“Sure,” Noah replied, a smile brightening his face.
Erin and Jules watched as Noah and their mother walked over to the table, where there were already grinning faces at the sight of Becca.
“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Jules turned to her sister, her light blue eyes wide and questioning.
“Let’s go for a walk,” Erin offered.
Jules nodded and gestured for her to lead the way. Erin walked them toward the cobbled stone path that led to the rose garden. As they made their way to the bend that went up to the wooden gates under a magnificently arched arbor decorated by the vines of creepers wrapped around its wooden exterior, the loud chatter and laughing from their family began gradually fading away. It was almost the middle of spring, which meant the landscape would be awash in a rainbow of blooming flowers. Erin pushed open the gate, and the two entered the garden.
The two were overcome with admiration as they made their way past the countless rows of gorgeous flowers that lined the pathway, their intoxicating fragrance wafting through the air as they went.
“Grandma would have loved to see this,” Jules spoke so softly that Erin almost didn’t hear her.
“Yes, she would have,” Erin agreed, her smile bittersweet. “I miss her so much.” She sighed as they sat on one of the stone benches. Jules inclined her head in agreement.
The silence that followed locked them into their own thoughts for some time. Erin watched as a honeybee landed on a daylily filament as she sat admiring the flower. There was no question in her mind that it was gathering pollen from the flower to bring back to its hive. Her gaze shifted to two butterflies that were flying above a tangle of golden dahlias. She was inspired to create by the breathtaking natural scenery that surrounded her. At that moment, she wished she had a sketchpad and a pencil to design the dress now etched in her mind.
“I wish we didn’t have to experience so much death in our family, but I’m glad we still have each other,” Jules spoke, breaking Erin’s concentration.
Erin whipped around to face her sister with a look of shame and guilt etched permanently across her features. Her eyes were filled with remorse as she spoke those words. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you during your pregnancy Jules,” she said, her voice heavy.
“It’s fine,” Jules assured her with a grin. “I’m not mad…” There was a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Anymore,” she finished her sentence. A shared chuckle passed between them.
Still, Erin felt the need to explain. “I was in a bad place. Everything felt like it was out of my control, and I guess…I guess I didn’t want you to see me like that. It still doesn’t excuse me for not being there for you when you needed me the most. I’m your big sister. I’m supposed to be there for you,” she spoke with feeling, her eyes filling with regret once more. She looked down when she felt Jules place her hand over hers.
“Erin, you have always been there for me no matter what. You weren’t able to be there this time, and I know I felt angry and betrayed, but having Becca and losing Grandma has helped me to put things in perspective.” Jules squeezed her sister’s hand and continued. “I have to accept that you have your own problems, and sometimes it’s okay to find a way to deal with mine and not dump it all on you. I just wish you knew that you could talk to me too. That you would know that I am here for you like you’ve always been for me.”
A tear slipped down Erin’s cheek. “When did you become so wise?” she choked up.
Jules beamed. “I’m a mother now. It comes with the territory,” she said confidently.
Through the tears that soiled her face, Erin managed a chuckle as she looked at her sister with love. “I love you,” she expressed, reaching over with her free hand to cup Jules’s cheek.
With a warm grin, Jules responded, "I love you too. And I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."
Erin smiled and nodded but offered no words.
When the two went back to the place where their family was participating in the activities that they had been doing, they discovered that they were currently eating the delicious ribs that their uncle had been grilling, along with the other delectable dishes that had been prepared.
They each took a plate their mother had made for them and dug in.
“Mhmm, these ribs are mouth-watering. Uncle Luke, you’re amazing,” Erin praised.
The man who was still by the grill raised his tongs in acknowledgment as a knowing look covered his face.
“So, Erin, Aunt Cora told us you’re working in fashion now. Is there any way I could become a model at your company?” her cousin Nikki asked.
“Um,” Erin hesitated, thrown off by the question. “I could maybe put in a word for you. Do you have any experience in modeling?”
Nikki's brows furrowed, the skin on the bridge of her nose crinkled, and she fixed her lips in a tiny frown. "At this point, all I'm doing is walking down a runway while wearing the outfits. How difficult can it possibly be?" she asked with arrogance.
Erin exchanged a look with her sister, who discretely signaled that their cousin was snooty. “I’ll see if they’re looking for anyone,” she assured the girl in an attempt to end the conversation.
“Thanks, Erin, you’re a doll,” Nikki said with a big Cheshire grin.
Just then, something caught Erin’s eyes, or rather someone. “What’s he doing here?” she asked, her voice tight with anger.
Jules followed her gaze. “Mom invited him,” she replied.
