“How did you get away?” Luke’s eyes glittered with pain, and his normally olive complexion shone pale with sweat. Jordan placed a hand on his shoulder for comfort.
Brandon took a deep breath and drank a glass of water. “One night I got on a bus and went to Atlantic City and stayed there. I could live on the beach in the summer and work around the city. I did that for two months, then came to New York. Luke had always talked of living here, that it was the place to come and reach for the stars. I lived on the streets and did a little begging until six months later when Gabriel found me and changed my life forever.”
“Look at you now.” Esther gazed upon him with shining eyes. “You went to school, became a teacher, and found your brothers and”—her eyes twinkled—“a very nice young man.”
“You’re an inspiration, man.” Gage gazed at him with respect, not the loathing Brandon had expected.
“I’m a murderer, Gage.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“Brandon.” Ash’s voice cut in. “I think you should come to my office tomorrow, and we’ll talk strategy.”
“I think we should stop talking about this unpleasant subject.”
Brandon’s head snapped up at Esther’s voice. There were two pink patches on her cheeks, and her hands trembled. Regret and dismay slammed into Brandon’s chest. He immediately left Tash’s side to attend to Esther.
“I’m sorry to have brought this on your family. I can leave and find somewhere else to stay.”
“Is that what you think I want?” She turned to Drew and Ash. Drew took his grandmother’s hand, and Brandon could see him deftly taking her pulse so unobtrusively she didn’t realize it, while Ash left his seat and stood behind Esther, resting his hands on her shoulders.
“Don’t get upset, Esther. We’re going to help Brandon, but you can’t afford to become ill.”
“You must help him, Asher. I know he couldn’t hurt anyone. Brandon’s the sweetest, kindest—”
“Esther. Don’t worry. I promise I’m going to do everything possible to help him.” Ash held his gaze. “I won’t fail you this time; I promise. I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”
“Not only him, but me as well.” Luke joined them, giving Brandon a hug. “You’ll never have to handle anything alone again.”
Grateful as he was to his brothers, their approval was no longer the first thing he looked for. It was Tash who Brandon sought for comfort. The man who held him in his arms when he cried and passed no judgment on his past sins was his rock and the guidance he listened to. Their eyes met across the table, and the bands holding a tight stranglehold on his chest loosened for the first time in years.
It hit him then. He wasn’t alone in this any longer. He could’ve wept from the enormity of it, but Brandon held himself together, needing to prove to everyone he was the man he said he was and no longer the young boy they’d kept as an image in their minds. It wasn’t weakness to accept their help; it showed strength. Damn the consequences. Brandon knew he’d come out of this never-ending journey through hell with his family and his heart intact, stronger than ever before.
“Thank you, Ash.”
“There’s no need to thank me. It’s what families do.”
After they hugged and Brandon agreed to come to Ash’s office at four o’clock after school ended tomorrow, he had to apologize to Esther.
“I’m sorry to have brought this to your table and my problems to your life.” In the short time he’d spent living there, this house had become more a home than anywhere else he’d ever lived.
She’d remained silent during his conversation with Ash, but Brandon had no doubt she had some words of advice for him.
“Oh Brandon.” She sniffled into her handkerchief. “You have no idea how wonderful it’s been for me to have you here. I’m so happy you have Sebastian to love you and stand by you along with your brothers.”
He stood, somewhat frozen. They hadn’t yet decided to speak about the seriousness of their relationship. It was so sudden; Brandon didn’t want to have to deal with Luke’s possible disapproval, especially not now. Brandon thought they’d manage to keep it to themselves. Not with Esther around, it seemed.
“You look shocked, dear, but it’s quite obvious to me. The way he looks at you is how my dear Sy used to look at me—so loving and protective.” Esther appealed to the others at the table. “You see it, don’t you? They are as much in love as you all are.”
And when Tash smiled at him, Brandon knew right then it would be fine. It didn’t matter if Luke approved or if Ash did either. All that mattered was this man and the glow in his eyes that spoke of a future he now believed in.
“We’re taking it one day at a time, Esther,” said Tash in all seriousness. “Brandon’s focus must be on fighting these charges. He knows how I feel about him.”
Brandon left Esther’s side to stand by Tash. He reached down and squeezed Tash’s hand. “And Tash knows my feelings as well. To have all of you offer your support and understanding is more than I ever thought I’d have.”
They all sat back down and finished their meal. Brandon wondered if in the weeks ahead, this might be the last time he’d sit down to an untroubled dinner with his family.
* * * *
