Page 90 of The Road Home
EPILOGUE
Orson parked his car in the driveway beside Jared's, glad to see he was home already. They both had the day off, but Jared had wanted to hit the gym, and Orson had his Sign Language class. He'd joined a small group at Harry's rehab that was set up to teach family and friends, so they could communicate easier with people. When Harry mentioned them to Orson, he didn't think twice about signing up for it.
It was hard, but he was slowly learning. It was going to make communicating with Harry much easier. Passing the notebook back and forth was getting old fast.
"Honey, I'm home," Orson called as he walked into the house.
Jared walked out of the kitchen, smiling. "Hey, have a good time?"
"Yeah, it's hard, but I'm enjoying it. At least I'm learning with Harry, so we can practice together. I don't feel as lost."
"I'll learn too as soon as I can find a class that works for my schedule." Jared kissed him, holding him tightly in his arms as Tippy circled around their legs.
"How was your morning?" Orson pulled back.
"Good. I hit the gym, then ran a few errands. The gym's looking amazing after the rebuild. Figured I'd spend the rest of the afternoon in the shop since you're going to be busy."
Orson wrinkled his brow, confused. "I'm busy?" He thought over everything he could need to do, but thought of nothing. The lawn was mowed, the house clean. He didn't work until tomorrow.
"Yep, at least I think you will be." Jared looked a bit nervous even though he was grinning. "I might have gotten you something."
"Chocolate?" Orson teased.
"Better."
"There is nothing better than chocolate." Orson playfully pouted, but was curious what Jared could have gotten him that caused him to seem nervous about giving it to him.
"I think you'll agree this is better than chocolate once you see it. At least I hope you do." Jared took Orson's hands in his. "I love you so much." He leaned in for a kiss.
"I love you too." Orson tilted his head to the side. "Why are you nervous?"
"Because I'm not sure it's right, or that you'll like it."
"If it's from you, I'm going to love it. I don't care what it is." He couldn't think of anything he needed or wanted. Over the last few months, he'd been able to buy everything he needed, even having enough to buy a used car so he wouldn't be stuck waiting for the bus in the snow when winter finally hit.
"I hope so. I wasn't sure…" Jared sighed. "It's in the den." Jared released Orson's hands and stepped aside. "Go see."
Orson reached for Jared's hand again. "With you." He gave a gentle tug and pulled Jared to the small room where they usually watched T.V. As he stepped into the den, his breath caught, and tears filled his eyes. Sitting in the middle of the room was a brand-new cello. It was the last thing he expected, but Jared was right, it was something he wanted, something he'd dreamed about for a long time, but had almost given up on getting. "Jared…" He turned, staring at him. "It's perfect." Orson kissed him softly.
"Play for me." Jared released his hand and gestured to the cello.
"I don't know if I still can." It was a lie. Playing was in his blood. He'd never forget. He might be rusty, but it would come back to him in no time.
Orson walked over, running his hand over the instrument, taking in the curve and the way it was put together. This wasn't a cheap second-hand version. It was the real thing, and one of the best you could buy. "Thank you." He moved it closer to the couch, so he could sit down. Once he had the cello in position, he picked up the bow and took a deep breath as he started to play.
His heart hammered against his chest as music filled the room. It wasn't perfect. He needed to practice, and the cello wasn't tuned just right, but that would come in time. Remembering the music, he played a quick song, one he'd learned as a child and never forgotten. When he finished, he took a deep breath, trying to calm the excitement. "This is the second greatest gift you've ever given to me." Orson looked at Jared across the room, his heart so full he thought it might burst.
"What was the first?" Jared asked.
Orson smiled, the answer coming easily. "Your love."
