Page 106 of Needing Your Love
“Come on in,” I said, ushering them through the door into the warmth.
Even though Gram had found someone to rent out her shop, she decided to stick around for this winter, helping to care for her grandson on the days Carrie worked. I’d made myself available as well, so he often had his chauffeur—me—pick him up in my BMW. He was my best friend, the years and different maturity levels between us unimportant. Like with Sutton yetdefinitely on a different level, DJ and I shared a connection I’d always longed for.
That young boy would be in my life forever, no matter where his destiny might lead him.
“Thanks for coming,” I told Gram, bending down to kiss her cheek.
She patted mine and smiled as DJ scampered off to the kitchen to gift Sutton their donation to our meal.
“Carrie.” I greeted DJ’s mom, hugging her extra long and gentle. “Thank you for sharing this day with us. I know you would probably rather be with your parents?—”
“We’re celebrating tomorrow,” she said with a kind smile.
“Two turkey days.” I huffed a laugh while taking both ladies’ coats. “You’re lucky.”
“We’re lucky to have you and Sutton in our lives,” she tossed back, causing my throat to tighten.
“The guys are watching football,” I said, my voice slightly unsteady.
“Sounds good,” Gram said, shuffling toward the living room. “I just want a soft seat to rest these weary bones.”
Chuckling, Carrie followed after her, making herself comfortable with the other guests.
A short while later, we sat jammed around the dining room table and a folding card table, laughter and kindness surrounding us. My eyes smarted as I scanned over the group of people who had become like family to me. Watching Chaz and his dad chat over turkey warmed my heart. While I would never have the type of healing the two of them had found, I wasn’t bothered, nor did I feel I’d missed out.
Kel no longer scowled thanks to Carrie keeping him in conversation, but underlying grumpiness lingered as it often did with that man.
Dex was deep in conversation with Gram, and DJ’s cheeks were like a chipmunk’s, stuffed full of…stuffing.
Snickering, I glanced at the other end of the table where my man scanned the room, ever the watchful sentinel.
A sigh sank my chest in as our gazes met.
Love you, I could hear him declare.
Love you more,I mouthed.
Smiling, he went back to his turkey, and thankfulness welled inside me.
Peace was slowly returning to our lives—and town.
Both of the Kaufmans had moved after selling The Outdoor Shop, Sarah heading south with their son Austin, and Stefen traveling west. It had been an amicable split, although last I had seen Sarah, she’d been gaunt and pale, burdened by grief.
The gossip, at least, had quieted after Kurt’s burial and the Outdoor Shop’s grand reopening a few days later. Not a single townsfolk left in town limits blamed Sutton for his actions. Adoration and respect for him had only grown.
And me?
I was a happy boy living his best life.
I’d come back here on a whim one warm August afternoon, needing connection and a sense of purpose. The pipe dream had been fulfilled far beyond what I’d ever thought possible.
Eyes smarting like they often did whenever gratitude washed over me, I picked up my glass and held it aloft.
The table quieted around me.
“To family. Forgiveness. Acceptance and love.”
Murmurs of agreement flooded my ears, and I swallowed a sip of my wine, gaze fixed clearly on the one man besides myself who had any say in what steps I took or when I ought to rest.
