“Deserves who right?” asked a voice that I hadn’t heard for longer than I should have.
“Ace!”
He was walking with a cane, slow and steady like always. His face was wrinkled with age and things he’d not only done but saw.
I wanted to grow up to be like him. Not the seeing stuff thing. But being kind and loving and understanding.
“Hello, Asher. And Noah.” He dipped his chin in greeting to both of us. “Who are you talking about out here of all places?”
“Beckett. He’s...a friend.” Noah answered.
“I see,” Ace hummed. “About you go fetch this old man some water, dear Noah.”
“Sure!” Noah took the empty plate as he stood. “Do you want food too?”
“Just water, please.”
I waited until Noah disappeared into the house before asking, “You do know he’s going to get distracted before he’s ever back.”
“That is my plan.” Ace took the slow steps up to the swing before taking a seat beside me. I held the swing still while he sat on the edge. “How well do you know Beckett?”
“Not as well as I should.” I let my eyes travel over the yard. “He and Noah have been dating just a week or so.” Had it only been that short of time? “I know you don’t like-“
“I’m not my son, Asher. Please bring friends home. I like seeing you make them. We all do.”
“He’s not my friend,” I uttered for the tenth time today.
“He’s Noah’s. Yes, so I’ve heard. Yet, he is here with you and Noah.” He paused for a second. “Beckett is a good guy, on paper anyway. No siblings, parents are still around, but he doesn’t visit them often.” I wasn’t the least bit surprised his name was already searched.
This family had ways to find dirt on people quickly, and without anyone knowing a single thing.
“Good. Noah will be happy. That’s all I want. I don’t care if it’s with Beckett or not, though.”
“What about your happiness, Asher?”
What about it? I tilted my head. “I have what I need, Ace. Scarlett and the rest of you have helped me this far. And thank you for that. But I don’t think I’ll ever be happy. Not like everyone else is, anyhow.”
What was happiness anyway?
“Sage has found contentment. Silas and Emily, too, with Collin. Even Scarlett has found her happiness. They all have a purpose that has brought them peace after what they’ve been through. You can, too.”
I’d rather go back to talking about Noah’s friend. “I’m trying.”
“If you think so...” he trailed off, seeing that I hadn’t tried. “Even getting new friends is good. I’ll still do quick background checks on them either way.”
“Why am I not surprised about that,” I shook my head. “Did you do one for everyone I interact with?”
“No,” Ace said. “Just the people that are brought to your place. I keep my family safe. Beckett could have been someone from before. I couldn’t risk that, Asher. It was bad enough my son was doing things behind my back and I hadn’t known before it was too late.”
It was his way of showing he cared.
“Did you really do the background check, or pay someone?”
“I’d like to know that too.” Beckett stepped onto the porch. I wondered how long he had been standing by, listening. Or was that Ace’s plan? To get me to confess secrets that would scare him away from us all.
Either was likely.
“Beckett Meads,” Ace greeted, standing up with the help of his cane. “Nice to meet you.”
