Page 116 of Galen's Redemption

“Not for over a month. I’m worried.”

There wasn’t a way Robert could tell her not to, since he was too. He was about to say something when his phone pinged.He glanced at the text from Tom.

Both doing okay. Sorry, not really talkative right now. Will try later. Love to Mom and Dad.

He put the phone to his ear. “That was him. He said he’s not talkative right now, and he’d try later.”

“Did he say anything about Brian?”

“He said they’re both doing okay, but that’s it.”

She sighed. “I wish we could be there for him.”

“Yeah, me too.” Robert yawned,then realized how late it was. “I’m sorry, Mom. I should have called in the morning.”

“It’s okay. Not sleeping too much lately. Worried about your brother.”

“Well, he’s okay, so you can go to sleep.”

“How’s Galen?”

Robert chuckled. “You don’t want to sleep, do you? It’s okay, I get it. He’s fine. We went to see Lincoln and Noel. It started out tense, but after a while, things seemed to smoothout. They’re not at a great place right now, but I think they’ll work it out. Their father played them against each other. Told them both how much they sucked and why the other one was better. That’s part of the reason I’m calling.”

“Oh?”

“You and Dad…. When Tom and I were growing up, you were always there for us. You gave us love, guidance, and support, even when you probably wanted to strangleus. After hearing the things Galen’s father did to his sons, I’m grateful that I had such awesome parents.”

She sighed. “It’s us who are grateful. You and Tom turned out to be pretty okay.”

Robert laughed. “I know we don’t say it often enough, but I love you. And I know Galen does too. And speaking of, he’s moving in here with me.”

“Good. I’m glad. No matter what he thinks, he’s a good boy.Just…. Do me a favor, okay? Never let him forget it.”

“I won’t. We’re training a new office manager, assuming Brady wants the job. If he takes it, we’ll be coming to see you more often, if that’s okay with you.”

“That would be very nice.” She paused a second. “I hope you’ll bring Marco and Andy with you. You’ve got no idea how alive the house felt with you all here. There’s an energy there,you know.”

And Robert did. While it might not make sense to most people, Robert was glad Galen stepped through his door and wanted the check back. It gave Robert something money could never buy.

Love.

Yeah, he could live with that.

“Robert, bring extra blankets down. I don’t know what she ate, but it’s a three alarm.”

He chuckled. “I have to go, Mom. I need to help Galen with a situationdownstairs. Maybe we’ll see you next Sunday.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“Us too.”

He hung up, slipped the phone back into his pocket, then went to the supply closet to get some cleaning supplies and blankets. He grinned to himself as he trooped down the hall. At least with Galen by his side, Robert’s life would never be dull.

Or lonely again.