Chapter 28
Rob
James, sitting comfortably on his old couch and holding a sleeping Thomas, listened attentively as Hallie read another advanced story.
At first, she didn’t spot me. I stood in the doorway, wet hair dripping down my neck, with Danny at my back, just watching my daughter with awe. How she’d advanced so quickly blew my mind. Every day she seemed to be learning new words. I had a dictionary app on my phone. She had my password so she could access the app when she wanted. I probably should’ve just bought her a dictionary, but I trusted her with my phone. She knew she didn’t have permission to answer it or anything like that. Plus, she knew how to search for Danny and James’s names and how to call them in an emergency.
Danny pressed a kiss to that sweet spot just behind my earlobe, his lips as warm as they’d been in the shower. “You did that, Rob. You’ve helped her grow into this amazing child.”
He didn’t just mean the reading. She was growing in her confidence. Starting to ask for things she wanted. Not cowering in fear. The change had been gradual, but as I stood, watching her read with confidence, the transformation nearly stole my breath. Gerard had nearly taken something precious—her ability to grow into the person she was meant to be. I’d tried to shield her from the fear. She was far too empathetic, though. Now, I hoped my happiness would give her more assurance to be herself.
I reached behind me to snag Danny’s thigh, still buzzing a little from what we’d done, still shaken that I had the right to touch him that way. “Thank you.” I whispered the words with what I hoped was just the right amount of both fierceness and gratitude.
“It’s going to be okay.”
Trouble raised her head from where she sat on the couch by Hallie. I was pretty sure she shouldn’t be on the couch, but Widget was allowed, so that was hard to police, when they often played together. “I need to call Jordan.”
“Jordan?”
“The trainer Arthur recommended. I kept meaning to…”
“I’ll get that organized. Figure out a time he can come when we’re all around.” He chuckled. “Least I can do.”
I needed to sort out our financial situation, but now wasn’t the moment. Neither of us had much. If he moved in, he would likely insist on contributing. At a time when he didn’t have many resources.
“James wants to train me to do some data entry for him. Basic stuff but he can pay me a decent salary for the contract work.”
I glanced behind me, my eyebrow raised.
Danny shrugged. “A couple hours a day, but the money’ll help.”
“A lot.”
“We’ll make this work, Rob.”
When I finished my probation at the clinic, I’d be eligible for health insurance for myself and the kids. I planned to get everyone in for full physical exams. Hallie’s counselling would be covered as well. “I’m still scared.”
“Because shit happens. I get it.” His gaze softened. “Together, Rob. And you’re supposed to get some of your ex’s money, right?”
My breath caught. “Yeah, but?—”
“You can put it in a college account for the kids. Maybe some for an emergency funds thingy. You won’t have to feel guilty, because it’s for the kids.”
He was right, of course. The kids deserved whatever money I got out of my ill-advised marriage. I got them—that was enough.
“Papa!” Hallie held up her book.
“That’s great, sweetheart.” I advanced into the room.
Trouble leapt off the couch and made her way over to Danny. She ducked her head, then butted against his hand.
“In no way is that dog trying to apologize.” I eyed her. “She’s not that smart.”
James chuckled. “Maybe she realizes who she has to suck up to.”
“Well, that’s true.” Danny ruffled her fur. “You’re forgiven…but don’t do it again.”
Trouble woofed.
Danny cocked his eyebrow. “You realize we’re going to call you Trouble from now on.” He met Hallie’s gaze. “Sorry.”
She shrugged. “Drizella’s a mean sister.” She pursed her lips. “Trouble.” She said the name, as if testing it out.
Damn dog leapt on the couch, went over to Hallie, licked her cheek, then dropped to the cushion and laid her head on Hallie’s thigh.
Hallie petted her.
Danny laughed. “Oh yeah.” He cocked his head at James. “Can I feed you?”
He arched an eyebrow. “Who said we haven’t already eaten? There were only about two bowls of stew, so we left those for you.”
