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)
“And I made you feel like that more, didn’t I?” Lewis asked, surprising August.
Reese didn’t answer right away, which August saw as an answer in itself. Reese had never hesitated showing his anger or frustration to August, but he often did with Lewis. He watched as his son straightened his spine, looked at his pop, and said, “Yes.” August had never been prouder of him. He didn’t want Reese to feel these things, but this was the first time he was being open to Lewis about them, and in August’s eyes, that was a first step toward healing for all of them. “Sometimes I feel like I have to hold on to you extra tight so you don’t slip away. I get scared Dad will too, it’s not just you, but…it’s more with you.”
For the first time since August had known Lewis, his ex-husband started to cry. He shoved to his feet and went to Reese, pulling their son into his arms, holding him, telling Reese how much he loved him and how sorry he was. August watched from the couch, crying as well, wanting to go to them but giving them the time he knew they needed. He wasn’t excluded from this. It wasn’t only Lewis who’d ever hurt Reese. August wasn’t perfect, but this was their moment, and August needed to let them have it.
It was Reese who eventually pulled back from Lewis first and called August over. He went to them. Now it was the three of them hugging, talking, apologizing, making promises to each other. This was what life was—hurt and happiness, love and fear, family and forgiveness, healing, and yeah, more love.
They sat down together when the tears dried, talked about family therapy virtually, regardless of where everyone lived. They all had things to work through. One of August’s was his jealousy of Lewis and his own feelings of not being enough.
When they’d cried all the tears they could, Reese sat them both down again, himself on the coffee table in front of them, as if he were the adult running the show.
“I was really scared to make this decision. I’m glad you guys gave it to me, so don’t feel bad, but I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or make anyone mad at me. I talked to Clint and asked his advice, and he said to trust myself. I don’t know why those words stuck with me…that and to follow my heart. That doesn’t mean I love one of you more than the other, but…”
“We know,” August said, even when the words tried to stick in his mouth.
“I want to stay here. In Briar County. With Dad. I think I’ll do better here. I like my friends here and…” Reese tilted his head in August’s direction. “Dad…you’ve always been there for me. I’m not ready to try to leave you yet. Is that okay? It’s not because I don’t love you, Pop, and I know Dad wouldn’t go anywhere, but—”
“It’s okay,” Lewis said. “I know. As much as I want you, I understand your decision. August is the best at loving people. I wish I’d done a better job of showing him how much I appreciated it when we were together.”
“You did,” August answered. “Things just happened the way they were supposed to happen.” Life did that, sometimes right away and sometimes it took a little longer to get there, but August believed that eventually everyone ended up right where they belonged. He knew he finally had—in Briar County, with Clint, and his son, and an ex-husband August knew was going to try a whole lot harder now.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Clint
Colby had called to ask if he wanted to go to dinner at Adaline’s with him and Vince. Clint wasn’t sure what was going on with August, Reese, and Lewis. He hadn’t heard from August since he’d picked Reese up at the house, but he knew if he sat home all evening, he’d be driving himself crazy wondering what was going on.
When he arrived he was surprised to see Roe, Holden, Deacon, and Grady too. They’d put two tables together toward the back, so Clint walked over to join them. “Big group this evening,” he said, taking a chair on the edge.
“I got here just as Roe and Holden were meeting Deacon and Grady, so we decided to sit together,” Colby replied.
“Where’s August?” Deacon asked.
“He’s at home with Reese and Lewis.” Did it make him an asshole that he wanted August’s home to be with him? That he wanted to be there with them?
“Scout texted that Reese might move to Orlando with Lewis. He’s worried he won’t see him again.”
The table got quiet, and Clint could feel everyone’s eyes on him, especially Colby’s. Ah, hell, he didn’t have a choice really in explaining everything now. He’d hoped not to have to go into it. “Yeah, it’s a possibility. Lewis asked if they could give him a choice. Reese isn’t sure what he’s going to do yet.”