“Fuck, Diego, that’s not true. There isn’t a more loyal friend out there than you, and as much as I want you with me in this move, I don’t want to force your hand.”
Diego snorted. “Troy, I’m not doing anything that I don’t want to do. This is my choice, maybe for the first time in my life.” He took a bite from his pizza, pulling a long string of cheese between his mouth and the slice. ”Isn’t that enough?”
The silence lingered for several seconds. “I’m supporting whatever decision you make, D, but I’m not gonna lie. I’m thrilled you’re coming with us. It feels right, all of us making the move.” Troy reached out and turned on his large television, navigating to the cinema app he wanted, and soon they settled into their movie.
Diego's mind kept wandering that night as he lay in bed, an overwhelming sense of loneliness weighing down on him. That day, his presence clearly put off everyone he interacted with—Diana, Ash, and even Troy. He had an inkling of what was making them all feel so uncomfortable; it was himself and his persistent bad mood. He would only drive his friends away the longer he stayed here, moping about his sad situation and his broken heart.
Moving really was the answer. Time to make a fresh start, a new change, and leave Houston—leave Texas—behind him forever.
Chapter Twenty-five
Peachcouldn’tcomprehendthatDecember 25th was any different from any other day; Brody knew this. Sure, with her high intelligence, she could sense everyone’s heightened emotion and excitement, and she’d have noticed that the boys stayed up much later the previous night than they should have. Christmas Eve had been filled with anticipation as they followed Santa’s trek around the world on the NORAD website and worry that Santa didn’t know where they were this year and might not find them since they moved.
But somehow, Peach also knew Brody had set his alarm clock early. When he heard the soft tones chiming, it did not surprise him to see her sitting at his bedside, watching him intently. She lifted her paw to his chest and exhaled loud.
“I know, girl. I’m getting up.” Brody rubbed the back of his head. Between the stress of the court case and all the extra work around the farm, he’d had a headache the last few days. But this was not the season to take things easy. Once Christmas was over, maybe, he mused to himself.
But not today.
After a quick trip to the bathroom, he padded out into the living room and flicked on the Christmas tree lights. Soon, the room was lit up like a holiday card. After he pulled out the Santa gifts, carefully hidden away in his bedroom closet, and set them under the tree, Brody finally sat down with his coffee and admired his work.
It was a far cry from last Christmas.
Brody had just moved into this house and was living out of boxes as he purchased new furniture. Aaron and Audra had invited him to their home for Christmas lunch, and at that meal they’d first discussed going into business together, and K-9 Companions had been born.
Today, the boys filled this house with lights, laughter, and love. Santa had come to Cielo Springs and visited two good boys who were living here on this piece of land while their mother was away.
Brody was outside in the middle of his morning chores when he heard them in the living room, hooting and hollering that yes, Santa had come. He stamped the dirt off his boots as he stepped inside and saw them on the floor, digging through the presents like puppies. “I reckon Santa thought you were good kids this year,” he told them as he joined them on the floor. “You want breakfast first or presents?”
They glanced at each other. “Momma lets us open one, then the rest of them after breakfast.”
“Then we’re gonna do what your momma says.” He’d arranged for a phone call with Nichole later that day if everything worked out on her end. Hopefully, one more good memory for these sweet kids.
Jace emerged from under the tree with a large rectangular box. “There’s two of these, one for each of us.” Jonah reached for the second box and grinned at the tag taped to the gift wrap. “It says it’s from Diego.”
Brody pasted a smile on his face as he watched the boys rip open their gifts, unsurprised at Diego’s generosity, when he saw two small acoustic guitars; the perfect size for the kids. “Look, one for each of you.” Brody sighed watching them, and he wished Diego could see them dancing around the room with their new guitars.
Jace beamed as his fingers strummed the strings. “Maybe Diego can teach us how to play the next time he comes over,” he said as he walked toward Brody to show him the gift.
“Maybe.” Brody’s heart ached. As far as the boys knew, Diego wasn’t feeling well, so he stayed home. Brody hadn’t yet found a way to explain to them that Diego wouldn’t be back, so he kicked that can down the road. “Or we can find someone here that knows how to play. I bet there might be someone at your school.”
He stood and took a deep breath. It would get easier. “Now, how about breakfast?”
Later that day, Audra and Aaron came to the farm for Christmas lunch. Brody leaned back in his chair and grinned at the sight of a full table. His eye landed on the seat that Diego had used during his last visit, and Brody wondered how long it would be before he stopped thinking about him.
“Is that a yes?” Audra held out a small plate with a slice of her lemon pound cake. “I asked if you wanted some.”
“Absolutely.” Brody thanked her and took the plate. “This is fantastic.”
Aaron glanced at the kids in the living room to make sure they couldn’t hear. They were engrossed in inspecting their new gifts. “So, what did Holly say? You said it was good news,” he said as he dug into his cake.
Brody smiled. “She said things are looking good. Even after that terrible conversation I had with my aunt, she thinks that legally I’m in a good position. We’ve got sworn statements from Nichole and her attorney that her directives were to keep the boys with me. Holly also has letters from the school stating that the boys are doing well and appear to be in a stable home situation.”
Audra reached out and touched his arm. “Kelly’s case is weak if all she’s got is bigotry and hate. She can’t win.”
“Exactly.” Brody exhaled loudly, slumping slightly in his chair. “I guess maybe I overreacted to that talk we had. I was just so damn scared, you know? She made me feel like any sane person would look at me and decide I was unfit to be their guardian.”
“You’ve had some terrible experiences here. No one’ll hold that against you.” Aaron glanced over at his wife with a knowing expression, then back at Brody. “Have you called Diego yet to tell him the good news?”
