Page 65 of If You Were Mine (After We Fall 3)
“You made their night.”
I glanced into the living room, where they were still smiling. “They made mine, too.”
* * *
Later, when bellies were full and pans were soaking and kids were desperately fighting sleep in their beds, my brother and Josie and I sat with cups of decaf in the living room. They shared the couch and I took the chair across from them.
“When they’re asleep, I have a few more things to bring in for them,” I whispered.
“You’re too much.” Josie shook her head, tucking her legs beneath her. “After all you’ve done for us the last couple months, you did not have to buy them gifts.”
“I wanted to.”
Aaron set his mug on the table and leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “It’s my intention to pay you back for everything you’ve given us. And it goes without saying how grateful I am, although I want to say it. Josie’s been telling me how much you did for her and the kids while I was gone.”
“They’re my family too.” And they needed me. I sipped hot coffee, trying not to let even a drop of resentment surface and ruin what had been a nice night. The nicest Christmas Eve I could remember.
“We are,” said Josie firmly.
“How are you feeling?” I asked her.
“Great. And before you ask, I’m seeing the doctor on Friday before work,” she said.
“Good.”
“I went to a meeting yesterday,” Aaron said.
I stared at my brother. “You did?”
He nodded. “And again today, and I’m going tomorrow.”
“That’s awesome, man.” I noticed how good he looked as well. Clear eyed and level-headed. “I’m proud of you.”
“You were right. I wasn’t acting like a husband or father. I wasn’t acting like a man. Not the man I want to be.”
I nodded. “You can get there.”
“Thank you,” he said, his eyes shiny. “For not giving up on me.”
I struggled to reply. My throat had gone tight. “You’re welcome.”
“So tell me what you’ve been up to.” My brother leaned back and picked up his coffee. “Working any jobs?”
“A few here and there. One just came in, actually.”
Josie frowned sadly. “I wish you didn’t have to do that.”
“Josie,” my brother warned. “We don’t need to judge.”
“I’m not judging.” She shook her head, touching her hand to her chest. “And believe me, I’m grateful for the financial help he’s been able to give us. But I worry every day that…” Her voice trailed off.
“I know,” I admitted. “I worry sometimes, too.”
“Do you? You always seem so cool and calm about it.”
“Because there’s no sense in worrying. It doesn’t change anything. But lately…” Fuck. Did I want to do this?
“Lately what?” she pressed.
