Love furever, p.20
Love Furever, page 20
His generosity toward Rob and the kids warmed my heart.
And he was the one to insist Danny and I put up lights at my old house as well. So the home wouldn’t stand out, he claimed.
The day after Thanksgiving had proven that Christmas lights were a thing around Gaynor Beach, that was for certain. In truth, it would’ve been fine, but we didn’t want Rob to feel like he wasn’t giving his kids the best Christmas possible.
I might’ve also mentioned the family to Mama last night, who might’ve set about preparing all the things a young family could need for a special Christmas.
Gracie agreed to bring down the food and packages on the twenty-second.
Talking Mama out of this would’ve been impossible. Daddy promised me she wouldn’t overdo it. I chose to believe him.
Exhausted, Danny, Colin, and I dug into our food.
Colin hadn’t done much physical work, but it’d still been a taxing day for him.
“Because nothing says Christmas like Chinese food,” my sassy brother quipped as he dug into his shrimp egg foo young.
I shushed him and was heartened to see him digging into his food. He’d done a ton of physical labor today.
Colin, who’d paid for the food, laughed at Danny’s sarcasm.
“What?” Danny opened his eyes wide and tried for the innocent look.
I wasn’t fooled for even a fraction of a second.
He forked up some sweet and sour pork. “Do you think Rob and the kids are going to be okay?”
Colin tilted his head. “Well, as long as his ex is in jail, then yeah, probably.”
“What if he gets bail? Lots of people get bail.”
“He’s facing serious charges.” Colin caught my gaze. “But Rob’s from Los Angeles, so hopefully Gaynor Beach is a safe place for him. He didn’t have many friends up there—”
Because his asshole ex wouldn’t let him. Isolated the whole family.
“—so no one will be looking for him down here. Anthony gave the police the heads-up, and we know.” He gestured between himself and me. “He’ll need to go back up to testify at the trial.”
“If the douchebag doesn’t plead guilty,” I said, trying to find a bright side. Most people pled guilty for a reduced sentence, or so I understood.
“True.” Colin nodded. “Rob’s got a lot going for him, but he’s facing a long road ahead. It’s going to be challenging with two young children and no education.”
Another tragic aspect of the story—Rob had been kicked out of his parents’ house at sixteen for being gay. He’d lived on the streets before being offered a place to stay by the much-older man. Things had seemed incredibly perfect until shortly after the ill-advised nuptials. Still, Rob held out hope his husband would change. Especially when a friend of Rob’s asked the couple to adopt her baby. A few years later, the same thing happened again.
Rob maintained his husband never hit the children, but I had my doubts about that. Hallie just…seemed so scared of everything. No wonderment at the lights and the Christmas tree we set up for them. No interest in Widget. Nothing but hovering over Thomas at all times.
“He can get an education, right?” Danny eyed his food.
“Of course.” I took a sip of my Chinese noodle soup. “We’ve got him set up with a computer and have organized for him to take GED classes.”
Yeah, he’d made that promise. Then made me promise to fulfill it if he wasn’t around. Like that hadn’t broken my heart. Still, I’d agreed.
Plus Colin had arranged a sweet laptop for Rob so he could take online courses eventually for college, since Gaynor Beach didn’t have one.
“He needs a car too.” Danny forked some more egg. “I could give him mine.”
Colin and I glanced at each other. “That’s incredibly generous, little brother.” I cocked my head. “But you’re in school in LA, and our family lives in Huntington Beach. Plus, you do occasionally visit me.” One family member at a time was okay. Hence Colin having a second bedroom with a queen-sized bed was a good thing.
Until whatever day Mama and Daddy descended.
Hopefully that invasion wouldn’t happen for a while.
Danny poked his food. “I know. But I can hop the bus or get a ride with Gracie. But can you imagine trying to cart those kids around on public transit? I mean, one in a stroller and one strapped to your chest? But for how long? And what if there’s an emergency? What if he needs a car, or—”
“Hey.” Colin reached out a hand to press against Danny’s shoulder. “If you’re really set on doing this, I’m sure I can work something out with Anthony.”
“Oh, we could tell him it belonged to an old person who needs to stop driving because it’s not safe, but they’ll only give up the keys if their car is going to be put to good use.” I pursed my lips.
Colin’s eyebrow arched. “That’s kind of genius.”
“Happened with a friend’s grandmother when her eyesight began going but she was stubborn about giving up her keys. My friend pretended to need the car, even though she didn’t really, and her grandmother gifted it to her. The roads of Huntington Beach were much safer after that, and my friend drove her grandma when she needed to go somewhere.”
Danny turned his intense gaze on Colin. “You’ll help me work this out? For Rob?”
“And for the kids.” He squeezed Danny’s shoulder. “And for you as well—so you’re not worrying like you clearly are.”
My little brother blinked. “That’s a lot.”
“That’s what families do for each other.” He blinked in return. “Or it’s what families are supposed to do for each other.” He cut me a quick glance. “I mean, not that we’re family or—”
I wrapped my hand around his and squeezed. “Stop talking, sweetheart, before you dig yourself a bigger hole.”
He offered a small smile. “Yeah, okay.”
