Colin met Joshua’s eyes. “What do you think, babe? For my money, we do what Graham says—we hire the pros.” Joshua nodded, and Colin turned back to his contractor.“Will you set it up?”
“Absolutely. But right now, you boys need to get out of this house until you’re wearing high-grade masks like mine.” He pointed outside to where his truck was parked. “Go intomy truck; it’s not locked. In the back seat, there’s a box of N95 masks. Grab yourself a few. And don’t come in here again unless you’re wearing one.” He patted Joshua’s arm. “I’ll give Emberlight Restorations a call. See how soon I can get them out here.” He walked back into the living room, lifting his phone.
Colin eased Joshua out the back door and led him toward Graham’s truck. He followed silently, his expression hollow, eyes distant. Colin grabbed several N95s and handed one to his husband.
Joshua stared down at it as if unsure what to do next.
“Josh?”
Joshua lifted tear-filled eyes. “It’s like our whole life is buried under a thousand layers of ash.”
“That’s why we hire professionals.”
“Is David still upstairs?”
“Yeah, he’s still packing law books.”
“Are they OK?”
“Actually, they’re not bad.”
“How about the attic? All ourChrismukkahstuff?”
“I haven’t been up there yet. But judging from how the upstairs looks, it should be OK. That stuff’s all packed in boxes.”
“We need to make sure Nate doesn’t wash anything, Colin. Graham said water makes it worse.”
“I’ll call him.”
Joshua clutched his arm. “But, Colin, what about the?—”
“Josh,wait! Baby, you have to stop. We can’t solve every problem today, and you’ll make yourself sick if you try! There are too damned many of them. I need you strong, right here, right now. Just focus on one task—the one right in front of us. Like you always tell me.”
Joshua nodded, his eyes wide and trusting. “One simple task at a time.”
Colin pulled him close. They stood like that for a long moment, Joshua’s fingers curled in Colin’s shirt. The rest of the world faded; only their shared warmth remaining.
Joshua drew back just enough to meet Colin’s eyes. “Tell me the first task,” he whispered.
Colin brushed his thumb over Joshua’s cheek, tender and steady. “Breathe with me. That’s all. We start there.”
Joshua nodded and gave Colin a small smile. “Breathing. I can do that.”
They drew one breath together, then another, slow and deliberate. Petals from the cherry trees stirred in the breeze overhead, drifting past them like quiet blessings.
They stood there until the chaos receded, resting in the place love had created. A still, quiet space inside the storm where they could find a moment of peace.
The sound of a truck drew them back to reality, and they turned to see Trent Peterson and his husband, Jeff Kerry, moving toward them. The two men dashed to their side, wrapping both of them in a tight embrace.
“Stopped by David’s, but Nate said you were here. Is the case finally closed?”
“Yeah. We’ve been cleared.”
Trent nodded. “Well, OK.” He pressed his lips together. “I was thinking that you might need to rent a storage unit for a month or so. A place to store things that are clean or in good shape until you can move back in.” He nodded toward his truck. “It’s yours anytime you need it. And so are we.”
Colin pressed his palms to his face. “Jesus, Trent. It’s all so goddamn overwhelming.” He turned to receive Jeff’s hug while Trent wrapped an arm around Joshua.
“Where’s David?”
