Page 35 of Subtracting the Heart

It was an odd call to get from Jax but Ford was more than ready to oblige. If it was what Jax wanted, Ford would give it to him.

He went downstairs and headed straight to the bar. Griff and the dancers were on stage having a great time as the customers grooved along with them.

Ford knew Cade would have loved to be in the thick of it, so he vowed he’d make certain Cade was there next year. Hopefully, along with Jax. They could both make him hard just watching them dance. It was something to shoot for, definitely.

Tapping Cleveland on the shoulder as the bar manager was making drinks, Ford waited for him to turn around. There were four bartenders behind the main bar and a portable bar set up at the back of the club. Waiters were circling with hats and noisemakers, so Ford glanced at his watch to see it was 11:30.

When Ford motioned to the end of the bar, Cleveland followed. “You guys okay to handle this? Security’s fine, right?”

Cleveland laughed. “Tobin and Deon are at the door. The other guys are stationed around the place. It’s fine. You takin’ off?”

“I’d like to if everything’s under control. Cade’s home with those kids, and Jax is in Minnesota. I’d like to at least have one of ’em to kiss at midnight.” Ford grinned.

The bar manager held up his fist, which Ford bumped. “Take off, man. We’ve got this. We still good with that sparkling wine at midnight?”

“Sure. Take some glasses out to those poor die-hard kids in line. If there are less than fifteen of them after midnight, go ahead and let them in, but make sure things don’t get outta hand. I’ve had enough of the cops lately.” Ford had told Cleveland about the shit that happened at Clark Street Shelter, so the man was familiar with his reference.

“Oh, I saw on BuzzFeed that three more of those shelters were shut down today and tonight. Somethin’ ain’t right about that shit.” Cleveland shook his head.

Ford nodded in agreement before he hugged the man and kissed his cheek. “Happy New Year, Cleve. Kiss your mom tomorrow.”

Ford made his way out the back door to his car that he’d retrieved from the impound lot. He couldn’t wait for that entire incident to be cleared up and Cade’s name to be cleared. Something didn’t sit well in his gut about what went down, but he couldn’t figure it out. Anyway, he had a more important agenda that night. No time to dwell on unhappy thoughts.

At 11:55, Ford ran into the house, having stopped on the way home at a liquor store to pick up a few bottles of sparkling cider and champagne. “I’m home.” He hoped no one was sleeping because he was excited to ring in the new year with Cade and the boys.

Cade breezed into the kitchen in his stocking feet with a look of surprise on his face. “You’re early. We’re just watching thecountdown at Times Square. You lived in New York, right? Did you ever go there for New Year’s Eve?” Cade helped him out of his overcoat.

“A couple of times with Sela when I was home for the holidays from boarding school. Anyway, where are the boys?” Ford was not in the mood to dwell on his familial issues.

“In the great room.”

Ford pulled the bottles out of the bags and started gathering cups. They didn’t have champagne glasses, though he remembered Kincade had his grandmother’s stemware somewhere. They’d rescue his things from the storage area after the holiday. It was time for the three of them to settle into their new life. No arguments.

Popping open the cider, Ford poured six glasses before he popped open the Veuve Clicquot Rosé and poured glasses for the two of them. “Grab some,” He hurried into the living room.

“Everybody gets a cup. How much more time?” Ford’s excitement was evident in his voice. The boys scrambled up and started taking plastic cups from him and Cade when he joined them.

“Before we get to the countdown, I’d like to say it’s been incredible getting to know all of you. We’ll always be here for you, just remember.” The words came from Ford’s heart, and they brought a lump to his throat as the countdown on the television began.

“Ten.”

He pulled Cade under his arm and held up his glass to the boys.

“Nine.”

“Eight.”

The boys moved closer together to form a circle in the family room.

“Seven.”

“Six.”

“Five.”

“Thank you for letting us stay,” Kevin said. The other boys nodded in agreement.

“Four… three… two.”

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