The only solace through all of this has been my family—and, surprisingly, Kaden, who calls and texts every day to make sure I’m still getting out of bed and functioning in the real world.
On the days when everything feels too heavy and suffocating, he simply shows up, arms full of groceries or hot meals from Jason’s restaurant because he knows I won’t have the energy to cook or buy food. In every small way that makes life a little easier, a little more bearable, Kaden is there—quietly offering a steady hand.
He’s the unexpected friend I never knew I needed. And I’m glad that I have at least one other person in my corner.
The sharp trill of my phone from the kitchen island has me abandoning the basket of washing at my feet as I wander towards it. Right on cue, Kaden’s name lights up the screen, and I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips.
“Hello, Mr Grant. What can I do for you?’”
“Good afternoon, Miss McKenna, how’s my best buddy going today?”
I chuckle softly. “She was just in the middle of doing laundry, though she’d much rather be doing something much more fun and interesting.”
“Like hanging out with three of the most awesome guys in Sydney?”
I frown, yet the smile on my face lingers. “What are you talking about? And who exactly are these three ‘awesome guys’ you’re referring to?”
“Why don’t you open the front door and find out.”
My brows lift in surprise, and I dash towards the front door, quickly bypassing Zac in the living room, whose head snaps up as soon as he sees me rush past.
I fling the door open and freeze, my eyes widening as I take in the two striking gentlemen, and a little boy, perhaps a couple of years younger than Zac, standing before me, all three of their grins almost identical.
“Kaden… Jason,” I blurt out, then glance down at the young boy standing between the two men. “And who’s this little one?”
“This little devil here is Jake… my son,” Jason teases, as Jake gives him a playful nudge on the hip with his elbow.
“Well, it’s very lovely to meet you, Jake. How old are you, sweetie?”
“I’m seven now,” he says, first holding up eight little fingers, then dropping one to show me seven.
“You know, Jake, I have a little boy too. His name is Zac, and he’s nine. Would you like to meet him?”
“Really? Will he let me play with him?”
“Why don’t we ask him?” I suggest, glancing between Kaden and Jason. They both nod, giving me the okay.
“We’ll wait out here for a minute. There’s something I’d like to show you,” Kaden says, and the frown on my face must look absolutely ridiculous, because both men chuckle.
I leave Kaden and Jason by the door and walk with Jake to the living room, where Zac sits on the floor, building with the brand-new magnetic blocks set my parents had given him a few days ago when they came to visit.
“Zac, honey?”
He turns his head towards me, a deep frown forming on his forehead the moment his eyes settle on Jake.
“I want you to meet someone. This is Jake,” I say, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. “He’s here with Kaden and Jason, who stopped by to visit us.”
Zac rises to his feet and walks up to Jake. Their heights are nearly the same, even though they’re two years apart. “Hi,” Zac says, “do you like to build things?”
Jake nods eagerly. “Yeah, I do! I’m really good with Legos?”
“Oh cool. I have them, but I’m playing with my new magnetic blocks that Nan and Pop got me. Do you want play with them too?”
“Okay,” Jake beams with excitement, and the two boys drift off, completely forgetting that I’m still standing here. They gather around Zac’s structure, adding blocks while he explains his plan for the build.
“I’ll just be outside for a moment, okay boys?”
Without looking back, they both nod in unison and continue with their task.
