Torn by Eleanor Green

Can we do it again?”
Katie swirled a finger around his chest playfully.
    And they did, again and
again.
     
    ***
    Sunday morning was spent watching the
sun rise over the lake with a cup of coffee just like Branson had
promised. “It’s just beautiful, isn’t it?”
    “ Yes. I’m looking forward
to meeting your Gram. As many stories as I’ve heard, I feel like I
already know her.”
    “ You’re going to love her.
She’s so fun to be around. You’ll have to sleep in the guest room
though, I don’t have the basement to myself, and she wouldn’t
approve of you violating her granddaughter.” Katie
giggled.
    “ Hey, I’m innocent here.
Will she accuse me if you’re caught sneaking into my room?” He
raised one eyebrow and flashed a crooked smile.
    Bright-eyed with hair sticking up in
every direction, Jackson came running into the sunroom with a Sippy
cup full of milk. He reached for Branson, who pulled him up into
his lap and complemented his fire truck pajamas. “These are cool,
little man.” Never taking his lips off of his cup, Jackson pointed
to the truck with a ladder in response. He leaned his head back,
resting against Branson’s chest, and finished his milk.
    Katie sipped her coffee
and watched the two of them together. He was so good with his
nephew—fun, gentle, and loving. The glimmer of pride in his eyes
when he smoothed Jackson’s hair filled Katie with
wonderment. He’ll be a wonderful father
one day.
    Jennifer stumbled into the sunroom
with a cup of coffee. She looked as if she could have used a few
more hours of sleep. “Jackson wiggled and kicked all night. Why are
you two up so early?”
    “ I promised Katie we would
watch the sun rise at least once before we left.”
    “ My brother the romantic.”
Jennifer smirked. “When did that happen?”
    Katie enjoyed the playful banter
between them. She had never known what it was like to grow up with
siblings and missed the fighting, playing, sharing of secrets, and
everything else that came with a brother or sister.
    “ Good morning.” Celia
entered with a carafe and refilled Katie’s mug. “Katie, I so
enjoyed getting to know you. I hope you will come back. Winters are
harsh, but spring is beautiful, summers are spent on the water, and
autumn is my favorite—you can’t imagine the colors that are
displayed across the mountains. Branson, promise you’ll bring her
back after graduation.”
    “ If she hasn’t grown bored
of me by then, I promise,” Branson answered, flashing Katie a
wink.
    Katie looked down at her
mug, afraid she was blushing. Bored with
you, Branson Stone? I don’t think so. I’m indubitably in love with
you. She sipped her coffee, and listened
as the three of them reminisced about their time together swimming,
skiing, and boating on the lake. Phillip joined the conversation
and added a few fishing stories before ending the fun.
    “ What time are you and
Katie planning on taking off, son? The Weather Channel said more
snow is on the way by late afternoon. You’ll need to get ahead of
it.”
    “ Oh. We were planning on
going after lunch. Do we need to go earlier?”
    “ I think you’ll be okay if
you’re out of here by one o’clock. It should only take about
forty-five minutes, but you’ll want to allow a little extra time
for possible traffic.”
    Katie loved the feel of New Hampshire.
It was crowded but friendly, and full of little mom-and-pop
restaurants. She was certain the hiking trails were excellent, but
it was too cold and dangerous in December. She hoped she would have
the chance to come back in the spring.

 
     
    Ten
     
     
    Two hours later Katie and Branson
stepped out of the car in her driveway. Branson rubbed his neck
muscles. “That was a little tense, huh?” The traffic had been
horrible due to the heavy snowfall, and they had driven most of the
way in silence due to the stress of the drive and the impending
meeting with Katie’s only living relative. Branson popped the trunk
to get the