Brandon collected his thoughts before he spoke. “After I left, I lived on the streets until the kindness of a stranger made me realize my life was worth something. He also made me think about doing good for others and living a life that had meaning.” Even now, so many years later, Brandon missed Gabriel’s counsel and guidance. He spoke from his heart, knowing Gabriel would be proud.
“You’re the only mother I’ve ever known, and I love you. I’m sorry for leaving you here with him and not helping when he hurt you. I was too wrapped up in my own misery and uncertainty. I was wrong for running away, knowing how he treated you. I’m surprised you don’t hate me.”
“I could never hate you. Though you aren’t my blood, you’ll always be my child. I never stopped worrying about you, any of you boys. And you made more of yourself than if you’d stayed here with me. For that I’m grateful. But what was your uncertainty?”
“Because I’m gay, Mom. I know you don’t approve because of the church and everything, but it’s who I am.” He sneaked a look at her, and to his surprise her face remained unchanged.
“I knew Ash and Luke were different; people whispered about it to me when we lived back in Georgia. I chose to ignore it. But you too?” She shook her head. “I can’t say I understand it, but if that’s what you want…” She fingered the cross at her neck.
“Mom, it isn’t a choice. It’s who we are.” He let out a sigh. “I can leave and find somewhere to stay tonight if you’re uncomfortable with me in the house.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Her eyes flashed. In all the years he’d never seen her temper rise except for now. “I lived for years with that man who abused me, and if anyone saw my bruises, they did nothing. Many times I heard people say it’s the woman’s fault; she should listen to her husband. I listened to him, and he still beat me.”
Her small hands clenched into fists, and Brandon thought she might be the strongest person he’d ever met.
“So no one will force me to turn my back on my child.”
“I love you, Mom. And I’m sorry for everything we both went through.”
“I love you too, Brandon, and I wish…” She stopped and shook her head.
Brandon heard a knock downstairs. “Are you expecting anyone?”
He followed her down the steps and turned the lamps on as they walked through the dark living room.
“Sometimes people from the church stop by to check on me.”
“Well, let me see who it is first.” He opened the inner door to peer through the torn screen. There was no light on the porch, and the road was dark. “Who’s there?”
“Brandon? It’s me, Tash. Can we come in?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Though the light was dim, the surprise on Brandon’s face was evident.
“Tash? Is that you?” Brandon’s forehead pressed against the torn screen.
“Yes. It’s me with Luke, Ash, and Neil. Please. Can we come in?”
He heard whispering inside and then the door opened to allow the entry. One by one he and the others entered the weathered little house. Six people could barely fit inside the cramped living room. Tash was happy to see Brandon seemed fine, though he couldn’t say that for the woman who was next to him. She was deathly white and shaking. Tash was certain she’d pass out if Brandon didn’t have a firm grip at her waist.
Ash and Luke both approached her. “Mom?” These two grown men, one a tyrant in the courtroom, the other a financial whiz on Wall Street, were stripped down to the studs, revealing two young, broken men. The raw and naked pain on their faces, along with the trepidation and hesitancy in their voices, hurt Tash’s heart. He knew they were wondering if they’d be accepted by their mother. He’d treated people who’d found their relatives after a long search. The fact that this woman was their foster mother didn’t lessen their pain. She was the only mother they’d ever known. Treating his patients, Tash had seen so much rejection between family members and the disillusionment that came afterward. He promised himself that he’d give these men whatever support they needed.
The smile that transformed Mrs. Munson’s face, however, told Tash that a different story, one with a happy ending, would be the case here.
“My boys. My darling boys. I’m so sorry.” Both Ash and Luke embraced her, and her arms came around both men, holding them all together. They remained locked in that private circle for several minutes, shaking with long-held emotions. Tash turned away, pretending to study the lamp in an attempt to give them some sort of privacy. He couldn’t imagine the mental toll this reunion was taking on them all.
When Tash turned back around, both Ash and Luke were wiping their eyes. It seemed full closure on this family’s terrible history was about to come to pass. Brandon, however, had to deal with his legal problems before any of them could rest easy.
Before Tash could say anything, though, Brandon spoke. “He died in a bar fight. You were right about the time difference, Tash.” His voice rang out, giddy with happiness and relief. “That’s why it didn’t mesh with what I thought. Munson died three days after I left, exactly like you said.”
Heedless to what anyone in the room might think, he grabbed Brandon and hugged him tight enough to combine their DNA, pure unadulterated joy washing over him. If Tash had his way, he’d never let Brandon go. Though it was nighttime and the only light came from the feeble glow of the cheap lamps, Tash’s entire world lit up. He was through making excuses or being intimidated by their age difference or any other problems people threw in their path. No one would ever keep him and Brandon apart again.
Unable to hold back any longer, Tash kissed Brandon, deep, hot, and hungry. As always when he touched this man, that magic clicked into place. “This is the best news possible. Your nightmare is over. And not only did you find your brothers, but you have your mother as well.”
“I know.” Brandon kissed his cheek but didn’t move from within the circle of Tash’s arms. Their foreheads touched, their lips scant inches apart. “What about us? In your voice mails you said you loved me. But—”
“I do. You left the carriage house last night before I regained my sanity and told Valerie she needed to back off.” He brushed the silken strands of Brandon’s hair off his face. “I’m sorry for all my doubts. I won’t lose you again. Not to my fear or doubts or our family’s mistaken belief that they know better than us who we should love.”
