Embracing Love (Once Broken Book 1)

by Alison Mello

  “Good.” I sigh with relief.

  “She’s out on the back deck getting some fresh air.”

  I nod and walk off to find her. “Hi, Nana,” I say, walking out to the deck.

  “Is that my beautiful Kenzie coming to see me?”

  “Yes, Nana. How are you?” I ask, taking a seat next to her.

  She slaps me on the leg. “I’m just fine, love. How are you doing getting settled in that new home of yours?”

  I giggle. “I’m all settled and the house is fine. I tutored Billy today.”

  “Oh that poor boy, his mama is a snobby little gossip queen. She’s always dropping that poor child off wherever she can so she can get into everyone’s business.”

  I laugh. “Oh, Nana. That may be true, but I’d rather Billy be with me than listen to his mother’s gossip.”

  “You’re a good girl, Kenzie.”

  “Dinner’s ready,” Aunt Kenderly calls from the kitchen.

  I stand to help Nana up from her chair. She wraps her arms around mine, and we slowly walk back into the house. I take her straight to the dining room so I can get her settled at the table. Aunt Kenderly puts her plate down in front of her with a glass of milk, and comes back with a plate for each of us. The three of us sit to eat. “How’s Uncle Jasper?” I ask my aunt.

  “He’s a stubborn man,” my aunt says with laughter.

  “Why do you say that?” I ask her.

  “That man frustrates me sometimes. We need to have some repairs done on the house, and he refuses to hire someone. Can you believe he thinks he can do these things himself?” I shake my head as I eat and listen to Aunt Kenderly ramble. “I don’t mind him doing things like cleaning the gutters or doing basic stuff, but when it comes to fixing the gutters or shingles or repairing the porch, he simply can’t do it.”

  “Uncle Jasper’s in pretty good shape,” I challenge her. My uncle is a sweet man. He’s tall and handsome, with a decent build. He has dark hair with some silver streaks. He keeps the sides neatly trimmed and the top all spiky. I think the spikes are his way of holding onto his youth. I smile to myself. He has a brilliant smile and the brightest green eyes I’ve ever seen.

  “Well, I’m glad he’s not here, as you’d be encouraging him.” My aunt huffs.

  “I’m not saying he should do the repairs, but it’s good for him to be up and about. The more he sits around doing nothing, the more he’ll age.” She acts like my uncle is older than dirt. He’s only sixty-five.

  “He got a part-time job because he was bored and I’m fine with that. I just don’t want him to overdo it. He’s got high blood pressure.”

  “It doesn’t make the man dead,” Nana shouts at Aunt Kenderly, and with laughter in her voice she adds, “I bet you don’t let that high blood pressure stop him from performing in the bedroom.”

  I nearly choke on my food. I truly love my nana. She’s a riot.

  Aunt Kenderly glares at Nana. “Really, Mama.”

  Once we’ve finished up with dinner, I help Aunt Kenderly clean up, and we both get Nana off to bed. Nana refuses to let anyone live with her full-time, so we have to stop in often. I promise to stop by tomorrow after my run to get Nana fed and get her dressed, and my aunt promises to see me tomorrow for dinner with Uncle Jasper.

  Chapter 3

  Kenzie

  I’ve bumped into my running mate all week long, and today I’m going to his mama’s house for this block party meeting. I’m not sure I really need to add anything more to my plate, but one thing is for sure: if I don’t get involved, the rumors will fly. Everyone loves to talk in this small town.

  I’ve spent the morning getting some house chores done. I started with mowing the lawn before it got too hot out, then came inside to dust. It’s my least favorite chore, but today while dusting I took a trip down memory lane. I picked up a picture of my mom and dad, smiling proudly as I ran my hand over the frame. The picture is from one of the many military balls my parents attended in the time my dad was stationed down here on the base. He looks so handsome in his dress uniform. I sigh, because I miss them so much, and with Nana sick, I feel like I’m losing everyone who’s important to me. All I’ll have left is Aunt Kenderly and Uncle Jasper. They have two children, but they moved away so we hardly see them. I place the picture back in its spot on the shelf. I need to get back to work or I’ll get behind in my day.