Danny headed home a few hours later, and when Colin and I crawled into bed, we both let out a long sigh. Me for all the physical activity I’d done that day and Colin for— “What are you sighing for?”
“Life.” He pushed back against my body, allowing me to spoon him.
“That sounds deep.” Am I supposed to push or back off? Is he talking about mortality?
“I have news, but I wasn’t planning to share so soon.”
“Oh?” Did this have something to do with money? Or his health? I pushed aside the omnipresent panic. I was trying to live in the moment as much as I could. “What’s up?”
“Dr. Milson emailed me yesterday afternoon. I’m on the transplant list.”
Joy seized me, but I held in my reaction. Obviously, he’d chosen not to share this before now. Afternoon meant the email would’ve arrived an hour or two before my effervescent brother. Danny had been in high spirits and would’ve likely been as happy for Colin as I was now, but my partner had chosen to hold this secret close to his heart for more than twenty-four hours. “Did you worry about my reaction? Or because Danny was here? Or did it have something to do with Rob?”
We’d been incredibly occupied for the past day, helping Anthony get Rob and the kids settled. Given my experience with babies—Whitney and Danny in particular as well as my nieces and nephews—I’d been the first to volunteer to give Rob a break. He’d refused that offer, and although a bit of strain had eased from his face as the day passed, he still looked wrung out.
“No, nothing like that.” Colin squeezed my arm where I held my hand against his sternum. “Well, maybe. I think…I needed for it to sink in first.”
I kissed his shoulder—silently encouraging him.
“If I do this…” He drew in a sharp breath and let it out. “I might get a liver and, obviously, someone else won’t. What if that person was destined for greatness? Or what if they have family who love them? What if they’re a parent, or—” He hiccupped.
“I get it.” I rubbed my bearded chin against his shoulder. He’d told me once he liked the sensation—the rough with the gentle. I looked terrible without a beard, but if he asked me to shave, then I would. Whatever he wanted, I would give him. I kissed his shoulder. “But did it occur to you that you have a family? You’re not a parent, but you have people who care about you.”
“They don’t give a shit about me.”
His response took me a moment to process, and I laughed snarkily. “I wasn’t talking about the Long Island set.” I pressed my fingertips against his chest. “I’m talking about Mama, Daddy, Danny, Gracie, Leticia and her crew, Felicia and her brood—”
“And Whitney?”
I chuckled. “Sure, why not? Having you around reduces the odds of her getting stuck with the kids.”
In response, he chuckled. “Yeah, that’s true.”
“We’re going to be okay.”
He stilled.
“You’re going to get your transplant. Rob and the kids are going to make it. Danny will…continue being Danny.”
Colin chuckled. “You know, when you say it like that, I can almost believe it.”
“Oh, I forgot.”
“Forgot?”
I waited a dramatic moment.
Colin playfully kicked me in the shin.
“Oof. Okay, fine. I confirmed with Dr. Louisa that Widget’s skin is in perfect shape for getting fixed on Monday.”
“Oh, right. Yeah, that’s great. We can see Oscar again.”
“Are you still jealous?”
“Jealousy is a wasted emotion.”
I snickered. “Seems to me that’s something I would say.” I chuckled. “And Jordan’s been subtler about his matchmaking.” The trainer had visited us several more times and had declared our work with Widget exceptional. He’d come back in a few months when she was ready for advanced work. With her temperament, he suggested, she might be a good therapy dog.
Colin and I had both glanced at each other. We’d never thought of that. Hallie hadn’t been particularly interested in Widget, but Rob sure had been. He’d taken a few moments to just sit and pet her. Widget being a love-bug, she lapped up the attention. What if Widget could be supportive to others? That would certainly be a great way to give back to the community we were calling home.
“I love you, Colin. I’m so glad we’re building a life together.”
“And I love you, James.” He smothered a yawn. “And I’d love to jump your bones…”
After planting a kiss to his shoulder, I drew him even closer. “Another night, I promise.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
CHAPTER 26
COLIN
The call came the twenty-fourth of December.
Christmas Eve.
Almost the day of my rebirth. Definitely, with the good morning blow job, hands-down my best birthday ever.
On the call, Dr. Milson was very matter-of-fact. “We’ve gone through all the tissue matching and pre-screening for a live-donor volunteer. In the new year, you’re getting a new liver.”
I’d put her on speaker phone.
James and I were loading the car for our trip up to Huntington Beach for Christmas. We were pretty much ready to go and were just grabbing Widget and the last of the things in the living room, when we got the call.
James met my gaze, and we just waited.
“Colin?” Dr. Milson’s voice rang through the speaker.
“Yes.” Trance broken, I stared at the phone. “I thought you said you found a live donor and I’m getting a liver.”
“January second. I’ve spoken to the transplant coordinator and surgeon. Both are taking some time over the holidays for vacation. That being said, everyone leaps into action if there’s a donation, and with all the traffic accidents…”
“Yeah. But a live donor. Some random person is just going to give me part of their liver.”
“It’ll grow back, Colin.”
“I know.” I blinked repeatedly. “How? Why me? How do I thank her? Or him?”
