Prologue
“I can’t believe how the time has passed. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in my empty house, worried I’d never have grandkids. Now, not only do I have a brood of them climbing the walls, but also several great-nieces and nephews. I can’t imagine life getting much better than this.”
“You won’t hear any arguments from me. Before I decided to move the family back home, we were falling apart. Look at me now. I’m a grandfather, and our life is how it should be. I’ll miss my Amelia until the day I die, but I finally feel like it’s okay to let go of the sorrow that’s been present since her death. What helps the most is having my children close to home, and those grandkids of mine have brought joy to my life I never thought possible again,” George replied to his twin brother, Joseph.
The two men flew down the interstate, driving with the top down, enjoying a rare warm evening in the normally cool city of Seattle. They acted more like teenage boys, than men in their sixties, as their laughter was quickly carried away on the wind, deep into the sparkling sky.
“I thought Katherine told you to get rid of this deathtrap several months ago,” George remarked.
“She did, so you’d better not tell her what we’ve been up to. A little wind in our hair and bugs in our teeth rejuvenate these old bodies far more than those stinking spas she drags me to. What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her – or me.” Joseph laughed at his own joke. It didn’t take long for George to join him.
Knowing he was doing something a little dangerous felt good. His doctor told him he had to cut back on salt. His wife said he needed to get more exercise. He was tired of doing everything that was healthy and good for him. He didn’t see anything wrong in seeking adventure once in a while. When he felt a craving for an adrenaline rush, it was either stay home and go crazy, or pull the convertible out of the garage.
“Only one more kid to marry off. What are we going to do once we take care of Austin?” George asked.
“I’d say you’re looking at getting married, yourself,” Joseph quickly replied.
“Don’t you even try your matchmaking on me, Joseph Anderson. We’re a team. We don’t plot against each other,” George said in a huff. Joseph laughed at the sour expression on his brother’s face.
“Ah, don’t worry about it, George. I wouldn’t think of doing that,” he finally said, though he made sure to cross his toes. He knew something was going on between George and Esther, but he hadn’t been able to catch the two of them yet – just give him time…
“I know we don’t talk about it, George, but since your heart attack, I’ve felt my mortality a little more with each passing day,” Joseph said, his voice growing quiet, barely audible above the screaming wind whipping through the car.
“I was scared, Joseph. More scared than I let anyone know. I wasn’t worried about dying. I’ve lived a good life. I was worried about my family. They’ve had enough loss with losing their mother. They don’t need to go through it again,” George said, his own voice low.
“Maybe I should sell this car, though I love it. I don’t want to admit we’re aging, but growing old does have its advantages. I get to be a grandfather, which is better than I ever imagined it being, plus I get to watch my wife grow more beautiful with each passing day. I have too much to be grateful for to risk throwing it away.”
“Well then, brother, I’m sure glad we’ve gotten one last ride in,” George said with laughter.
As they approached their exit, Joseph reluctantly slowed down and departed the freeway. The wind from their hundred-mile-an-hour ride decreased as they slowed to thirty and turned a corner. Neither of them was ready for the night to end, but Katherine would be home soon, and they had to get the car parked and hurry inside, or they’d be busted.
“There was definitely something going on between Austin and Kinsey last year, but nothing came from it. I’ve watched them since then, and there are certainly sparks flying. He’s been chasing her, though trying to be cool about it, and she’s running as if the hounds of hell are nipping at her heels. I’ve also noticed some simmering looks she’s shot his way when she thinks no one is paying attention. I think it’s time to push the two of them together. I know it’s only a matter of time before they can’t resist the temptation.”
“What do you have in mind?” George eagerly asked.
“Well-” Joseph began.
“What the-” George cried out.
Joseph turned his head in George’s direction, just in time for his heart to jump into his throat as bright lights bore down on them. He didn’t even have time to blink before a full-size truck crashed into the side of their vehicle, sending the car flying through the air.
Joseph looked at his brother for one endless, terrifying second, time standing still as they floated high above the ground.
“I’m sorry…” Joseph whispered, not knowing if the words left his throat, let alone registered to George.
Their car came hurtling to the ground with a sickening crunch. Glass shattered as metal twisted in on itself, making the convertible unrecognizable. The only movement was one wheel as it spun in circles on the mangled wreck of a car.
For a brief second silence reigned in the busy city of Seattle.
House lights began flickering on as people rushed from their homes to investigate the noise. Several brave citizens rushed forward to see if there was any hope for the people in the car.
Neither Joseph, nor George, stirred as sirens broke the eerie silence of the dark night. Still no movement when the ambulance arrived, paramedics struggling through the twisted remains of the vehicle as they attempted to get to the two men. They were shaking their heads as they began mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions. It didn’t look good…
Chapter One
One Year Ago