Jagger
“How do you still not know how to dress yourself?” Her hand movements are skilled, tucking and twisting the tie every which way.
Looking in the mirror, I can’t help but get lost in the reflection of us.
Her and I. Me and Her. Emerson and Jagger.
“Maybe I like the way you dress me better.”
“Really?” The smirk on her face is proof she loves it just as much as I do.
“Of course I know how to dress myself, I even know how to do my own tie.”
“Then why do you insist on having me do it?”
“Because it’s for special occasions, and it reminds me of the first time you ever touched me.”
Four years ago, she helped me get dressed on one of the most important days of my life. Now, it’s a tradition I won’t ever break.
My first official job.
When my conditional release ended.
When we got married.
When we met Billie & Bowie, our twin girls.
Their christenings.
Dakota’s graduation.
And now my brother’s wedding.
She places her hands on my shoulders and kisses my neck. “Sometimes, I forget how sweet you can be.”
Turning to face her, I cradle her stomach and lean over our son, comfortably nestled between us. l indulge in the taste of the woman who is the keeper of my world.
“I can’t believe my younger brother is getting married.”
“Don’t let him hear you say that.”
“That he’s my younger brother or I didn’t think he would get married?
“Well, both if we’re being honest.” She straightens my lapels and does up the button on the suit jacket.
“It’s not like it matters. In theory he’s always been my older brother, the one I go to for advice.”
She skims the back of her hand down my scruffy cheek.“But he’s never been a husband.”
“No. I guess he hasn’t.” It’s silly but I smile at the thought of finally being able to impart wisdom on my brother
“What will you tell him?”
“What I wish someone told me.” I sweep her fringe to the side of her face, and stare into the eyes that set me free. “No matter how bad things may seem, time moves and so do we. We’re always learning. We’re always loving. We’re always living.”
