Jon
“It’s true what they say: all good things must come to an end.” Jon was packing the duffel that he shared with Kyle. Their time in Hawthorne Bluff was over. For now.
“Yeah, but if all goes well, we’ll be back at some point,” Kyle replied. “Now let’s stow our stuff in the car and have one last stroll through town.”
Clay was at the registration desk, sorting through some paperwork, when they descended into the lobby. “Hey, guys,” he called out to them.
“Hi, Clay,” Jon said. “Is it okay if we leave our car in the parking lot while we linger a while in town?”
“Absolutely. Take your time. I trust you enjoyed your visit?” Clay asked.
“We did. Both here at Bradley House and in Hawthorne Bluff. If all goes well, we’ll be back to stay as soon as we can.”
“That’s great to hear!”
Jon and Kyle headed to the door as they waved goodbye. After stowing their things in the back of the SUV that Ben had kindly lent them, they ambled down Main Street, taking in the sights and sounds one last time. For now.
After a leisurely stroll through town, they stopped at Cuppa Joe’s for an early lunch before making their way back to Westport.
When they finally got on the road, with Jon behind the wheel, neither of the men spoke much. Jon was lost in his thoughts, and he assumed Kyle was as well. Jon contemplated another move less than a year after he’d relocated to DC: no small feat. But to keep his family together and happy, he’d eagerly do it. His brain started making lists, which he’d eventually put in a spreadsheet or to-do app, organizing all the things they’d need to do to prepare for such a life-changing event.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Kyle said as they drove through New Bedford. They’d be back at Ben and Rob’s home in about fifteen minutes.
“Oh, you know me.” Jon chuckled.
“Mentally, you’re making lists of things we’ll need to do to make this move happen, aren’t you?” Jon could hear the amusement in Kyle’s voice.
“See, I was right. Youdoknow me.”
“Well, it’s not like I wasn’t doing the same thing,” Kyle admitted. “Although I’m sure my thoughts aren’t as organized as yours.”
“Hey,” Jon said softly, reaching for Kyle’s left hand, “we’re both in agreement that this is what we want, what we think is best for our family, so it’s gonna be okay. Maybe a bit overwhelming at times, but we can do this.”
“Thank you.” The sincerity in Kyle’s voice was evident. “Knowing that you’re on board with this is all I need. I know we can do it together.”
As Jon turnedinto the driveway of Ben and Rob’s home, Kyle said, “Yeah, they’ve been watching for us. The side door just opened, and Rob is standing there waving.”
“I hope Wyatt wasn’t too much for them,” Jon replied.
“I’m sure it was fine.”
Rob hugged both men warmly as they entered the kitchen. “Welcome back. Your dad is in the family room with Wyatt.”
Just then Wyatt came around the corner on only slightly wobbly legs—his walking and almost running had been improving steadily of late—yelling “Da!” He practically leaped into Kyle’s arms, where he was hugged and kissed.
“That’s new,” Jon said softly.
Wyatt then reached for Jon, wriggling out of Kyle’s arms. Jon grabbed the boy and kissed his cheek. “How’s my big boy?”
“Back, Dada,” Wyatt said. Jon’s eyes widened, and he stared at Kyle.
“Yeah, buddy, we’re back.”
“That’s new too.” Kyle’s face echoed Jon’s surprise.
“Yeah,” Ben said, walking up to both men and hugging them around Wyatt. “He’s been calling me Pa, and since you left, Rob is now Papa. Seems his brain is making all sorts of interesting connections.”
Wyatt yawned, and Rob said, “I think it’s time for this guy’s nap. Then you both can tell us what you thought of Hawthorne Bluff.”
