“Because against all the odds your brothers found love. It took many tears and some hurt feelings until the four of them worked it all out. But they never gave up or listened to other people tell them what they should or shouldn’t do.”
“I see. Thank you for seeing it my way.”
“I’m not saying that at all.” It was her turn to smile. “It’s not my business if you and Sebastian have feelings for one another, but what is my business is your relationship with your brothers. Those boys mean everything to me, all of them. From when I first met Asher all he spoke about was finding you and Lucas. Lucas too has suffered without you.”
Tears prickled behind Brandon’s eyes. Shit, he’d never cried so much in all his life. Wasn’t he supposed to be happy now? He blinked and finally swiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. “I missed them too. So much you have no idea.”
“I do, sweetheart; believe me, I do. For every night you missed them, they were missing you as well. You may have taken steps toward each other, but the journey isn’t over yet, for any of you. The three of you have a special bond and will need one another to lean on and hold as you travel through life.”
“But I care for Tash. And Luke doesn’t have the right to tell me not to see him.”
“Give him the pleasure of being your big brother. Don’t dismiss his concerns outright, even if you have no intention of following them.”
“You’re telling me to humor him.”
“I’m suggesting you show him by your maturity that you have made the correct choice. Spend time with Lucas and let him see you aren’t the boy he once knew you as, but a strong man who knows what he wants.” She tucked the handkerchief back into her pocket.
The front door opened, letting a cool draft of air into the house. From the kitchen, Brandon heard the dog bark, and her nails scrabbling on the wood floor as she ran to the front of the house.
Esther’s eyes lit up. “That must be Rachel and Michael. Come.” She stood and held her hand out.
Without a second thought he took it and went with her to greet the newcomers. As expected, they were all crowded in the kitchen, even though the dining room was set for dinner. Esther let go of his hand and went to greet Mike and Rachel, and Brandon saw Luke still sitting at the table, stroking the dog’s head.
“Mind if I sit down?”
“Feel free.”
He sat in the chair Jordan had occupied before. The dog pushed her muzzle into his lap, and he chuckled at her attempt for attention. “She’s sweet.”
“Sasha’s a good dog, aren’t you, girl?” Luke smoothed his hand down her back. Her stubby tail wagged furiously.
Brandon took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. It was wrong of me to jump down your throat when I know you’re concerned about me.”
Luke opened his mouth, but Brandon put up his hand. “Can I finish?” At Luke’s nod he continued. “I’m twenty-five years old. I’m old enough to hold my job, vote, fight in the war. I’m also old enough to decide who to love. And while I always want us to like our respective choices, it’s not a requirement. I do expect you to give it a chance.”
Luke remained silent. Brandon glanced over his shoulder and found Ash’s gaze on them. His brother nodded and gave him a thumbs-up sign, but Brandon desperately wanted Luke’s approval as well.
“I was reminded earlier,” Luke began, “of how destructive Jordan’s disapproval of Ash was to him and Drew and how it almost caused the end of their thirty-year friendship.”
Brandon held his breath. Tash stood behind him, not touching but close enough for Brandon to feel his presence. “That’s sad.”
Luke agreed. “It would’ve been sadder had they allowed it to happen. They didn’t, and now everyone gets along. I can’t help but feel protective of you. Growing up, you were always my first concern. It’s hard to break a habit, but I’m going to try.” His gaze traveled between Tash and Brandon. “I’m not going to pass judgment. I only want you to be happy. If Tash makes you happy”—Luke shrugged—“I hope it lasts forever.”
Brandon stuck out his hand. “So we’re good?” Luke took it and then pulled him close.
“To hell with a handshake.” They hugged, and Brandon closed his eyes. A home, his family, and love. It all seemed possible now.
Chapter Fourteen
At ten thirty the next morning, Tash pushed open the doors to the center and was greeted by an almost full house. A local librarian had come over to read to the young children in the back, and he could see them all sitting on the floor in a semicircle around her, enthralled as she read from the first Harry Potter book.
The computer section was almost at capacity as Tash recognized several high school and middle school students, their books piled high next to them on the desk. Midterms and tests would be coming soon. Over in the arts-and-crafts area, he had to smile at the profusion of glitter and pipe cleaners that littered the tables as the volunteers helped the little ones make pictures they’d take home later for their parents.
“Dr. Tash.”
He turned at the sound of his name and saw Johnny standing at the entrance. An uncertain smile came and went from his face.
“Johnny, great. I’m glad you’re here.”