“Anonymous. You won’t know them. And I guess they decided saving a life was a worthy cause.”
“I don’t…” I choked down a sob. “I don’t feel worthy.”
James caught the phone as I nearly dropped it. “What he’s trying to say, Dr. Milson, is that he’s incredibly grateful, a little confused, and we’ll be there.”
“Great.” She chuckled. “I’m glad he has you, James.” She rustled some papers. “The hospital will email all the information. There’ll be a few tests ahead of time, but I don’t see any reason why Colin won’t be getting a new liver in just over a week.” More shuffling. “Okay, that’s it. Have a great Christmas, you guys. Take it easy so Colin’s all rested up for the surgery.”
“We will,” James said, gazing at me. “He’s going to be the best patient ever.”
“I will,” I chimed. “Thank you. Please thank the person…whomever they are.”
“Count on it. See you soon.” She hung up.
James and I continued to stare at each other.
My email pinged with a notification. I glanced down to see it was from the hospital. I only received auditory notifications for a few people—Dr. Milson and the hospital were two.
“Do you need to sit down, sweetheart?” James snagged my elbow and led me to the couch.
Before I sat, though, I put the phone on the coffee table. Then I launched myself into James’s arms.
He hung on tight.
Tears stung the back of my eyes. “Is this really happening?”
He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Yeah, this is really happening. We’ll head into this with cautious optimism, okay?”
“Yes.” I sniffed. “That’s a good idea.”
Widget woofed.
We looked down to see her indignantly staring up at us. With her cone, she looked absolutely adorable.
She sure wasn’t happy about it.
James pressed another kiss—this one to my temple. “Why don’t you sit in the back seat with her?”
“You don’t mind?” I glanced up at him.
He grinned. “For our girl? Nope, I don’t mind at all.”
In the end, I figured out his devious plan. Before we even hit the Interstate, Widget was asleep on my lap and I’d dozed off as well. Only when we pulled into the Reynolds’s driveway did I wake.
I met James’s gaze in the rearview mirror.
He smirked.
I chuckled.
Widget huffed.
Danny exited the house and met James at the trunk while I got out and helped Widget down.
“I’ll take her for a walk.” I needed to get out and move a bit.
As I rounded the car, Danny spotted her and came over. “Oh, my poor baby. Cone of shame?”
“Uh…”
He waved me off. “Just a joke. How long?”
“Another couple of days.”
Danny gave her a rump rub with his fingernails.
She snuffled.
He laughed.
My puppy and I headed out for our walk. We’d arrived in the early evening, and the sun was gone. This close to the solstice, night came early. But I was reassured we were now on the other side, and the days would grow longer.
Once Widget had done all her business, and met four other dogs and a cat on a leash—whatever that was about—we returned to the Reynolds’s home. Funny, I’d been here half-a-dozen times now, and it was beginning to feel like my home. Somewhere I’d always be welcome.
Just as I hit the driveway, Gracie pulled up. She exited the car and waved enthusiastically. “Oh, wow, poor Widget.”
“Well, her chances of developing breast cancer have dropped precipitously, and she never has to worry about having puppies so…she’ll live.”
Gracie crouched down. “How’s my favorite niece?”
Widget gave her knuckles a good licking.
“Favorite niece?”
She winked. “Don’t tell Martin or Leticia. They might think I don’t love their monsters. I do. I just really like having a niece who sits on my lap and quietly sleeps.”
“Don’t babies do that?”
“Well, there is that. Leticia’s about ready to pop.”
“Yeah. Are they coming over tonight?”
“No, we’re very much a Christmas Day family. Everyone will descend about noon. Chaos until about eight.” She rose and pressed a hand to my arm. “You’ve been warned.”
And thank God she did. I was certain James would have if he’d thought about it. Christmas Eve was very calm. Mama, Daddy, Whitney, Danny, Gracie, James and myself. And Widget, of course, who got all the attention.
Mama also might’ve baked me a chocolate cake to quietly celebrate another year on earth for me.
Christmas morning was equally civilized. Just adults sitting around drinking tea or coffee and chatting away. We had a late breakfast, and just as the last of the dishes were put away, chaos erupted.
Leticia, Felicia, their respective husbands, and all six children arrived at once.
Gracie snickered under her breath and told me this was planned.
James gladly took charge of the rugrats, keeping them occupied while food was organized in preparation for the feast.
Martin, Shondra, and Etta arrived next. Martin appeared a little haggard, and Shondra also appeared a little unsteady. She murmured, “Morning sickness,” as she made her way to the living room to plop down on the couch.
The seat closest to the bathroom, I noted.
Eventually everyone congregated in the family room, and all the presents were opened.
James’s shopping for the kids had brought him tremendous joy, and he’d spent a fortune in a bookstore Arthur recommended.
I’d trailed along to Boardwalk Books & Bites and was pleasantly surprised at the selection. Maybe we’ll go again before my surgery puts me flat on my back. I wasn’t the reader James was, but there was something comforting about a paperback in my hands.
Nash, the proprietor, had spent a good deal of time with us, sorting out the age of each child as well as their hobbies, preferences, and a bunch of other questions that sort of washed over me.
