Grandpa
Jamie felt like someone had punched him in the chest. He wanted to cry for Daddy Spencer. He knew how much he loved his grandfather—how much he’d sacrificed to keep the ranch going. And now this. A rejection wrapped in concern. A legacy turned into a warning.
Daddy Spencer folded the letter slowly, stood up without a word, and took Jamie’s hand. They walked out of Aunt Millie’s house in silence, the cold biting at their cheeks, but neither of them said a thing until they were back home.
Inside, Nathan and Alfie were sitting by the Christmas tree, sipping wine and laughing.
Daddy Spencer paused at the stairs. “I need to be alone for a bit,” he said as he started up the stairs before anyone could say anything.
Jamie nodded. “Okay.”
Nathan looked up, sensing something was off. “Everything alright?”
Jamie sat down beside Alfie, trying to find words. “We went to see Aunt Millie.”
“How did that go?” Nathan asked.
Jamie gave a small, bitter laugh. “Said she didn’t approve of Daddy Spencer’s lifestyle. She called me a menace when she doesn’t even know me.” Jamie fought his tears.
Nathan’s face darkened. “What the fuck! You’re the best thing in Spencer’s life.”
“She gave him a letter from his grandfather.”
“What did it say?” Nathan asked.
“I don’t think I should say anything. That’s for him to share when he’s ready.”
“It couldn’t have been good, then.”
Jamie stared at the tree, blinking back tears. “He said nothing. Just folded the letter, and we left. I think he’s hurting more than he wants to admit.”
Alfie reached over and squeezed Jamie’s hand. “He’ll talk when he’s ready.”
Jamie nodded, but his heart ached. He didn’t know what Daddy Spencer would decide. But he knew one thing for sure—he wasn’t going anywhere. Not unless Daddy Spencer asked him to. And if he did, it would break him.
“Jamie, I’m not sure you’re aware, but Spencer really struggled when he was here,” Nathan said.
“Want some wine?” Alfie asked clearly, trying to make Jamie more comfortable.
Jamie nodded at them both.
Alfie went to the kitchen, the floorboards creaking beneath his feet, and came back with a glass of wine.
“I need to be with Daddy Spencer,” Jamie said.
“I feel the same way. He needs to talk, but I guess he needs to digest what the note said,” Nathan said.
“At least we’re all here for him when and if he wants to talk.”
Jamie’s phone buzzed. He yanked it out of his jeans’ pocket and read the message.
Spencer:Come upstairs. I need you.
“It’s Daddy Spencer. He wants me upstairs.” Jamie raced up the stairs to the bedroom where he found Daddy Spencer lying on the bed.
“Are you okay?” Jamie slipped onto the bed. He rested his head on Daddy Spencer’s chest.
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.”
