Page 57 of Rejection and Redeemed
“Good, bye for now,” Berni said, striding from the room.
Finn picked up his bag and moved around to the chair. He pulled out his e-reader and settled into the chair to watch over Jacob and read.
CHAPTER 27
Fran woke up and gave a full-body stretch. He loved this bed and this room. He thought about his house and how happy he had been there. He would love to move into the castle, but he had to consider what Jacob would prefer. Would he want to stay living in the castle or moving into Fran’s house? Fran was happy with either option, but he would prefer it if they could live here. He imagined the fun they could all have together, and if there was one thing Jacob needed, it was fun.
Fran then thought about his father. He meant what he said. He had no issues with Joe being younger than he was, as long as he and his dad were happy, that was all that counted.
Fran looked at the time and gasped. He couldn’t believe he had slept the morning away. He jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Twenty minutes later, he walked into the wardrobe and saw some clothes waiting for him. He dressed, brushed his hair, and quickly walked to Jacob’s current room, opening the door gently in case Jacob was still sleeping.
He heard Finn softly reading to Jacob and Ezzy and smiled to himself. Walking softly to Finn’s side, he said softly, “Hey, family. Sorry I slept so long.”
Ezzy waved his apology away. “You needed sleep, never apologise for that. Jacob hasn’t woken up since having the new pain meds, and as far as we know, Uncle Frank and Joe are still getting to know each other.”
“Thanks.” He looked at Jacob softly, a smile forming for a moment. “Has he been restless?”
“No, he seems to be sleeping well,” Finn replied.
“If you two want to go off and do something else, I can take over,” Fran suggested.
“We’ll stay as well,” Ez said. “Clairmont will be bringing food in soon.”
Just then the door opened and the butler walked in carrying a tray, Joe following.
“I have lunch for you all, make sure you eat,” he said, putting the tray on the bottom of the bed.
“Thanks, Clairmont,” Finn and Ezzy said.
“I’ll be back to collect the tray later.” And with that, Clairmont left the room.
“Welcome back, Joe,” Fran said, looking at the young man.
Joe blushed. “Hi,” he said, joining them around the bed.
“So do we get to call you ‘Uncle Joe’?” Ezzy asked, laughing.
Joe grinned. “Pretty sure you can stick with Joe.”
“What, you mean I can’t call you Papa?” Fran asked him, grinning.
Joe snorted. “I mean if you want to, but Joe works just as well.”
“Welcome to the family, anyway,” Fran said to him. “Have a seat and while we all eat lunch we can grill you.”
Joe laughed, before he sobered and looked at Fran. “Are you really okay that I’m your dad’s mate? I mean, I am younger than you.”
Fran walked over to Joe and pulled him into a hug, which Joe happily returned. Pulling back, Fran said, “I’ve been hoping mydad would one day find his mate. I really don’t care how old you are, all I ask is that you treat my dad well.”
Joe nodded. “Your dad is literally my dream mate, I promise to treat him as the special person he is.”
“Thanks, he really is special,” Fran agreed.
“Plus, you know if you don’t treat him well, we have a lot of priest holes we can lock you in,” Ezzy put in, grinning.
Everyone laughed at that.
Finn leant forward, a look of mischief on his face. “How much would Aubrey kill us if we raised the drawbridge?”
