Broken Hearts (Light in the Dark 5)

She looks and smiles brighter. “Right this way.”

I hold my breath as we follow her through the restaurant. I don’t even have time to appreciate the beauty of it.

Besides, things that are beautiful usually are a mask to a bunch of ugly.

“Here you go.” She waves her hand at the table.

I let out the breath when I see Greyson and his adoptive parents, Sarah and Jimmy, are the only ones at the table.

“Angel!” Greyson cries, diving out of his chair to wrap his arms around my waist.

“Grey.” I smile, loving our nicknames. It’s our thing.

He used to call me his Angel Mommy but now he’s older so it’s dropped to Angel.

I kiss the top of his head, ruffling his hair.

He pulls away and smiles up at me. He’s the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen, and I can’t believe he’s a part of me.

“Sit beside me,” he pleads, taking my hand and showing me the empty spot beside him.

“I’d love that,” I say, taking the spot. Jace slides into the chair on my other side.

“How are you guys?” Sarah asks, sipping at her glass of water.

“Good. Some big life changes coming up,” Jace replies, grinning at me.

“Oh, really?” Sarah asks. “Like what?”

I wave my hand dismissively. “It hasn’t come to fruition yet, we’ll let you know when it does.”

“You’re not moving, are you?” Jimmy asks.

“Oh, God no.” I snort, like the idea is ridiculous. Which it is. I wouldn’t leave here if my life depended on it. Not with Greyson here.

“Good,” Sarah breathes. “That was my first thought too.”

I turn to Greyson at my side. “What’s new with you?”

“I got an A on my spelling test.”

“Awesome.” I smile at him.

“Give me a high-five, bud. Good job.” Jace leans around me, extending his hand, and Greyson high-fives him as hard as he can. Jace pretends to wince and shakes out his hand. “Man, you’re strong.”

“I have to be strong. I’m going to be a hockey player one day.”

“Still want to play hockey, huh?” Jace asks him.

“Of course,” Greyson replies.

There’s a noise behind us and I turn to look, seeing Owen standing in front of his parents while the hostess walks back to her station.

Owen clears his throat and takes a seat, his parents falling into place.

“I’m Harry,” Owen’s dad introduces himself to Sarah and Jimmy. “And this is my wife, Claudia.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes but from the squeeze of Jace’s hand against mine beneath the table, I’m not sure I was successful.