  Now that my chores are done and I’m cleaned up, I have to run over to Nana’s house to feed her lunch, get her dressed, and chat with her a bit before I go to the Bennetts’ house this evening. I look down at my watch and realize I need to hurry along.

  When I arrive, Nana is sitting on the front porch in her favorite swing wearing a light purple nightgown. I sit watching her for just a second. She has a pained look on her face as she stares over at my car. I climb out and approach slowly. She’s giving me a leery look. “Nana, are you okay?”

  “Who the hell are you and what do you want?”

  I close my eyes, realizing she’s having one of her episodes. She doesn’t remember me. It breaks my heart to see her this way.

  “It’s okay, Nana. I’m your granddaughter, Kenzie, remember?” I question.

  “My granddaughter moved away years ago.” She waves dismissively.

  “Yes, Nana, but I moved back to be with you, remember? Now come on, let’s get you dressed and then I’ll make you some lunch.”

  “If you say so, but you have to help this old lady up.” She giggles.

  “Yes, Nana.” I help her off the swing and into the house. “Would you like to have your lunch in front of the TV?”

  “I don’t have a TV, can’t afford one,” she barks.

  “You have a TV, Nana. Come on, I’ll get you settled and put something on for you.”

  As soon as I’m in the kitchen, I call Aunt Kenderly.

  “Hey, sweetie,” she answers.

  “Nana’s having a bad day. What time will you be coming by? I don’t want to leave her alone for too long.”

  “How bad is she?” my aunt asks.

  “She doesn’t remember me, and she forgot she had a TV. She’s been giving me funny looks, like she’s letting me help her but she’s not sure she should be.”

  My aunt sighs into the phone. “Okay, sweetie. I’ll be by soon.”

  I cut the call and get busy making our lunch. I whip us up a fruit salad and sandwich. I find some potato salad in the fridge, so I add some to our plates and set them aside while I get her some milk.

  “Here, Nana. I’m going to set up this TV tray right here and I’ll be back with your plate.”

  “Thank you, dear,” she says as I’m setting up a TV tray for myself. When I get back with her plate and milk, she gives me a funny look. “What’s this?” she asks.

  “Your lunch, Nana,” I tell her in a soft, gentle voice.

  “It’s lunch time already?” She shakes her head.

  “Actually, it’s after one, Nana.”

  “Where do my days go?” she asks, biting into her fruit.

  I quickly grab my plate and take a seat next to her. We’re both quiet for a few minutes while we eat. I want to talk to her, but it’s hard to talk to a woman who doesn’t even know me. I’m about to ask her if she’d like a bath when she says, “Joanne, where is that son-in-law of mine? He never comes to visit me anymore.”

  My eyes instantly well up, because she thinks I’m my mom. I close them, trying to compose myself. I don’t know what to say. “Nana, I’m Kenzie.”

  “I’m sorry, dear. Where is that mother of yours?”

  “I don’t know, Nana,” is all I can manage.

  She huffs but drops it and goes back to eating. I’m going to have to talk to my aunt or Dr. Bennett. I have no idea if we should be reminding her of her realities, or let it be and let her think what she wants to think. The woman is in her mid-eighties. Maybe we just need to let her live her life thinking whatever she wants to.

  ***

  Remy

  Mama has
had me running around all day. Today is the first of her many annual block party meetings, and she always has to have things perfect. On top of helping her, I had to get my uniform ready for tomorrow morning, because I report in at zero eight hundred hours. I have a nice easy schedule with plenty of time for me to go for a run before work. I smile as I think about my run. I’ve seen the mystery girl every morning and it seems her running outfit is getting skimpier and skimpier. She started out with capris, and now she’s down to these little shorts that make my mind wander and unfortunately for me, my mind is not the only thing that’s made note of that hot little ass of hers.

  Brooke comes running into the kitchen with her long blonde hair tied into a knot on her head. “Remy, will you run to the store and pick up the platter of desserts Mama has on order?”

