Page 93 of His Boys to Protect

“Nobuts. The only thing you're allowed to do right now is rest. I'm going to handle everything else. Okay?”

Skylar sagged into the seat, feeling both anxious and relieved.

But as they pulled up in front of the Pratts' house, Skylar knew there was no way he could make himself walk through that front door.

Chapter 34

________

CHARLIE

CHARLIE HEARD Ward's truck approach. He knew the sound of it. The roar of the engine was subtly different from that of any other Tundra that ever came down his street.

Why was the man so early?

Ward usually arrived mid-morning after spending the night with his Sky. It left them enough time for a visit before Ward had to get on the road so he could get home at a decent hour. Charlie glanced at the time on his phone. It was barely after seven!

He ran to the front windows and looked out.

Sure enough, that was Ward's truck parked at the curb. Charlie leaned closer. He thought he saw movement in the front passenger seat, but it was difficult to tell at that angle.

Ward got out and headed for the house.

Charlie stilled, watching him. There was something strange on the man's face. The expression was both hard and soft. Charlie couldn't make it out. He ran to the front door and opened it before Ward could knock. It was the wrong order of things, but he didn't want to wait.

Ward came up short a couple steps away, then put on a soft smile. “Hey, Charlie.”

Charlie rocked on his feet.Early, he signed.

“I know, buddy. I'm sorry.” Ward paused. “I hate to upset your routine, but we really need to talk.”

Charlie pulled his arms against his chest, eyeing Ward warily. In movies, people always said that right before they said something heartbreaking or disappointing.

“Charlie? Hey, buddy, it's gonna be okay. I just need to tell you something important, if that's alright with you.”

Charlie eyed Ward as the man waited patiently for him to respond. The air felt heavy. Charlie wanted to go hide in his room, but he also needed to know what Ward had to say. Finally, he took a step back and let the man inside.

Ward dutifully took off his shoes and followed Charlie into the living room. He didn't sit in his chair, though. Instead, Ward gestured for Charlie to sit, then crouched in front of him.

Charlie rocked. This was all wrong.

“Everything's gonna be okay, buddy” Ward murmured, resting his big hands on Charlie's knees. “I promise. But something changed today, and you need to know about it.”

Charlie shrank back. He didn't like change. Not even change that he chose for himself. That could be just as difficult to deal with as any other. He looked at Ward, bracing himself.What?

“Sky's out in the truck–”

Ward barely got the words out when Charlie was on his feet, trying to get past the man to head for the door.

“Wait, Charlie. Hang on.” Ward gently grabbed him and urged him back down into the chair.

But Charlie didn't want to sit. He wanted to see his Sky!

“Charlie, listen to me. Sky's had a really rough morning. He's very upset right now, but he didn't want his loud feelings to upset you, too.”

Oh. Charlie slowly went still. His Sky was upset? Why?My Sky hurt?he signed.

“No. He's not hurt. He's gonna be fine, I promise.” Ward paused. “Sky quit his job this morning.”

---