"I love you," he said again. "I loved you when we were seventeen and I love you now. And I love Kevin. That kid? He's not Vince. He never will be. Because he has you in his blood and in his life."
"But what if?—"
"No." Shane's voice was gentle but firm. "No what-ifs. Kevin is a good kid going through a rough patch. He's dealing with a lot—bullying, he’s afraid for his mom, probably scared about a hundred other things he can't even name yet. So yeah, he's going to mess up. He's going to say things he doesn't mean. But that doesn't make him cruel. That makes him eight."
April closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. "I'm so scared."
"I know."
"What if I'm not enough? What if no matter what I do?—"
"You are enough. You've always been enough." Shane kissed her forehead. "And you're not doing this alone anymore. Not if you don't want to be. I love that kiddo. So much."
She opened her eyes, searching his face. "You really love him?" Her voice came out in a rough whisper.
"Yeah, Sweetness. I really do."
April let out a shaky breath and nodded. Then she pulled back slightly. "I should go talk to him."
"You sure? You could give it a few minutes. Let you both cool down."
"No." April wiped her face. "I don't want him sitting in there thinking I actually believe he's a bad kid. Or that I—" Her voice wobbled. "That I don't love him."
“He’d never in a million years believe that, April. You’ve shown him time and again how much you love him.”
April’s chest hitched. She leaned forward into Shane’s arms.
“I love you. So much,” she said against his neck.
She stood, and Shane stood with her. April walked down the hall and knocked softly on Kevin's door.
"Kevin? Can I come in?"
Silence.
"Baby, please."
After a long moment: "Okay."
April opened the door. Shane stayed in the hallway, giving them space but close enough to hear.
Kevin was sitting on his bed, knees pulled up to his chest. His face was red and blotchy from crying.
"I'm sorry I said I hated you," Kevin said immediately. "I don't hate you. I love you, Mom. So much."
April crossed the room and sat beside him, pulling him into her arms. "I know, baby. I know you didn't mean it."
"Are you mad at me?"
"I'm not mad. I just..." April smoothed his hair back. "I want you to be proud of what you accomplish, Kevin. I really do. But I also want you to be kind. To be humble. To remember that other people have feelings, too."
"I know." Kevin's voice was muffled against her shoulder. "I didn't mean to sound like I was better than everyone. I was just excited about camp."
"I know you were. And I'm proud of you for doing so well." April pulled back to look at him. "And I'm really proud of you for helping Oliver. And really,reallyproud of you for helping Regis when he was lost."
Kevin brightened a little. "He was so scared. I told him it was okay, that the counselors would find us if we stayed put. And then I found the trail marker."
"That was very brave and very kind."
