea what Sharron had cooked up, but when I looked at my watch and saw it was already five-thirty, I knew I needed to leave.

  WHEN I PULLED into the high school parking lot, the only car there was my wife’s. It was parked in the far corner spot, the one that I always parked in when we were dating. I pulled into the spot beside it and before I could climb out, Sharron came around the corner of the building.

  “What are we doing here?” I walked over to where she was standing and watched her. She was dressed in a light blue sundress and had curled her hair. Other than a few smile lines, she looked exactly like she did when we first got together.

  “Anything seem familiar?” she grinned as she rocked on her heels. When I didn’t answer her, she continued, “Remember our first official date?”

  The Spring Dance, of course I remembered. “We went to the dance together.”

  “And I wore a blue dress,” she giggled. “Come with me,” she reached for my hand and led me around the to the side entrance to the school where you could enter the gym. “I wanted to make tonight something different, something special. I made some phone calls, and got access to the school. Surprise,” she swung her arms wide as we stepped into the gym which had been transformed into a replica of the first dance we’d attended.

  “You did all this?” I glanced around. She had everything, music, lights, even a table set up with snacks.

  “Un huh,” she nodded enthusiastically. “I spent all day working on this,” she grinned as she pranced over to the bleachers and pushed some buttons on a radio she commandeered. Carrie Underwood’s voice filled the air as she sang about remembering how things used to be, and Sharron wrapped her arms around my neck.

  “I love you, and I love that you’re constantly surprising me,” I smiled softly as I placed my arms around her waist. She laid her head on my chest as we swayed to the music much like we did that night. “This is so much better than that dance, baby.”

  “Why’s that?” she murmured without looking up at me.

 
“Because I’m not nervous about kissing you like I was back then, in fact,” I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers “I’m thinking I might have the guts to take you behind the bleachers this time.” She laughed as she reached up and pulled my head back down, sealing her lips to mine once more.

  We were doing great, moving forward, but it was always nice to be able to go back to before… before the cherry trees and life got in the way.

  The End

  Dear Readers,

  I rarely share personal stuff because it’s just that, personal. The loss of a child is something that changes you. February 10th will forever hold a place in my heart. Every year when September rolls around, I think about the fact that I would be celebrating my baby’s birthday. There are a lot of personal facts to Sharron and Trevor’s story when it comes to that part of it. I have two beautiful children who have filled my life with laughter and love, and a wonderful husband who knows me better than anyone could. My angel baby was thought of often as I put the words of this story to print. It doesn’t hurt like it used to, and I find comfort in sharing it. I’m not looking for sympathy, but to show anyone else who has been through this that you are not alone, and it does get better. Hug your little ones tight, and know that each day with them is a gift.

  Much Love,

  Heather

  Run Away With You- Big and Rich

  Lay It All On Me- Ed Sheeran

  Do I- Luke Bryan

  For Her- Chris Lane

  Love You Like That- Canaan Smith

  The Scientist- Coldplay

  Burning House- Cam

  Capsize- Emily Warren

  Hurricane- Luke Combs

  Sober Saturday Night- Chris Young

  Someday- Rob Thomas

  Spirit Cold- Tall Heights

  Say It- Flume

  Remind Me- Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood

  Riser- Dierks Bentley

  Here on Earth- Dierks Bentley

  Hurt Somebody- Dierks Bentley

  Til the World Stops Turning- Caleb Jones

  Other Works by H. D’Agostino

  The Second Chances Series

  Unbreak Me- book 1

  The Boy Next Door- book 2

  The One That Got Away- book 3

  Inside Out- A Second Chances Novella- book 3.5

  Fallen From Grace- book 4

  The Family Next Door- book 5

  The Shattered Series

  Destined (Shattered #0.5)

  Shattered (Shattered #1)

  Restored (Shattered #2)

  Renewed (Shattered #3)

  Fated (Shattered #4)

  The Broken Series

  Irreparably Broken (Broken #1)

  Saving Us (Broken #2)

  My Broken Angel (Broken #3)

  Broken Pieces (Broken #4)

  The Witness Series

  Being Nobody- book 1

  Becoming Somebody- book 2

  Promise Me Tomorrow- book 3

  Say You Remember- book 4

  Below the Surface- book 5

  Crash and Burn-book 6 (Coming Fall 2017)

  The Sutter Family

  Catching Raindrops- book 1

  Trusting You- book 2 (Coming early 2018)

  The Cook Brothers

  Walking Among the Cherry Trees

  Beyond the Cherry Trees

  Standalones

  Privileged

  Beautiful Goodbye

  Acknowledgements

  I always feel like I leave someone out on these. I have an amazing team that helps me, and I appreciate each and every one of you…

  My ever-faithful betas, Angie and Melinda, I don’t have words to describe your awesomeness. You are amazing, supportive, and a class act. My books would not be what they are today without your input and feedback. Our trio is a force to be reckoned with, and you guys are the sisters I never had. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.

  Tabitha and Heather, my proofers, your keen eye for detail is what keeps me on my toes. Thank you for proofing with little notice, and loving these stories as much as I do.

  Thank you, Kellie, my editor. I’m so happy we finally got to meet in person last year, and I’m grateful for our growing friendship. Your skills are top notch, and I always know I’m going to get a quality product back from you.

  Thank you, Cassy, for the beautiful cover and formatting. I’m truly amazed at how pretty you make everything. I know I never have to worry about how something will turn out when working with you.

  Last but not least, thank you to my wonderful husband. You love me for who I am, and support me as I pursue my dreams. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have found you, and I have no intention of ever letting you go. Love you to the moon and back.

  About the Author

  Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, The Sutter Family Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.

  She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.

  She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.

  You can follow her here:

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  Website: http://hdagostinobooks.weebly.com

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  I love hearing from my readers, so please feel free to reach out.