Free Still Water by A. M. Johnson Page A

Elizabeth needed a friend, and I'd walked away. I was done with that shit. Done. I took a big breath and exhaled. "Nervous?" Sawyer looked at me with furrowed brows as we stood on the entryway steps. I had to say this. I had to have closure.
    "Yeah, man. Listen. I'm over it now. I don't deserve your friendship. Hell, not even Lizzie's. But you guys being together… messed me up. Wait—"
    Sawyer was about to interrupt, most likely to apologize. He didn't need to; he shouldn't have to feel sorry for being with Lizzie. "I'm not saying this to guilt you. I'm just letting you know… this shit with me and Liz, it's done. I'm moving on." In that moment, my chest felt lighter. I really was over her , and it felt damn good.
    "That's good to hear, brother, 'cause I wasn't going anywhere anytime soon." Sawyer's lips turned up into a cocky grin, and I laughed at his smart ass.
    The whole house smelled like onions and peppers as we walked inside. Liz had to be making her famous Philly cheese steaks. I mentally high-fived myself. I missed her damn cheese steaks. We walked through the house and in the direction of the kitchen. I came to a complete stop. The smile on Liz's face was breathtaking. Sailor was bouncing on Lizzie's hip and pulling at her mother's hair. Liz was a mother. Normally, that smile would've been a kick to the groin, but not today. No. It was just beautiful. Just Liz… my friend.
    "You look so happy, Lizzie Bean." I smiled. "Let me see that beautiful girl." As I got closer, I could see Elizabeth's eyes were glittering with tears. My pulse skipped. "You okay, baby girl?"
    "I'm—I'm—I'm, so glad you're here," she stuttered and started crying hard, so Sawyer came and took Sailor from her arms. I placed the bag with the present in it on the floor and quickly scooped her into a hug. The tears from Liz's cheeks soaked through my shirt while I held her tight to my chest. Her familiar scent of gardenias surrounded me making me feel at home. I missed this so much. I can't believe I wasted a damn year.
    "Shh… it's okay, baby girl. I'm here. I got you." I rubbed her back and squeezed her closer to me. I made myself a promise then, I would never let this much time separate us again. She was my family, and I tossed her aside for my own selfish bullshit. "I missed you so much. Never again, okay? I will never be away from you guys for this long ever again." I kissed the top of her head. She pulled away slightly and looked up into my eyes, her bright blue pools filled with more tears.
    "You promise? Todd, it's been hard." She leaned her cheek against my chest again. I felt her inhale a deep breath. "You smell the same. God, I've missed you so much." Her words mumbled against my chest.
    "I'll give you two a minute," Sawyer's voice was laced with sadness.
    "No way, brother. Give me that fat, little baby girl." I released Liz from my embrace and held my arms out toward Sawyer. Sailor kicked and giggled as I brought her to my chest. She had huge blue eyes just like her mom, but she looked just like Sawyer. It was so weird. They made a person. A whole human being. And for a split second, I wondered what my kids would look like. Lily and I could make some cute kids. Shit! I wasn't expecting that thought to pop into my head. It was dumb to think like that. I hardly knew the girl, and, for all I knew, she was probably getting finger banged as we spoke by the bar whore himself. The thought made me sick to my stomach. Jace's hands on her in any way made me want to break shit. I clenched my jaw.
    "What's the matter?" Elizabeth asked, her voice still shaky from our emotional reunion.
    "Nothing. This little girl is a doll. You did good, Lizzie Bean… you did good." I felt light for the first time in over three years. This jealousy wasn't going to kill my buzz.
     

     
    D INNER WAS FANTASTIC, AND I was right — Elizabeth had made her famous cheese steaks. Cam and Colby had canceled coming to dinner. Cam had texted me earlier that day to say