“Can I just add her to my account? Like as a second line or something?”

“Of course. The family plan is a great deal, and that would save your wife a lot of money.” We didn’t correct her assumption, and she got the whole thing set up rather quickly after collecting our information.

Walking out of the store, I noticed a small wooden box on the storefront next door. Nita’s Hope - Donations Welcome. I smiled and dug through my purse for the cash Axel had carelessly tossed on the dresser last night and stuffed it inside. Nita’s was a women’s shelter where I had volunteered back in high school, and they could use the money. I certainly didn’t want it.

When we were back in the truck, Beau held out his hand, and I took it. “You ready to go to Cali, baby sister?”

I squeezed his hand. “Can you please drive me around campus one more time?”

“Sure,” he said quietly and turned onto Texas Avenue. Beau drove the perimeter of the main campus and then weaved his way through the middle, letting me reminisce about the good times I had in my four years at this university. Heldenfels Hall where I had so many of my science classes. Evans Library where I had spent the majority of my study time. The Memorial Student Center where I drank coffee and smoothies with my friends.

The tears started falling when we passed Kyle Field, where I had stood with over 100,000 other fans and cheered on Axel and the rest of the team so many times.

My brother was the only family I had left, and I felt like I needed to be with him. He had a beautiful two-bedroom apartment near Coronado, where he worked and trained as a SEAL, and he had insisted that I stay with him.

After we spent the rest of last night loading my boxes into his truck, I called The University of California San Diego medical school and asked if I could still accept the offer they had made for me to attend, and they said yes. Then I called and sadly rescinded my acceptance to Harvard.

We sold my car at a local dealership, with Beau promising that we would buy another one when we got to San Diego. He said it was a waste of gas to drive two cars all the way to Cali, but I knew he was just being protective and wanted me in the truck with him for the cross-country trek.

Placing my hand over my belly, I leaned against the window of Beau’s truck, letting the cool window press against my face, hot with tears. “Take us home, Beau.”

And with Aggieland in our rearview mirror, we headed west. Just me, my brother, and my little nugget.

4. Axel

Axel

Five Years Ago