Despite everything, I laugh.Weak but real."What'd you tell him?"
"That I hadn't, but I'd keep an eye out just in case."
"He's obsessed with them."
"I noticed.The kid knows more about dinosaurs than I know about bikes."
"He's smart.Too smart sometimes."
"Gets it from his mam."
I shake my head, but I'm smiling now.The panic is fading.
"He likes you," I say quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah.I can tell.He wouldn't have asked you to read if he didn't trust you."
"Good.Because I like him too.He's a good kid."
"The best."
We're quiet for a moment, then Devin says, deadpan, "Though I've got to say, his dinosaur facts are a bit intense.I didn't need to know how a velociraptor hunted its prey in that much detail."
I laugh, properly laugh."Welcome to life with Warren.You're going to learn more about dinosaurs than you ever wanted to know."
"Worth it."
The simple statement lands heavy.Because he means it.He's choosing this.Choosing us.Dinosaur facts and panic attacks and all.
My phone buzzes.A text from Mam.
How'd it go?He seem alright with the boy?
I type back.
Really well.Warren loved him.Asked him to read a bedtime story.
Her response comes quick.
Good.I liked him.Fierce eyes but soft hands with the boy.That's what matters.
Tears prick my eyes again, because Mam's approval means everything.And knowing she sees what I see in Devin makes it feel more real.
"Mam likes you," I say.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah.Says you have fierce eyes but soft hands with Warren."
Devin's quiet for a moment."She's not wrong.I'd do anything to keep you both safe.But I'll never hurt him.Or you.Ever."
"I know."
And I do.I really do.
We stay on the couch until late.Just talking.About nothing important.About everything.
