For Wrath and Redemption (The Hometown Heartless)

by Brit Benson

“He’s always been a nurturer. He looked out for all of us. But he also has this deep, powerful sense of empathy, and I think...”

“I think it was too much for him. I think he broke when he learned that he can’t save everyone. Rather than feel the disappointment, he just...turned off.”

I can’t ignore these feelings anymore. I have never met a man like Jonah Hendrix. I know I never will again.

Jonah is a human. He’s so much more than a brand. He’s become so much more to me...

I don’t know when it happened. I don’t know how. But I’ve fallen so fucking hard for this man, and if he doesn’t feel the same, it will ruin me. It will ruin me completely.

“I’ve had dreams of this. Fucking you with my hand wrapped around your pretty little throat.”

“You fit so perfectly in my hand, Trouble. I can feel your heartbeat. I can feel your breathing. Everything I need right in my palm.”

He might mean I’m his right now, but my heart will be his forever. Checkmate, Jonah Hendrix. You’ve won.

Claire Davis owns me. Body, mind, heart. All of it. And it’s terrifying.

I’ve had Claire Davis in my bed every night. I’ve tasted every inch of her body. There’s not an inch of her skin I haven’t touched. She’s the last person I see when I close my eyes. She’s the person who stars in every dream. She’s the first person I see when I wake up. But I’m still Conrad’s son.

I knew from the jump you’d give me trouble. I just didn’t think it would be like this.”

When you’re ear deep in your own shit, it’s hard to have compassion for anyone.

“Getting sober was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the easiest decision I’ve ever made.”

“Falling in love feels like falling to your death.” “Jesus. Then why do people do it?” “Because it’s the revival that feels so sweet.”

We’re two disasters, he and I. Two broken, damaged people who’ve made so many mistakes. But this sesame seed? Something tells me it’s not one of them. Together, we can grow back better. We deserve to grow back better. The three of us.

from struggle to strength, your rebirth awaits

If I didn’t fix me, I could never deserve her. I would never be worthy of us.

“Do you still love me, Trouble?” “Yes. Do you still love me?” “Endlessly.”

“I love you endlessly.”

I kiss her. “Checkmate, Trouble. This win is all mine.”

I’m overwhelmed with emotions. They fill me up until I swear I’ll burst. Sobriety means I’m not numb anymore. These emotions aren’t dulled. Reality isn’t foggy. I feel everything, and I’m grateful for it.

“A girl.” Tears fill my eyes and stream down my cheeks. I look at Claire. “We’re having a little girl.” “Our little girl.” I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it. “A little baby Trouble. My favorite girls.”

I can’t get over how lucky I am. My life was on a very different trajectory. I was destined for destruction, and I didn’t care. I could have died and never known this kind of happiness.

This is healing. They are my purpose. This right here. This is my redemption.