“It’s going to be fine,” Tash whispered in his ear.
This time he wasn’t so sure, as his heart pounded like a jackhammer.
Drew spotted them then. “Jordy, Luke, glad you’re home. You guys look like you had a great time, you especially, Luke.” He stood and cocked his head. “You look all hopped up; how much coffee did you have?”
“None.”
Drew smiled at Brandon. “Randy, I’m glad to see you again and even happier to hear you reconsidered working on the project.”
Unable to answer, Brandon’s attention remained fixated on the door. Finally the dark-haired man straightened up and looked his way. And when their eyes met, Brandon knew their broken circle had been repaired. It might only have been fifteen minutes rather than the fifteen years since they’d been together. He’d recognize those clear, silvery eyes anywhere.
Ash. It was Ash. All his brothers, here with him at last. It was almost too much to comprehend. He took a step toward the door, then stopped, once again weighed down by uncertainty and a bit of fear.
Ash was no longer a scrawny, scared kid but an intense, dark man. Intimidating was a good word to best describe him, although the gentle way he held the elderly lady’s arm belied his looks.
Ash’s laughter drained away, replaced by what Brandon knew his own face mirrored—shock, unbearable joy, and a touch of fear. And also like Brandon, Ash remained rooted to the floor—frozen, white, and shaking.
“Asher, darling, whatever is the matter?” The elderly lady spoke, concern edging her slightly accented voice. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Luke approached her. “Esther, it’s wonderful to see you. You’re about to witness one of those miracles you always mentioned yet I refused to believe, at least until now.”
“Jordan, do you have any idea what your young man is talking about?” She continued to hover next to Ash, whose gaze remained fixed on Brandon, yet he couldn’t seem to move or speak.
“Drew, Esther.” Luke’s voice cracked as the tears threatened. “Randy, the young man here, is really Brandon.” Brandon watched the woman’s face transform itself with joy as she placed a hand to her chest and clutched Ash’s arm tight.
“Oh my darling Asher.”
Drew immediately went to Ash and took his other hand.
In the depths of Ash’s glittering eyes Brandon witnessed the devastating anguish that lived within his brother’s heart. Had none of them escaped unscathed?
“Ash? You, here? How is all of this possible?” His gaze traveled between his two brothers. Everything seemed to have worked out so perfectly for them. They had loving families and high-paying jobs, while he’d lived on the streets and had to fight for every scrap.
“Brandon, my God it is you.” Ash blinked and swallowed heavily. He let go of Drew and Esther’s hands and advanced toward Brandon. Ash had been so much older and bigger than Brandon when he left. Brandon was shocked to see they were now almost the same height, although Ash was heavier built.
“Surprise.” Brandon attempted a weak laugh.
“Where have you been all this time?” Ash’s hands flexed, and it seemed as if he wanted to touch Brandon but was afraid.
Brandon, who’d longed for this moment for years, didn’t know how to react now that it was here. They all seemed like players in a game, circling one another, afraid to get too close or touch for fear they’d disappear.
Tash, however, had put his coat on. “I’m going to leave you all to your reunion. I think it’s wonderful you’ve found each other and can be a true family again.” Without waiting for a response, he walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
Brandon wanted to run after Tash and drag him back. Why would Tash leave him in a roomful of strangers? Even though this was the moment he’d waited years for, it seemed wrong now without Tash beside him to share it. Sadly he was closer to Tash after only spending one evening together than with the two men who were his brothers.
“Go on, sweetheart.” Drew’s grandmother urged Brandon as she sat down on a chair Ash pulled over for her. “Tell your brothers everything.”
Drew’s face shone with happiness. “I can’t tell you how long we’ve waited for this moment. Ash has had an investigator looking for you for several years now.”
Tell them everything? Never. Alarm cramped Brandon’s stomach, then died. If Luke or Ash had heard anything, they wouldn’t have been so welcoming. So his secret was still safe. “An investigator?” Careful not to sound too nervous and suspicious, he schooled his face to remain pleasantly curious.
After numerous attempts to clear his throat, Ash could finally speak. “Yes. It was how I found Luke. Even though he changed his name, I tracked him down.”
“Ash can be a bulldog. I refused to speak to him for months. We had a world of misunderstandings to make up for, and it wasn’t easy, but we’re in a good place. Too much hurt and pride made me stubborn and miserable.”
“I can attest to that.” Jordan smirked. “Lucas was a miserable person, but I turned him around and made him the charming person he is today.”
“Whatever you say, Prep School.”
