He invited every last wayward kid to the celebration dinner; they didn’t all accept, but that was on them.
After we finished eating, multiple conversations filled the backyard with laughter and love.
Until Matt stood up and cleared his throat.
“If I could have everyone’s attention, please.”
He waited until all eyes were on him.
He cleared his throat again. “As you know, I spent my teen years here.”
Matt rubbed his hand over the scar on his left forearm while he waited for the confirmations to end.
His skin graft was a success, but his scar was painfully obvious because of the bright ink surrounding it. I’d researched getting his tattoo touched up, but Matt decided against it.
My heart all but melted when he explained why. “I never want to forget how close I came to losing you. The scar reminds me to treasure every second I have with you.”
A dog barking brought me back to the present.
“I can’t imagine where I’d be if it hadn’t been for Shane’s love and generosity,” Matt said.
More confirmations from the crowd.
“The thing is, while I’ve given Shane credit for helping me become the man I am today, I’ve never actually told him how I feel.”
That wasn’t entirely true, but Matt was leading up to something bigger.
Matt’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed down his emotions.
“Shane, I’ve been telling people I grew up without a father, but that’s not entirely true. I had you.”
I wiped my eyes as Matt acknowledged the family he’d had all along, but was too afraid to see.
My eyes weren’t the only ones leaking as Shane stood and walked around the table to stand beside Matt.
“It’s about time, son.”
Matt didn’t hesitate to accept Shane’s hug.
“I’m not calling you Dad.”
“Thank God for small favors.”
“I love you, man.” Matt clapped Shane’s back.
Shane returned the sentiment.
The rest of dinner was a lot less emotional as we devoured the lemon cake with buttercream frosting before clearing the tables.
As I picked a few stray napkins off the ground, Matt walked out of the house.
“Hey Red, want to take a walk?”
“Sure, just let me throw these away.”
“I’ve got them,” Shane said, coming over. “Go enjoy the sunset with your man.”
“Thanks, Shane.”