“Uncle James made grilled cheese.” Hallie beamed.
“Your favorite.” And now I looked closer, she and Thomas both had ketchup on their shirts.
James grinned. “We enjoyed ourselves.” He indicated I should take Thomas. “I’ll be back around six. You have the night off, right?”
Dr. Louisa insisted I take both Friday and Saturday nights off. With pay. Something about having access to personal days.
“Uh, yeah. Back on Monday.” I scooped Thomas from James’s arms.
My boy woke, farted, then closed his eyes and went right back to sleep
Everyone except Hallie laughed. She was too busy talking to Trouble.
Danny cocked his head. “Why are you coming by around six?”
James’s grin widened. “Colin and I are babysitting tonight.”
As if that was the most logical answer in the world. I stared. “Uh…why…?”
“Well, Colin needs practice around kids.”
“Your ten nieces and nephews aren’t enough?” That sort of blew my mind. Even my family had only six kids. Well, the extended was pretty big. Be fruitful and multiply was a thing in my family’s church. But we didn’t treat all the kids as our own, the way the Reynolds seemed to.
James shook his hand in a so-so motion. “We rarely get one-to-one time. He hasn’t had the strength to go up to Huntington Beach and, as of now, with Colin’s health, no one’s come down with kids.”
Danny chuckled. “You know Felicia’s itching to drop the boys off for a weekend sometime before the babies are born.”
“Or after,” James added. “We’ve offered. But…we need practice.” He gazed between Hallie and Thomas. “They felt like a safe way to start. I mean, if Danny can handle them…” He waggled his eyebrows.
Danny groaned.
James stilled. “But only if you’re comfortable with us. I mean, you barely?—”
“It’s fine.” I managed a laugh. “You really want the chaos?”
“Uh, they’re two extremely well-behaved children.”
I flashed back to the time Thomas managed to not just get spaghetti in his hair but also all over the floor, the table, and even the wall. I remembered all the nights Hallie had nightmares. “It’s a lot.”
“Colin and James are considering fostering.” Danny nodded toward his brother. “When Colin’s feeling better.”
“Yeah.” James glanced down at his socked feet before meeting my gaze. “We’re both privileged. Me in coming from a big, supportive family and having a good-paying job.”
“A company he built himself,” Danny added proudly.
James rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, that.” If he’d had lighter skin, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a blush. “And although Colin’s family are assh…asshats… he put aside enough money, along with his inheritance, to live a comfortable life. We’re in a position to help.” James glanced at Hallie and Thomas. “Not all kids are so lucky.”
I was grateful he saw the good—that I could care for them. That they had a good life. Not the bad—that we skirted poverty, that I’d brought them into a marriage on the rocks, even if I hadn’t realized how rocky. I reminded myself I’d get a raise and insurance shortly. Whatever I got from my marriage to Gerard would be our cushion. Maybe one day I’d find the time to get my GED. Maybe train for something. Although, frankly, I liked my job. Honest work for honest money. Helping people. Keeping pets safe from germs and disease. That made a difference in my self-worth. Yes, I was a dad…but I was also providing for my family.
We’d survive.
With or without Danny.
But hopefully with. Be optimistic. He said he’ll move in…
“Okay. So maybe fostering.” Danny met his brother’s gaze.
James nodded. “I wouldn’t mind adopting. I think I might eventually be able to convince Colin. Just…with the transplant…” He glanced over to ensure Hallie was still busy. She’d grabbed her book and was reading to Trouble, who appeared absolutely enraptured.
The dog would get an extra treat later…despite the running-away shenanigans. Thank God she hadn’t been hit by a car during her escapade.
“The transplant,” Danny prompted.
“You know he’s facing a diminished lifespan. I mean, longer than if he hadn’t had the transplant, but not as long as the average person.” James winced. “Average is such a common word. I could be hit on the freeway tomorrow and he could live to eighty.”
