22. Jax #2
I head into the kitchen to grab a beer. In all honesty, I have mixed emotions about tonight. I’m happy, a little sad, and extremely anxious. I hope Beau doesn’t get upset with me when he finds out what I’ve done.
“Wow, look at you,” I say when he joins me in the kitchen thirty minutes later.
“I’ve never liked wearing a tie,” he replies, tugging at the one around his neck.
I chuckle. “Me either.”
“Getting to have a long, hot shower makes it worthwhile.”
I can’t tell you how many times over the past year I’ve offered to let him come here to shower, but he’s always declined. I wish I would’ve been more insistent now.
“I feel like the person I was before …” His words drift off, but I know what he was going to say, and I feel sorry for him. He not only lost the love of his life, he lost everything, including his dignity. Hopefully, that will all change tonight. A new beginning.
“You don’t have to wear it for long.”
“Are you going to let me in on the surprise now?”
“Soon. Do you want a beer?” I ask, holding up the one in my hand.
“Please. It might settle my nerves a bit.”
“Sit,” I say, pointing to the stools at the breakfast bar. I grab a beer from the fridge before taking the seat beside him.
Taking a deep breath, I open my mouth to speak.
“Beau, I’m glad you came into my life.” Expressing my feelings is something I’ve never been comfortable with.
I know what I’m doing is the right thing, but I can’t help but feel selfish.
I’m not completely prepared for what tonight might bring—losing him.
“Meeting you has been a godsend,” he says. “I’m not sure how much longer I would’ve survived on the streets without your kindness. You have a very giving heart, Jax. Your parents must be extremely proud of you.”
“Hah,” I scoff. “My parents are ashamed of me.” The words are out of my mouth before they even register. I usually don’t talk about my personal life.
“I can’t imagine why. You’re an exceptional young man.
You’re compassionate, kind, hardworking …
not many youngsters can say they run a successful business at your age.
Not to mention what you’ve done for me.” He pauses briefly and looks down at the bottle of beer in his hand.
When his eyes finally meet mine again, I’m surprised to see tears glistening in them.
“Do you know, in all the years I was on the streets, you were the first person to look past my homelessness and treat me like a human being? That’s a very rare trait.
I’m proud of you, and I’d be equally proud to call you my son. ”
“Thank you.” Apart from Candice, he’s the only person to ever say they’re proud of me.
“I think you’d make a pretty awesome dad.
” I think back to the first day I met him.
My heart certainly went out to him that day, but I never expected to care for him as deeply as I do now.
“You may not realise it, but you’ve given me a lot too. ”
I take a huge gulp of my beer in an attempt to clear my throat. I want to remember tonight with happiness, because it may be the last time I ever see him. Looking at my watch, I realise it’s just about time. Our guest should be arriving any minute.
My heart rate accelerates when I hear a knock at the door. Showtime .
“Are you expecting anyone?” Beau asks as I stand.
“I am. I won’t be a minute.” I rub my hands together in anticipation as I walk towards the front door. Please let this meeting go as well as I’m hoping it will.
“Jax,” he says, when I open the door.
“Yes,” I reply, shaking his hand. “Come in.”
The man before me is older than I thought and looks nothing like what I pictured in my head when I spoke with him on the phone. He’s dressed casually in a polo shirt and jeans. I don’t know why I expected him to be wearing a suit.
“Thank you. Is he here?”
“He is,” I answer as he follows me down the hall. “He has no idea you’re coming, so don’t be discouraged if he’s surprised to see you.” Christ, I hope Beau’s not going to be angry at me for interfering. That’s the last thing I want. I did what I thought was right.
Beau’s gaze is fixed on his beer bottle when we enter the kitchen. I clear my throat, and he looks up. The moment he sees our guest, his eyes widen in disbelief.
“James,” he breathes as he rises from the stool.
“Hi, Dad.”
They approach each other, meeting in the middle of the room. As soon as he’s close enough, Beau pulls James into a crushing embrace.
“I’ve missed you, Son.”
When I hear his voice crack, a lump rises to my throat.
It makes me think of my own father; I know I’d never hear those words leave his mouth.
James is lucky to have a parent like Beau.
I exhale in relief as I watch them cling to each other like their lives depend on it, neither of them daring to let go.
“You should’ve told me you were in trouble, Dad. You know I would’ve helped out.”
James was equally shocked and devastated when I told him about the life his father had been living since his wife passed away. He had no clue.
“I didn’t want to burden my child with my problems.”
James pulls back from his father, making eye contact with him.
“We’re family. That’s what families do. We look out for each other.
You and Mum gave me everything growing up.
You were always there … always . Now it’s my time to give something back.
You’re coming to Perth to live with me, no arguments.
I want you with us, Alana does as well. You can help her with Aiden when I’m at work.
I want him to know how amazing his grandfather is. ”
When Beau swipes his fingers over his cheeks, I look away and clear my throat. I must have a damn allergy that’s making my eyes water.