Free Grayson (This is Our Life Book 1) by F.G. Adams Page B

especially in public.  I notice the subtle pressure he uses on her shoulders, and my anger explodes. Her crying becomes a painful moan. 
    I jump toward them to interrupt the torment he’s causing her, only I’m too late.  Keagan intercedes and is softly holding my mom in a hug.  I see that Ollie and Lukas are standing in front of me, creating a barrier between my father and Keagan.  A united front, an alliance forged to usurp the evil this monster generates towards his family.  Now their family.
     

     
    A week later, the funeral is about to begin.  Grayson and I arrive at First Baptist Church and are met by Grayson's youngest sister, Addie. Tears streaming down her face, she rushes into his arms, crying hysterically.  "She's gone.  She's gone." Over and over she repeats the litany.  Peering up at Grayson, I witness the anguish and turmoil as the pain hits him again.  He collapses into a pew with Addie on his lap and soothes her by rocking her back and forth, murmuring words of comfort.
    Slowly, one by one family members begin to gather around us.  Not knowing how to help, I remain silent.  When Mr. Blackwood enters the area, everyone's attention is directed at his words, "Brother Bill will be directing the service.  We've requested that Ollie speak for the family." He nods toward Fallyn's husband.  "She will be missed, but we have to remember we represent the Blackwood Family name today and we do not want to shame her memory." 
    His words were not of comfort but a sharp reminder of the Blackwood legacy.  It contradicts the beautiful person I grew to love over the past year.  Matilda Blackwood shone her emotions and love from the inside out.  It was never a secret of the love she had for her family.  The life she built and lived for. 
    The church is completely full with only standing room left as people come to pay their respects to the woman lying in the casket.  As the organ begins to play soulful gospel music, the mourners quietly wait for the service to start.
    After the service, everyone gathers at Matilda's home.  The front door has become a revolving door, and people I've never met shake my hand and hug me, wishing their best condolences. It was too much to bear.  Just finally getting to know Grayson’s family, my heart was breaking. 
    A fine line between the families is drawn.  Aunt Polly Jean and Aunt Becka huddle together with their families.  There's no love lost between the siblings. Each wants their share of the Blackwood fortune.  Even though Wood is the only son and had been left the bulk of it when his father passed, Matilda's estate is substantial in its own rights. 
    Heading outside, my eyes land on Grayson sitting on a swing by himself.  He motions me forward and captures me in his arms.  "I can't believe she's gone. I don't know what I'm going to do without her."
    "What would she do, Grayson? She would mourn and then she would tell you to get your ass in gear, because your life is just beginning and you've got work to do.  You leave soon, and her dream was for you to go to West Point, graduate, and serve in the army.  Do something with your life away from the ranch."  I gently remind him, "You promised."
    Softly caressing my arm, he nods. "I will keep my promise.  It's so sudden. I thought she would always be here and now...she's gone.  She's really gone."
    Nothing else needs to be said.  Wrapping him up in an embrace he so desperately needs, I sit quietly with him, listening to the trickling sounds of the pond, whispering and soothing his battered soul.
     
     
     
     

 
     
    Hoorah! Duty, Honor, and Country—my new motto.  Today my dream begins. West Point. Here I come .  The clock on the wall is blaring at me, sending my whole body into meltdown mode.  I leave in eight hours, thirty-two minutes, and twenty-nine seconds... deep breaths . 
    My mom is having a hard time letting me go.  We talked late into the night.  I held her tightly as she cried about her