Page 155 of He's the One

“No.”

“Ah. Will you still love me if I do?”

“Yes. Are you going to throw up?”

“No. I wanted to check you’d still love me.”

By the time Col had washed and dried himself and Theo, who wouldn’t stop talking, he was laughing. He carried Theo into the bedroom, stripped the covering off the bed and laid him down. Theo stretched like a starfish, then curled up like an anemone. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on his slim frame.

“I love my bed.” Theo smiled. “I love it best with you in it.”

“We need a blanket.”

“In the cupboard.” Theo stretched out again.

There was no cupboard in that room, and by the time Col had found a sheet and a blanket, Theo was fast asleep again. Col lay down and Theo curled into him, wrapping his arms and legs around him.

“Just a little sleep then you get Adventurous Theo. I promise.”

Col had a feeling that life with Theo was going to be one long adventure.

He wasn’t complaining.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Several months later

“I’m not sure about this,” Theo whispered. “I think you should go in front of me.”

“I’m better behind so I can help if you…get stuck. Keep going.”

“Stuck? I might get stuck? You didn’t tell me I might get stuck. Oh God.”

“You’re not going to get stuck.”

“But you said stuck. I’m going to hyperventilate.”

“You’re fine. Keep going. It’s perfectly safe.”

Theo whimpered. “Then why are we wearing gloves, long sleeved tops, jeans and helmets?”

“To make sure we’re safe.”

“It’s so high!”

“We’re six feet off the ground.”

“That high?” Theo tried not to shriek.

After his father had saidyesto the treetop challenge, a company had started building it a month later and it was due to open next week. Theo had watched Asquith employees safely negotiate the hundred or so aerial crossings, seven zip-lines and the Tarzan swing.Andchildren of those employees, some of whom were only ten. Well, watched through half-closed eyes and with a rolling stomach.It’s safe.He kept telling himself that.

Even so…

“Well done, Theo!” his father shouted from somewhere below.

“Did I take another step without noticing?” Theo whispered.

“Not yet.”

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