Page 51 of Higher Notes

“You’ve got us, Gabe.”

“You’re not my dad!”

“No, we’re not, but we love you like a son.” I couldn’t take this. “My dad was around and I wish he wasn’t because he used me like a punching bag.”

“That’s not very nice at all. Someone needs to spank him,” Nicole tsked. I’d forgotten about little ears being focused on Gabe and Jason’s conversation.

“No, it wasn’t, and it just goes to show that not everyone is worth having in your life. Sometimes found family such as ours is better than anything.” I caught a glimpse of Gabe in the rearview mirror, red-faced and silently crying away from prying eyes. More than anything I wanted to hug him and tell him itwould be okay but in this case actions would speak louder than words and he’d soon learn that Snipe and I were men of honor, and we loved our newfound family fiercely.

“Well, I love Wyatt and Hayden and I’m glad we get to keep them.” Nicole, damn, that girl had me wrapped around her finger.

“We love you all, too,” Snipe added. “Anytime you want to talk or need a hug, we’re your men. We have great listening skills.”

Gabe didn’t respond but he heard Snipe. Time was what Gabe needed. I only hoped he didn’t make any bad choices before then. Especially ones that affected the family as a whole.

I made a last-minute decision to take the kids somewhere fun for lunch. At least, it sounded like fun to me. Wasn’t sure how Gabe would see it but it was worth a try.

“Mr. Wyatt! Cheesy, Cheesy!” First time Nolan had called me Mr. Wyatt.

“Yay!” Nicole cheered. “See, Nolan. I told you Wyatt was the best. You’re my new BFF, Wyatt!”

“Hey,” Sikes protested. “What am I, chopped liver?”

“Liver! Yuck!” the twins said in stereo.

“We love you, too, Mr. Sniper.”

“Thanks, Nolan.” Snipe wasn’t upset but it was cute watching him play along. “It’s nice to be loved,” he mock sniffled. He adored these kids as much as I did.

“Yes, we love you, too, Hayden.” Nicole and her whole proper first name deal was amusing.

“Hey,” Jason pulled me aside as the troops unloaded. “Thank you.”

Whew. “You’re welcome. But we should probably talk boundaries later. Wasn’t sure if I’d overstepped by not first asking.”

“It would take a lot for either of you to overstep. If you think it’s right, go for it.” Jason leaned up and kissed my cheek. “Love you.”

“Right back at cha, babe.”

“You good with that, Snipe?” Jason asked him.

“10-4.” Then he got his kiss, too.

“Let’s roll.” Jason took Nolan’s hand while Nicole claimed mine. Sikes took Nolan’s other hand, and they swung him between them.

“Wheee!” He giggled and squealed. “Again!”

Nicole shook her head with a heavy eyeroll and sighed. “Boys.”

Shit. Hadn’t thought this one through. The loud sounds of the video games at one point had been a trigger for both of us, though it’d been a long time for me. I didn’t want to assume the same for Snipe but, fingers crossed, he hadn’t had an episode since the doctor adjusted his meds.

As if sensing the same thing, we turned toward each other at the same time. A simple nod of the head to designate we were okay was shared. Jason, as cognizant as we were, watched the interaction between us. With everyone assured all was good, we proceeded deeper into the screaming adolescent depths of video games and cheesy madness. Thank fuck, I’d have hated to leave and break the kids’ hearts. Especially since Gabe’s eyes were alight with excitement.

“You order the food, and I’ll take care of the tokens,” Snipe offered then headed for the wallet-draining machine.

“What does everyone like on their pizza?” I asked Jason. Gabe went with Snipe. Jason and I kept the twins with us.

“Same as last time. Just pepperoni and drinks. Can I chip in?”

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