“Epic,” Julia said.
Roan excused himself to say hello to his cousins. Marcus, Emma, and Julia surged forward to get a candy cane from the mayor’s wife, leaving Reese with Cody.
“Makes me think of my mom,” Cody said. “She loved the tree lighting.”
Reese squeezed Cody’s hand. “I bet she’s watching from wherever she is.”
“You think so for real?” Cody asked.
“I certainly do,” Reese said. “And I bet she’s so proud of you. All you’ve gone through, and still a good person.”
“You think I’m a good person?” Cody asked.
“Of course I do,” Reese said. “I see the way you look after Marcus. How sweet you are with the girls. We’re all lucky to have you in our lives.”
Cody’s throat worked, and he ducked his head, but not before Reese saw his eyes shimmer.“No one’s told me that since my mom was alive.” He swiped under his eyes with the back of his glove. “You remind me of her. She was the type who always put others’ needs first too.”
“Is that how you see me?” Reese asked, surprised.
“It’s pretty obvious,” Cody said. “Not many women would stick around when their boyfriend takes in two kids like Marcus and me.”
“Well, then, we should feel sorry for those sad women. Because I’m the lucky one who gets to spend time with all three of you.”
“Are you guys going to get married?” Cody asked.
“I’m not sure. Why do you ask?” Reese looked up at the sweet, lanky boy.
“No reason.” Cody shrugged. “It would just be nice to have you around all the time.”
“I’m not going anywhere, don’t you worry,” Reese said. “It took fifteen years for Roan to come back to me. I plan on making sure he makes up for lost time.”
Grace and Walter were making their way back through the crowd, reaching Reese and Cody just about the same time Roan returned with Jason and Mauve in tow. When she reached them, Grace pulled both her nephews into a fierce hug.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said. “Your mama would be proud.”
“We love you, Aunt Grace,” Jason said.
“Very much,” Roan said. “Thank you for welcoming us back without judgment.”
“This is your home. Where you belong. When you’re not being a famous actor, that is,” Grace said to Jason. “I hope you’ll make it home a little more often.”
“I plan on it,” Jason said.
Grace looked past Roan and Jason to where Marcus and Cody stood nearby. Her face lit up. “There are my boys. Come here and give me a hug.”
Marcus and Cody moved forward, and Grace pulled them both into an embrace.
“I heard the good news,” Grace said. “I’m so pleased for you all.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Marcus said. “We’re very grateful.”
“How are you settling in?” Grace asked, looking between them.
“Good,” Cody said. “Really good.”
“Roan’s done a lot for us,” Marcus added.
“We love his house and our room and Reese’s cooking,” Cody said, patting his stomach. “I’m going to get fat.”
