Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
"Dalton, this is Joey and Ian," Andy introduced, like he couldn't feel the tension in the air. And maybe he couldn't; he had a good heart and sweet soul. He thought the best of everyone and every situation.
I opened my mouth, but I couldn't find the words to explain why I'd done the horrible things I did. They seemed too shallow. When it came down to it, the reasons didn't matter; I had no excuse. All I could tell them with a warbling voice was, "I am so sorry." The words began flowing easier. "I didn't know you lived above the store when I started that fire, which I never should have done. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so glad you're okay, and I regret what I did. I don't expect you to forgive me or to understand. I'm just so very sorry."
Joey crossed his arms over his chest. "You did a very bad thing."
"Joey," Ian scolded, but his boy continued.
"Daddy says when I do something bad, I have to apologize and be punished. You were punished by going to jail, and you said you were sorry. So we can be friends now. I like having lots of friends, but Andy is my very best friend, right?" He looked at my brother, who beamed and nodded enthusiastically. "Ooh, popcorn! Can I have some?"
"Sure," Andy answered, and his friend sat down next to him as they dug into the bowl together.
I blinked at the young man, unable to believe how quickly he forgave me. He had as big a heart as Andy, and if he meant it, I would be honored to be his friend.
I looked at Ian, who was gazing at his partner with an adoring grin. I got his attention by telling him, "I really am sorry; for what I said to you that day in the toy store, and for everything afterwards. Did I hear Joey correctly? Did he say you were going to the store? Does that mean it's okay?"
Ian replied, "The coven gifted us with a new building, and we built the store back better than ever."
I sighed in relief. Ever since my anger had subsided, I had been worrying about the man's business and livelihood. "I'm thrilled to hear that. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Ian gave me a gentle smile, not unlike the one Tage typically wore; it must have been a Daddy's smile. He stepped towards me and placed his hand on my shoulder when he said, "Just be good to Andy." My eyes welled up as I nodded. "We all make mistakes. Some are bigger than others, but what matters is how we learn and grow from them. Knowing how much your brother cares about you, and seeing you here together, something tells me that as crazy as it sounds, everything was worth it."
I wiped a tear from my cheek. I was overwhelmed by the pair's compassion and understanding, and glad my brother had such great people in his life. I sniffled out a, "Thank you," and Ian squeezed my shoulder before turning to Joey.
"Please don't shove a whole fistful into your mouth," he sighed, and Joey stopped in the middle of doing just that. "Thank you, sweet thing. Now scoot over; Daddy wants some popcorn."
Joey stood up to allow Ian to take a seat, and then climbed on top of him. Tage and Andy did the same, and when Hutch sat down and flicked his eyebrows at me, I took the hint and nestled in on his lap as well.
We were all grown men, piled up on top of each other as Tage selected "Barbie's Grand Adventure" from the playlist on the television. As strange as it sounded, nothing felt out of place…including me.
Joey and Ian never asked to stay for the movie, they just took a seat and joined in on the fun, and were welcomed wholeheartedly by their friends. But they didn't seem like friends; they were like family. Maybe family wasn't just blood. It wasn't just pain or anger or disappointment. I was beginning to see that it was something far more precious.
I grabbed a cookie from the tray and leaned back against Hutch, ready for something I never would have predicted happening in my lifetime; watching Barbie's adventures.
Chapter Eight
Hutch
"Are you okay?" I asked Dalton as we stepped out of the elevator. He had been quiet since we left Tage and Andy's place. Granted, we hadn't gone too far, just a few floors down on our way to my apartment, but I could sense that something was on his mind.
"Yeah, I'm good," he replied, still appearing distracted.
I took his hand and led him down the hall to my door. I unlocked it and pushed it open, and Dalton smiled when he stepped inside and looked around. “I love your place.”