“Neither are likely,” Danny reminded him gently.
James scratched his beard. “I know. So he thinks we should only do temporary fosters so that he doesn’t leave me with the responsibility of a child when he dies.”
Danny glared into space as if he could control fate. “He’s not likely to die tomorrow.”
“No, he’s not. The infection cleared up and the anti-rejection meds are working perfectly. Everything is looking great. Dr. Milson is thrilled.”
“Okay…” Danny arched an eyebrow. “I assume there’s more.”
“Yeah.” James scrunched his nose. “And then Colin wavers over to adopting older kids so I’ll have them to take care of—and to take care of me—when he passes.”
“This is…” I rubbed my face.
“Morbid?” Danny snickered. “That’s Colin.”
James shot him a look.
Danny held up his hands. “I don’t mean anything by it. I don’t know what it’s like to be on death’s doorstep. That would change a guy. But he can’t live the next however many years just expecting to die.”
“You tell him that.” James grinned. “Not like he’ll listen to his husband.”
“Have Mama set him straight.”
Both James and I stared at Danny.
He shrugged. “You know Mama will have the perfect thing to say.”
“I was hoping Dr. Milson might the next time we see her. How’re you doing?”
Danny grinned. “Fit as a fiddle.” He didn’t look at me.
But I glared at him.
James glanced between the two of us. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Danny cut me a glare. Then he smiled back at his brother. “So you want to babysit tonight.”
“Colin’s made reservations for you at Fiery’s Italian. His treat.”
“That’s generous?—”
James cut Danny off. “And a night at the hotel down the street from there.”
“Uh…” I frowned.
“So we can practice overnight babysitting,” James offered.
Danny snickered. “You just think I want to get lucky.” He looked over at me. “Sorry.”
I gazed down at Thomas. “I’ve never spent a night away from my children.”
James’s gaze softened. “I thought that. If we’re pushing too hard, let me know. I just…” He pointed between Danny and me. “It seems like some time alone might be a good thing. We’ll take good care of the kids, Rob—hourly updates. But if I’m pushing too hard, then I apologize.”
“Reynolds men can be steam engines,” I commented drily.
Both men burst out laughing.
James smacked Danny’s arm. “He’s got your number.”
“Hey.” Danny made a show of grabbing his arm. “What’s with the violence?”
We all knew James hadn’t hit hard, but I appreciated the reminder. That being said, Danny made it clear his nieces and nephews all understood the smacks to the upper arm were signs of affection and were never meant to be done with force. I could teach that to Hallie, but I couldn’t envision Thomas understanding. Speaking of grabby hands… “I see you kept your glasses.” I indicated to James.
“Nearly lost them a couple of times.” He grinned ruefully. “That little guy moves fast.”
“Yeah, he does.”
“I do need to be heading home. Unless you tell us not to, we’ll be here at six. We’ll presumptuously bring overnight bags, but you can send us home at any time.”
Danny snickered. “Steamroller.”
James bumped him. “When are you moving in?”
“Uh…” Danny cleared his throat. “We haven’t…that is…”
“As soon as he wants.” Just so he was in no doubt of where I stood on the matter.
“Danny’s moving in?”
Hallie suddenly stood between the three of us looking up.
James winced, but Danny crouched before her. “Your papa and I are discussing it. How would you feel?”
I held my breath, worrying this might be too much pressure for Hallie.
She pulled her lower lip through her teeth, then leaned over and whispered, “Will you be mean?”
Solemnly, Danny shook his head. “I won’t be mean. I will love you and Thomas and Papa with my whole heart.”
Again, her uncertainty ate away at me. If she says no then what do I do?
In the blink of an eye, she launched herself into Danny’s arms, throwing her arms around his neck. “I want you to stay. I want you to keep us safe.”
My heart broke, and I blinked back tears. She was four—she never should have known fear. Or felt unsafe. Gerard had done that to her. And I hadn’t protected her.
But I would from now on.