“How about we go outside for a few minutes,” I suggest, picking up Sam when he stands up and reaches for me. “You can show us some cool tricks on your bike.”
“Sure,” he agrees, so I grab a pair of shoes and hoodie for Sam, then take both boys outside, where Sam and I watch him ride his bike in the driveway and cheer him on as Sam collects rocks and the dandelions growing in the grass.
I don’t know how much time passes before Blake, his parents, and his sister emerge from the house, but with one look at the four of them, I can see they’re going to make it through whatever happens next together.
“I’m sorry for yelling at you,” Margret says as she walks to where I’m standing, and I hug her back as her arms close around me.
“It’s okay,” I tell her quietly, meeting Blake’s gaze over her shoulder, and he holds my eye for a moment before looking down at his mom, who touches his shoulder.
“It’s not.” I hear the tears in Margret’s voice as she squeezes me tighter. “Thank you for being here for my brother and for making my dad realize it was time to tell us.” Her words stun me as she lets me go. “I’m going to head home.”
“Are you going to be okay?” I ask quietly. “Do you want me to drive you?”
“I’ll be okay—just take care of my brother.” She gives me a sad smile, then hugs her brother and parents before heading to her car.
“Sorry for ruining your day,” Janet says while picking up Sam, who babbles something and gives her a handful of grass.
“You didn’t, and you never could,” I tell her, and she reaches for my hand, giving it a warm squeeze.
“I’m glad my baby boy has you.”
“I’m glad I have him, that I have all of you.” I squeeze her hand back, then laugh when Sam grabs her face, shouting “Meme,” the name he started calling her when we were at the lake house.
“Sorry, I know you want Grandma’s attention, but I was talking to your mama.” She laughs, hugging and kissing his cheeks and neck, making him giggle; then her gaze locks on mine, and tears fill her eyes.
“Please don’t cry,” I whisper.
“They’re happy tears.” She passes Sam back to me. “Take care of my babies.”
“Will do,” I promise as we walk to where Blake and Dave are talking quietly. As soon as we’re close, both men turn their gaze our way, and I can tell with one look that the two are both relieved and terrified, which is understandable, given what happened.
“Are you ready to go home?” Dave asks as Janet curls herself into his side, and she tips her head back to look up at him.
“Yes, we have a lot to do tomorrow,” she tells him as Blake takes Sam from me and wraps his arm around my waist.
“We do?” He sighs, sounding unhappy, and Janet smacks his chest.
“You’ve had months of dealing with this alone. Get used to not being alone anymore.”
“Right.” He lets out a breath, and she shakes her head, then lets him go so they can both give Blake and me a hug before they leave and get into their cars.
“Are you okay?” I tip my head back to look up at him as they drive away.
“No . . . yes . . . I don’t know.” He lifts one shoulder. “I feel better that the truth is out, but I hate that my mom and sister are hurting now.”
“I hate that for you and for them.” I give his waist a squeeze. “I hope you know that I’m here for you. Whatever you need, I’m here. You can depend on me the way everyone else depends on you.”
“Thank you, baby.” His expression softens. “You being here is what I need. I don’t know what I would’ve done these last few weeks without you and Sam to keep me sane.” He turns me toward him and rests his forehead against mine. “I love you.” He leans in to touch my mouth with his, and Sam presses his face between ours, making us laugh.
“Can we eat pizza now?” Edmond asks, and I giggle as Blake sighs.
“The pizza had to be tossed, but I’m sure I have the stuff to make some sandwiches,” he tells him as he leans away from me.
“Aww, man, I was really looking forward to the pizza,” he mumbles, getting off his bike, and I laugh harder, hearing Blake laugh along with me. It’s that sound from him that lets me know that everything will be okay; it might not be easy, but in the end it will all be all right.
Chapter 18
EVERLY
I look over at Blake as we pull up and park in front of Tanner’s house, and then I reach over for his hand. Over the last week, news of Dave’s diagnosis has spread through our group of friends, and, as expected, everyone is worried. The only good thing to come out of this situation is that now, Dave has the support of his family and friends and Blake is no longer going through this alone. And even if he’ll never admit it, I know that is a weight off his shoulders.