Page 18 of The Rescuer

“I can come tonight for dinner.” Brian reflected a bit; he wanted to leave the choice to his younger brother. “Or lunch tomorrow, if that’s better for you.”

“Tonight is good.” Edwin stopped, then continued in a flat voice. “You can bring Edward, too. The two of you are almost inseparable.”

Brian sensed the pain his younger brother was trying to hide and answered cautiously. “Maybe next time. What I need to tell you is for you alone.”

“I see.” Edwin inhaled sharply. “What would you like to eat?”

“I don’t know.” Brian thought for a second. “I’m a ravioli fan, but I would like something that is your favorite, too.”

“I'll tell Mrs. Michaels to cook ravioli, then.” Edwin concisely spoke. “Anything else you would like to have on the table? Drinks, fruits, sweets?”

“Will you please tell the cook to prepare your favorite dish, too?” Brian insisted. “Come on, little brother, it'll be fun.”

A few moments of uncomfortable silence followed, then Edwin let out a long, heavy sigh. “Um...I'm a widower. There's nothing funny about this.” The man swallowed hard a few times. “Never mind. I'll eat something, too.”

I’m already fucking it up, Brian thought, mentally facepalming himself. “I'll be there at five, if that’s all right with you.”

Another moment of silence, then Edwin spoke in a flat voice. “It’s perfect. See you then.”

Brian spent the time left until the visit making a mental list with things he should avoid doing and saying in his younger brother’s presence if he wanted to build a bridge between the two of them. His husband, Reardon communicated to the librarian during their conversation, was not the type who got offended easily, but right then, his mental state wasn’t the best.

Having been dealt a really shitty hand made Edwin detest some words, like optimistic, fun, and happy. The man didn’t believe in those notions anymore and preaching them to him would compromise Brian’s chances of having a solid relationship with his younger brother. It didn’t mean, Reardon’s thought echoed in the librarian’s mind, that Edwin hated to see people happy; he just rejected the concept for himself.

Brian messaged Bart and let him know he wouldn’t be home for dinner, explaining to him why. Not wanting to alarm his husband, he let out the incident from his office involving Reardon’s younger brother. He hoped Malaspina and Tanner would also keep silent over the matter; otherwise, Bart would become crazy with worry.

Driving to Edwin’s home, Brian decided to act totally unplanned, talking about his and Bart’s work, about the children and the guards in the most natural tone. The librarian also made a mental note to pay attention to his younger brother’s reactions so he could insist on the subjects which would make him comfortable and avoid the others.

Edwin greeted Brian with a pale smile and a hug, then guided him into the dining-room where the housekeeper, Mrs. Haggard, already started to set the table. His husband, the host said, was very strict about the house’s schedule, so the dinner was going to be served at five o’clock sharp. Edwin also informed his brother that he ordered the cook to prepare an omelet, one of Reardon’s favorite dishes.

To Brian’s huge relief, his younger brother ate everything on his plate, and he did it with an obvious pleasure. The man also listened to the librarian’s stories about the kids and their antics, even huffing a short, amused laugh from time to time. He was especially interested in finding out more about his nieces.

“These little girls are everything!” Edwin’s eyes were shining with affection. “I’m sure all of them are more than meets the eye.”

“They are my world.” Brian’s voice was filled with paternal affection. “Breanna loves to read and is everyone's princess. Antoinette already has an admirer in Martino, and Alana is Baldassare's favorite. At six, she speaks Sicilian fluently.” He reflected for a bit. “Bart and I can bring the children by, if you are okay with it, that is.”

“Yes, please, I would love that.” Edwin’s voice was enthusiastic, his eyes shiny. “Bring them all here, please. Maybe over the weekend? I'll tell Mister Haggard to put together a playground in the backyard. Did you know MissusHaggard was Reardon's nanny? She'll be thrilled to have children at the villa again.”

A moment of silence followed Edwin’s torrent of words, then Brian’s answer came in an equally excited voice. “This weekend works for us. Simon will be very happy to see you again; he always asks about you. He's the youngest and shiest of my sons.” The librarian felt the need to explain.

“Yes, I know who Simon is.” Edwin smiled affectionately. “He always asked me to pick him up, and once I did, he used to burrow himself into my chest. The sweetest little boy.”

“Yes, that one.” Brian accompanied his nod of approval with a smile, then his expression became serious. “Can I bring Tanner and one of the bikers to guard the kids? After the attempt on Blaise, I'd feel better knowing they are guarded around the clock.”

“Sure, I understand I would do the same if I were you.” Edwin’s answer came on the spot. “I'll tell Hennessy to bring the best men to the villa. Maybe he doesn’t show, but he cares very much about you, Bart, and all your children.” The man stopped, the tentative smile which played on his lips becoming brighter. “Believe it or not, I’m looking forward to seeing my nephews and nieces.”

***********

“Uncle Edwin!” Blaise ran from the car as soon as Tanner opened the door of the van. “I missed you a lot.”

“Hey, come here!” Edwin crouched down, welcoming the little boy in his open arms. “You’ve grown up quite a bit.” Then, he hugged the twin girls, kissing the top of their heads. “Here you are, you sassy missies!” The mangestured to the villa and backyard. “The place is all yours.”

“Hello, Uncle Ed’in.” Little Simon gave his father’s younger brother one of his adorable, shy smiles and raised his hands. “Pick up, pwease.”

“My favorite little man.” Edwin’s eyes were filled with joy and affection. “Here you are.” He took the small boy in his arms and gently kissed his cheeks.

“Hey, bro.” Brian, closely followed by Bart who waved and grinned, went next to his younger brother, who was engaged in a conversation with his little nephew. “I’d give you a hug, but you have your hands full.” He smirked.

“Hello to you, too.” Edwin gave his older brother a small but happy smile. “Sorry, I'm kinda busy right now.” He gestured to the kids with his head. “They are so lively!”

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