Page 162 of Unexpected Redemption

Squinting, I lean in closer. At the very bottom, in a tiny script font, are the wordsThe brother formerly known as Chuck.

With weepy eyes, I flash Sawyer a grateful smile. Then I focus on my man, onlyslightlyshocked to find him trailing his fingertips along the engraved door placard. My throat nearly closes from the rush of brewing emotions.

He’s silent as he scrutinizes it, and then a gradual smile plucks at his cheeks.

“We got something else for you, Tomer,” Shep announces from out of nowhere.

“Make way,” Leo announces in a huff.

As directed, we clear a path. Hefting huge boxes down the hall, they each drop one unceremoniously at Tomer’s feet. The clatter makes me flinch, and a tiny yelp escapes me.

“What’s this?” Tomer bends, opening the unsealed box to glimpse the contents. Suddenly, he bursts out in laughter. “You fuckers.”

“What is it?” I ask, angling for a better view.

Squatting beside the large box, Tomer reaches inside and removes an item, flashing it at me over his shoulder.

“Sumbitch,” I grumble to myself, squeezing the cursedChuck Nonfunfucksign in my hand.

Shuffling forward, I fling the box open wide, uncoveringhundredsof name signs. All of them the same. I dig through them, contemplating throwing one at Sawyer and everyone else who allowed this bullying for so long.

Instead of doing that, I voice a kinder suggestion. “Babe, how about a big bonfire out back? You’re good with fire, right?”

“I’ve got the marshmallows,” Shep jests, drawing a few laughs.

“T, we have something to say to you,” Leo starts, his tone holding thick tendrils of compassion. “All of us.”

Tomer rises and scans around the hallway. My eyes do the same, noticing a large crowd has gathered.

Oh boy. Where are the tissues? My gut is firing, and not in the upset tummy way.

Sawyer steps forward, placing one palm on each of Tomer’s shoulders. “From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry for poking fun at you. Not only for the signs. I apologize for everything I’ve said or done to make you think I view you as anything less than my brother. My equal. And my friend. You’ve saved all our asses more times than we can count. I love you, man. And I’m sorry if you ever doubted that. It’ll never happen again.”

A big inhale makes Tomer’s chest swell, and he gives Sawyer a grateful nod.

Sammy takes a step forward. “My turn. You saved my life.Twice. And the life of my future husband and brother a mega shit fuck ton of times. I’m sorry for teasing you. In my defense, I’m a horrible person.” Everyone laughs at her joke, but she quickly grows serious again. “I honestly didn’t realize it was upsetting you. I’m very sorry. I think you’re a good dude. Can’t wait to raise our kids together.”

That does it. The tears start pouring.

Making room for the line of people approaching us, I press against the wall.

Kri comes up, thanking him for saving her, specifically calling out what he did on the day she and Val were captured. Next comes Val, for some strange reason. I’ve never heard of her teasing him.

“I don’t have anything to apologize for. However, I’m taking a turn because I like attention.” She flashes a cheeky grin. “Thanks for your role in saving me. Once I get my billions, I’ll break you off a piece.”

More laughter surrounds us, wrapping us in a warm embrace.

Shep approaches next, offering similar sentiments and a heartfelt apology. Interestingly enough, Shep apologizes for notburning the door signs when he first found them. Something tells me there’s a story there, but it’s not the time to ask for details.

Next, Sue and Madeline stroll up together, linked arm in arm.Interesting.

Tomer looks between the two of them, his brows raised to the roof.

There’s no way in Hades that these loving souls were cruel to him.

Madeline nudges her, prompting her to start.

Sue mumbles something unintelligible under her breath before closing her eyes and speaking louder. “Once this turned into a full Broadway production, I decided I needed someone to stand next to me. Unlike Val, I hate the attention.But...”

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