Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“You’re not just my boyfriend’s son. You are my boyfriend’s son, and that feels really freaking weird to say too, considering this is all pretty new to me, but I like you outside of being August’s son. You’re basically my new welding partner, which is pretty awesome. I mean, if that’s okay with you. I’m hoping this isn’t one of those situations where I try to sound cool but I really just sound like an annoying adult who’s trying too hard to sound hip.”
Clint had to admit he was proud when he earned himself a chuckle from Reese.
“Nah, you’re cool.”
“Thank God for that.”
“Do you think I could talk to you…just between us.”
Nerves tickled at the base of Clint’s spine. He wanted to be there for Reese, one hundred percent, but this really was new for him. He had his nieces, but that was it. Sure, he was around Wyatt and Sean often, but neither of them came to talk to him this way. “Of course. As long as it’s not something that can get you hurt, I won’t say anything to your dad—s.”
“No, it’s nothing like that. It’s just… I assume Dad told you they said I could choose who I live with? That was never an option before. It was just automatic that I would be with Dad.”
Damned if his nerves didn’t increase. He wasn’t sure what Reese would ask, but he worried about getting into the middle of it, of saying or doing the wrong thing. “Yeah, he told me.”
“I don’t know what to do. I talked to Scout some, but I just… I don’t want to hurt either of their feelings. I love them both. I wanted them to get back together so much, and I was so angry for a long time, mostly at Dad, even though I know it wasn’t his fault. But he’s always there, so it’s easier for it to get taken out on him, ya know?”
“I do, and that’s a very mature and responsible way to think for someone your age.”
“It’s something I’ve been working through with my therapist. But, Clint…what if they hate me?” He looked down, swiped at his face. “What if I choose Dad, and Pop forgets about me or moves on without me or is angry at me? And if I choose Pop, what if Dad does? I mean, because they’re so upset with me, or think I don’t love them, or—”
“Hey, no. That’ll never happen.” Clint reached out and placed a hand on Reese’s arm. He was tensed up, not from the touch but from the stress and worry. It was like he’d kept it bottled in, but now that he’d released it, Reese couldn’t stop the fear from radiating off him.
“I know they said it won’t, but how can they know? When it wasn’t my choice, I didn’t have to worry about one of them hating me for it because it wasn’t my fault.”
Clint had never done this before, never stepped into this role, but as he stood there with Reese, he realized he didn’t need to step into anything. He just had to react and be honest and real, and there was nothing he wanted more than to be there for August’s son…to be there for Reese. “I know sometimes it feels like it’s hard to listen to your parents, it’s hard to believe them because it feels like they have to say certain things, but I know your dad and what kind of man he is. I might not know your pop, but I know what kind of man he must be for August to have loved him and chosen to make a life with him. They would never hate you, and they would never blame you. They won’t leave you, Reese. I know that’s hard to believe sometimes. It’s hard to trust people because we want to protect ourselves, but you’ll be okay. You’re too loved to ever worry about being alone. You have your dad, your pop, Scout.”
Reese smiled at that last person. Clint could see it without Reese looking up at him.
“Sean and Wyatt as well. And my brother, sister-in-law, and nieces are dying to meet you.”
“They are?” Reese asked, finally meeting his eyes.
“Yep. I already told them how great you are, and that you’re my new welding buddy. And I know we don’t know each other well, but I think you’re one of the coolest people I’ve ever met, and it means the world that you came to me to talk today. I’ll always be here for you too. More than anything, though, I want you to remember how much you’re loved by August and Lewis. You came into their lives for a reason, and you don’t ever have to worry about losing them. And I promise, you never, ever have to worry about me taking your dad away from you. He wouldn’t allow that to happen, and I would never want it. You’re stuck with me now.” Holy shit, he was hoping those were the right things to say. “Just trust yourself. You’re smart, kind, and thoughtful. Trust yourself, and it’ll all work out.”