Page 120 of DadBod

“You’d want to live with me?”

“Definitely.” I nod and smile at my big brother. “I want that.” He’ll be close, and I can help him get back on his feet.

“Wow.” Sam’s expression turns serious. “I want Dad to move too.”

“Me too. It’s time he leaves Shepherd.”

“I agree. We’ll have to convince him.”

Sam’s so excited. His knee is bouncing up and down; I can hear it tapping. “The three of us could get a place.”

“We will. I’ll start searching as soon as I get back.”

“They said it’ll take a while to get everything sorted out.”

“I read up on all of that.”

“You thought I was going to get it?”

“I hoped. You deserve a second chance.” I want to reach out and take Sam’s hand, but I don’t want to waste the six minutes I’ve got left with him.

We use that time to reminisce about the stupid stuff Kev and Freddie used to do. My other two brothers live in the same town, down the street from each other. Luckily, it’s close to Shepherd, which means they can see my dad a lot.

When our time’s up, I blow a kiss to Sam and make my way out. The guard returns my ID to me with a smirk. I guess he noticed my photo too––the one that makes me look like a serial killer.

In the waiting room, Ryann’s playing on her phone until she sees me. Jumping up from her chair, she races up to me. “Well?”

“He got it.” My smile is huge. I couldn’t care less if anyone sees my gap. A few tears leak out, but I quickly wipe them away. “I’m so happy.”

Ryann does something unexpected. She hugs me. “I’m glad.”

I hug her right back.

“As soon as we get in the car, I’ve got stories for you,” she’s whispering into my chest. “This place is a soap opera.”

“Okay.” Pulling away, I’m half afraid to tell her how long it’s going to take to get to my house. Maybe I won’t tell her. I’ll surprise her. “Can’t wait.”

---