  “Why can’t you go?” I’ve already been out twice today.

  “Because I have to help Mama get the food ready for tonight’s meeting. Our guests will be here in two hours. Now go.”

  I’m heading upstairs to throw on my sneakers when I run into Mama. “Remy, be a dear and go pick up the desserts for me.”

  “I’m already on it, Mama.” She gives me a smile and walks into the kitchen to help my sister.

  I’m about to get into my car when my father pulls up. “Where you off to, son?”

  I roll my eyes. “Mama needs me to go to the store to pick up her desserts.”

  My father laughs. “I’m sorry, son. She’s so excited to have you home.”

  I sigh. “I know, but what is she going to do when I go to work tomorrow? Or worse, when I get a place of my own? I’m not a kid anymore.”

  “I know, son, but you know you’re her pride and joy, so you better just remember that. Give her a chance to brag. It’ll be over soon and you can go back to living a quiet life.”

  “I hope so. I better get going, or she’ll have my head and I’ll no longer be her pride and joy.” My father laughs as I jump into my car and drive off toward the store.

  When I walk up to the bakery counter, the woman says, “Hello, Remy, I have your mom’s order right here, just one minute.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  She walks over to the shelf to pull some trays down. “Here you go, now you tell your mama that the cake for the block party is on me.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I start to pull the trays off the counter so I can take them to the check out when she says, “Welcome home, Remy.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Have a good day.” I sigh when I’m away from the counter. This means Mama is having a cake for my welcome home block party.

  As I’m placing the trays on the checkout counter one of my old friends, Colton, notices me. “Hey, Remy. Heard you were back in town. How’s it going?”

  “Good, man,” I say as we hug it out. “I’ve only been home a few days, still getting settled.”

  “You home for good?”

  “Stationed right here in Georgia for the next few years. Then I can decide if I want to re-up or get out.”

  “Nice, man. Well listen, I have to get a few things but I’ll see you around.”

  “You bet.” I step forward in line. It’s my turn, and the cashier is already ringing my mom’s items. I pay for my purchases and get them home before Mama starts to panic.

  When I get home with the desserts, my mother is extremely thankful as she runs around the kitchen. “Your father is out in the yard. Please go out and see if he needs any help.”

  I head out back to find my father sitting with his legs up and a beer in his hand. I laugh as I approach. “Mom thinks you need help.” I nod at him relaxing.

  “I do. I need help with these beers.” He hands me one.

  “That is something I don’t mind helping with.” I take the opened beer, and before I can sip it my father clinks his bottle to mine.

  “Welcome home, son,” he says proudly, sipping his beer.

  “Thanks, Dad.” We both sit quietly in the shade enjoying our beer. When Mama comes running out the back patio door, she shakes her head and laughs at my father and me as she opens the umbrella on our patio set.

  “Remy, I don’t expect you to stick around for the entire meeting but will you at least help me greet guests?”

  “Sure, Mama, it’s not like I have anything better to do. Oh, and I forgot to tell you Mrs. Slater at the bakery said to tell you that the cake for the block party is on her.”

  “Oh, bless her heart. That woman is sweeter than a peach. I will call her and thank her.” There’s a knock at the front door, and we hear Brooke shout that she has it. Brooke appears with a friend of my mom’s, who is instantly gushing over me being home. I thank her for her kind words and take my seat next to my father to finish my beer.

  Before we know it, the back deck is filling up with neighbors who have all come to talk about the block party. I’m silently wondering where my mystery runner is. I thought for sure she’d be here. My mother is about to get everyone settled with food when she appears at the back door. I cross my leg, placing my ankle at my knee, and take a swig of my beer, admiring the view. It’s all I can do, since I don’t have the balls to approach her.

  She glances in my direction, and smiles as she approaches. A smile stretches across my face. I think she’s going to approach me. This thrills me, because now I won’t have to approach her, but I’m totally wrong. She walks right up to my father. “Good evening, Dr. Bennett,” she greets my father with a smile.

  “Kenzie, how are you, dear?” My father stands to give her a brief hug. “How’s Nana today?” Her expression changes to one of sadness.

