I’ve noticed these little slipups since I came back. Sometimes he calls him Chase, other times Dad, and every time he does it, my brother looks like he’s been sucker punched. This little boy has him wrapped around his finger. He might not be Chase’s kid by blood, but he’s his in his heart.
Chase ruffles his hair just as I hear soft footsteps coming up the stairs. “Absolutely, bud. This is the best room in the house, especially now. You like how it turned out?”
“Yes! It’s amazing. And I get to stay here, right?” He nibbles at his lip, the uncertainty written on his face. “Forever?”
From the corner of my eye, I see Rose’s head peek through the crack in the door. Whatever she planned to say is cut off when she sees Chase cup Kyle’s cheek. Her fingers curl around the doorframe, lips pressing together as she watches them sign to each other. I’m not sure what he says, but a small, wistful smile plays on Rose’s lips, her throat bobbing as she fights her emotions.
Her gaze meets mine, and I acknowledge the moment with a nod. She reaches for the light switch and quickly turns it on and off a couple of times, drawing their attention.
“I see you’ve been busy,” she says and signs at the same time.
Just then a little snout peeks from around her leg, so she moves, and lets the dog rush into Kyle’s room. Teddy, the little fluff ball they recently adopted, barks excitedly as he jumps onthe bed. Shadow, Chase’s German Shepard, peeks her head into the room and gives the young dog what can only be described as a reproaching glare. I’d know since I’ve been on the receiving end of several of them myself over the years.
“Mom!” Kyle cheers when he spots her. “We’re done. This is the best room ever!”
Rose chuckles softly at her son’s excitement. “I can see that. You guys did good.”
“And I helpeda lot. Right, Dad?”
Rose bites the inside of her cheek as her gaze meets my brother’s. The exchange is short, but it’s hard not to feel the love they have for each other.
“The most. I don’t really know why we even needed Matthew.”
“Har-har-har,” I mock-laugh, poking my tongue in their direction. “Next time I’m not helping you guys with anything.”
“No, you have to help us, Matthew.” Kyle grabs my hand and tugs at it. “You can play with me too.”
“Well, playing will have to wait since dinner is almost done,” Rose announces. “So, time to wash your hands and get downstairs.”
Nobody needs to be told twice. Kyle rushes out of the room with dogs at his feet. I go after him, boxes in hand, but not before I see Chase go to Rose, kissing her forehead and murmuring something softly to her.
My brother is finally happy; not just that, he’s at peace in this family he created on his own.
I slip out of the room, deciding to give them some privacy. Descending the stairs, I go to the kitchen where I can smell something good simmering in the air, making my stomach growl and reminding me I haven’t eaten since this morning.
“We’re here!” Becky yells as she opens the back door. “And I have desserts.”
“Why are you yelling? Not only are they not here, two out of three people literally cannot hear you.”
My sister’s gaze lands on mine, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Oh, look who’s here. The town’s lover boy.”
Shit.
She knows.
Then again, this is Bluebonnet Creek.
If anything remotely interesting or unusual happens, the news will spread through the town like wildfire.
“C’mon, Red,” Miguel chides softly as he steps inside, Jackson tucked into his side, and a diaper bag tossed over his other shoulder. “Be nice.”
“You should listen to him,” I say as I walk past her to drop off the boxes on the terrace, but when I turn around, Becky is standing behind me, hands propped on her hips.
“Oh no,youshould listen tome.”
I run my hand over my face, sighing. “Becky…”
“Matthew James Williams!”
