Page 138 of Dean

I let that sit with me as I park the car twenty minutes later, and I drag my hands down my jeans to make sure they’re not sweaty when I shake her hand…if she wants to shake my hand.

Fuck, what if she doesn’t want to shake my hand?

Before I panic, Avery pulls me into him and we walk side-by-side toward a small cafe. It’s then that I see her, an Avery lookalike, but younger.

She bounces up from her seat and rushes toward him, jumping into his arms and squeezing him tightly, a squeal erupting from her mouth.

“Avery! Oh my god! You’re here!” I watch the way Avery starts to cry, his hands clasping on to her. He’s missed her more than he’s everadmitted to me. But I get that. Sometimes it’s easier to pretend grief doesn’t exist.

But it can’t stay hidden forever. It eventually makes itself known. I’ll do anything I can to make sure they’re together once she’s able to leave.

When they finally part, they swipe at their eyes, a young man approaching cautiously behind her.

“Um, guys, this is Toby, my boyfriend. And um, Toby this is Avery, my brother. And Dean, the boyfriend.”

Toby holds out his hand and Avery shakes it as Amanda eyes me.

“He is as hot as the video made him out to be,” she says lowly.

“He is,” Avery says and then pulls her into another hug. “He’s perfect. Now, come on. Let’s catch up. I’ve fucking missed you. I have so much I have to tell you. We have so many plans.”

I turn to Toby, and he bobs his head awkwardly.

“Want to get something to drink?”

“Sure.”

We place our orders with the barista and then walk to the table where Avery and Amanda are curled toward one another, talking happily, their hands linked, and I know I’ll do anything to make sure Avery and Amanda see each other more often. I want her to be a part of his life.

I know how much she means to him.

I’ll make sure she knows. I’ll extend the invitation to have her live with us now that Ben’s moved out. She can have the apartment over the garage.

Since Avery’s my forever now, I plan on making sure he has everything he wants. Safety, love, and more importantly, a home.

With me.

“Come sit next to me, Dean,” Avery says, and I do.

Our legs touch, his hand slipping into mine, and I feel it.

Whole. After twenty years, I feel complete.

With him.

EPILOGUE

AVERY

Three Years Later…

“Amanda! Come on. You’re taking forever!” I sigh loudly into the phone as I pull the marinating steaks from the fridge.

“I have to look presentable! Leave a girl alone!” Amanda says back and then asks, “Pink lipstick or purple?”

“What color top?”

“Black.”

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