  “She had a rough day. She couldn’t remember me today, and I didn’t know if I should be correcting her or just let her believe whatever it is she believes.”

  “That’s a tough call. Early on it’s probably okay to correct her, but the worse it gets the harder it will be to correct her. She’ll start to get frustrated and she’ll argue with you that she knows what she’s talking about.” She just nods.

  “How much time do I have?”

  I feel bad listening in, but I can’t help it.

  “That’s up to your grandmother. Eventually, she’ll stop eating and that’s when things will be difficult. She’ll tell you she’s already eaten when she hasn’t. Have you thought about putting her in a home?”

  “No, and I don’t know if I can do that. I hope between Aunt Kenderly and I, we can continue to take care of her. My grandmother is in her mid-eighties and I can’t imagine she has a ton of fight left in her. I just don’t want her in any pain.”

  “Well, as of right now I can promise you she’s not in any pain. However, you have to be careful. She’ll forget how old she is and try to do things she shouldn’t, and that’s when she’ll end up hurt, and can end up in pain.”

  “Thanks for the warning,” she says when my mom announces it’s time to make plates and sit to chat. Kenzie gives my father a warm smile and walks off to join the rest of the ladies in the group.

  My father takes his seat next to me. “That right there is one tough girl.” He pulls two more beers from his cooler. “She gave up her career up north to move back down here so she can take care of her nana. I feel for the poor woman. She’s totally losing her mind.” I finish off my beer as I admire her from across the deck. My father hands me another one, and I just sit and ponder where the rest of her family is and why they’re not helping.

  My father and I are talking amongst ourselves when the women all gather around the table. Now that they’ve all eaten, we can make ourselves a plate. We’re getting up to walk over to the buffet my mama has set up and she says, “Everyone, you know my son, Remy.” Oh god. Here we go. I can feel myself blushing. This is so embarrassing. “Well, for this year’s block party I would like to celebrate his safe return home. You all know we had quite a scare with him being away. Well now he’s home to stay.” Everyone starts clapping, and I nod my appreciation.

  My father rescues me. “We’ll let you ladies get busy planni
ng. We’re going to grab a bite to eat.” He pats me on the shoulder, and we both finish our walk over to the buffet table. My mother really knows how to put out a spread. There’s chicken, potatoes, sandwiches, fruit, and so much more. I’m seriously going to have to keep up with my workouts if I’m going to continue to eat my mama’s cooking.

  We’re about to sit back down when Keaton comes running through the door. “Hey, Mama.” He kisses her on the cheek. She tells him to make a plate. Like my brother’s here for any other reason. He knew she was having this gathering. She holds it on the second Sunday in June every year, and they throw the party in August. She’ll also use this time to invite folks over for a Fourth of July celebration.

  “Hungry much?” I ask him as he sits next to Dad and me with a plate piled up with food.

  “Heck yeah, I’ve been working my tail off all day in that blazing hot sun. My guys screwed up on some siding and the only way we were going to fix it in time is if we worked overtime today.”

  “Sounds like you need some new men on your crew.” I chuckle.

  “Nah, shit happens sometimes.” He shrugs it off and begins devouring his food. “Who’s the new girl at the table?”

  “All I know is her name is Kenzie. I’ve seen her out on my running route a few times.”

  “Damn, she’s sweeter than Mama’s peach pie.”

  My brows shoot up. “Down, boy, she’s here taking care of her ill nana. She doesn’t need you breaking her heart too, Mr. I’m-not-ready-to-settle-down.” He clears what’s left on his plate, wiggles his brows at me, and stands to remove his shirt, leaving him in shorts and work boots. He starts to take those off. I know what he’s planning to do, but it ain’t going to work.

  He stands and starts toward the pool, but before he can dive in Mama shouts, “Don’t you jump in my pool all filthy like that. Your brother just cleaned it.”

  “Mama, I’ve been working outside all day.”

  “Don’t sass me, boy. You take your filthy ass upstairs and shower before you get in that pool.” I can’t help but laugh at my brother. He thought he was so damn slick.