Page 79 of The Ties That Bind
“Do you want to sit on my lap, too?”
Tono gently moved the large black cat to make room for her. Hope immediately climbed into his lap and sat there smiling as she matched Tono’s movements as they petted Shadow together.
“You certainly have a way with children and animals,” Sir commented.
Tono grinned. “Both have a pure energy I connect with.” He glanced around and asked, “Where’s your son?”
“Anthony is taking a nap, but I don’t expect him to be down for much longer,” Brie explained.
Tono’s warm smile soothed her soul. “What’s it like having two?”
She smiled. “I never knew I could love two people so completely.”
Tono gazed into her eyes. “Your heart has expanded.”
She blushed. “It certainly feels that way. I can’t wait for you and Autumn to experience it.”
He nodded slowly. “We will see what the future brings.”
“What are your plans after this tour?” Sir asked.
Tono sighed with a troubled look in his eyes. “I believe we should take a hiatus from traveling for my health and Autumn’s wellbeing. It’s time to find a place to call home.”
“Here, I hope,” Brie squeaked.
Tono looked down at Shadow and Hope, a smile playing on his lips. “Seeing how content Autumn is here with her friends, I think it would be a good fit.”
“Oh, Tono, I’m so happy to hear that!”
Her exuberance woke Anthony up and he started fussing in the other room. Sir was about to get up when Brie stopped him. “You’ve been going nonstop since my first contraction. Let me take care of this.”
Brie chose to stay in the bedroom while she nursed Anthony so Sir could have some time alone with Tono. She felt certain both men would benefit from the interaction.
When she finally returned to the living room, she found them talking about Faelan.
Tono looked uneasy. “After everything he’s been through, I understand his struggle to hold on. It’s another reason I wish to return to California.”
“You have done enough for him, Nosaka,” Sir assured him. “That should not play into where you choose to live. However, I understand your need to be there for him. I feel the same.”
Tono looked up at Brie. “I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Of course, Tono. Anything.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small white envelope painted with Japanese symbols. “I suspect you will see Todd before I do. Would you give this to him?”
Brie took the black and white envelope and held it tightly. “I will make sure to deliver this safely into his hands.”
Tono nodded to her. “I hope it brings him some peace.”
Brie went to give Sir the baby so she could put the envelope away for safekeeping, but Tono asked, “May I hold him?”
She smiled. “Your lap is already full.”
“There is always room for one more.”
Brie placed Anthony in Tono’s arms.
He laid the baby against Shadow’s back and cradled him so Hope could look at her baby brother, too. The cat did not seem to mind and continued to purr.
