My Orc Package Deal (Eastshore Isle #16)

Prologue

You really think you’d be able to make it work? To drive Milo out to Eastshore Isle this summer so the boys could meet?

Sure. I set my own schedule, after all, and I can either take two weeks off, or more likely, work while I’m there.

It would be amazing, if you’re willing. Anything I can do to help make it happen, tell me. I would love for them to be able to play.

I mean, video games are great, and I love to hear them talking about stuff while they play, but nothing beats sunshine and fresh air, you know?

LOL, I understand.

And hey, in case I haven’t mentioned it before, thanks for playing with them. The only thing I know about these video games is what I research—I’m not a gamer.

Makes me feel better, though, to know there’s a responsible adult looking out for Milo. Both of them.

Happy to. Jay gets his love of gaming from me. Once I came into your world, I searched out ways to improve my manual dexterity.

My little brother took up hockey, my twin took up heavy machinery. I took up guitar playing and gaming.

I’m glad I’ve gotten to know Milo.

D’aww. He really looks up to you both.

Speaking of that, the other day I heard Jay call him T’mak over the headset. My heart nearly melted.

What’s that mean?

Uh…I guess it translates to “little brother”, but it means like…a younger male you care for?

Wait, was the comma supposed to go there or on the inside of the quote marks?

Depends if you’re British or not. And the noun is quotation, sir; the verb is quote.

LOL

Can I be excused for not putting punctuation after LOL?

I’ll allow it this time.

You know what, though? I would’ve melted too. The thought of someone out there looking out for Milo, sticking up for him like a big brother…I’m tearing up now.

If any kid out there deserves someone watching out for him, it’s Milo. Jay is really protective of him—he likes the thought of taking care of your son.

OMG you’re going to make me cry. Thank you for everything you’ve done for him. I’m hoping this trip out to Eastshore actually works, and they finally get to hug. Because

What? You cut off there.

Just thinking.

This might sound stupid but…I would do anything in my power to make it true, you know? For Milo to really have a big brother as amazing and sweet and protective as Jay is.

Would you?

Well, yeah. I mean, it’s impossible because I can’t go back in time and have another kid before Milo, but it would make his life so much easier to have someone who would always be at his side, even after I’m gone. Someone to have his back, even when his episodes are overwhelming or difficult.

I can’t even describe to you how grateful I am that he’s found a friend like Jay.

Jay would love to have a little brother like Milo.

What?

I laid all that out, and that’s your response? I’m over here lying in the dark, saying stupid shit to you about impossible dreams…

And I’m agreeing with you. Jay deserves a little brother like Milo. Milo deserves a brother like Jay.

Kesha, it’s not impossible.

Hear me out…