Page 75 of Uproot

“Beckett has told me so much about you, that I feel like we’ve already met,” Bobby says as we lead them into the living room.

“He’s told me a lot about both of you too. It’s so good to finally meet you in person,” Selah responds.

“Well, everything good he said is true, and all of the terrible things he said are blownwayout of proportion. I swear,” Bobby jokes.

Selah laughs again, and I frown over at Bobby, not loving the way she is cracking up at all of his lame jokes. But at least she is less nervous than she was before they came, so I decide not to intervene.

For now.

Bobby and Natalie settle in on the couches and Edison comes into the living room with Gana. Gana gives Bobby and Natalie both a hug, happy to see them again. Edison gets a little shy when I introduce him to them, but they quickly help put him at ease by gushing over the drawing he made them.

A little bit later, Rockwell and Evy come over, and the house is full of chattering and the smell of delicious food. We all sit down for dinner and start a conversation while we share our meal.

I’m not surprised seeing how well Bobby gets along with everyone, he’s always been a people person, and if there’s onething living in Upwood has taught me is that you can find some common ground with anyone, no matter where they are from.

After dinner and an amazing batch of chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert, Rockwell and Evy say their goodbyes, and get ready to head home. Evy is still on her pregnancy bedtime schedule that Rockwell has set for her, but she’s not very happy about it.

She argues with him at the door as he helps her put on her shoes, and ignores her protests. “You were practically falling asleep eating your cookies,” he grunts, standing up and taking her hand. “Whenyouare too tired to finish eating dessert, I know for sure that it’s time to get you to bed.”

Evy rolls her eyes and I hear Selah stifling a laugh. “Goodnight you all. Thanks so much for everything,” Evy says, reluctantly shuffling to the door. “Let’s go have lunch next week, Selah!”

“Of course Ev! I’ll text you,” Selah responds, giving her another hug goodbye.

I close the door behind them, and pull Selah into a hug, brushing my thumbs over her cheeks. “I’m going to have a drink with Bobby and talk for a few. Will you be good without me for a while?” I ask.

She gives me a reassuring smile, “Of course, Beck. I’ll take everyone in the living room to hang out until you two finish.”

“Thank you, angel,” I say, then give her a kiss and go to find Bobby.

I bring him into the kitchen, then go open a cabinet. “I got your favorite Cognac from Charlestown,” I say, smiling as I take outtwo glasses and pour us both drinks. “I was shocked they had it there, honestly.”

“You’re too kind, brother,” he sighs happily, lifting his glass and clinking it against mine. “Maybe this place isn’t half bad after all.”

“Come on, let’s go out back,” I say, motioning for him to follow me.

We settle into two Adirondack chairs, and stare out at the yard and woods behind us. It is another peaceful night, and I never get over how calm and enchanting it is here. I only experienced an environment like this when my father would take us to upstate New York once or twice a year.

“So..have you been thinking about a date you want to come back? Natalie was telling me she has a contact at a school close to the office, and she can get you and Edison in for an interview,” Bobby says, drawing my attention over to him.

I set my glass down on the table between us, knowing it’s the perfect time to let him in on my thoughts. “Actually, I was going to ask you for the name of your real estate agent, man. I think I’m ready to put my penthouse on the market.”

He pauses with his glass halfway to his mouth, blinking at me for a moment before he begins to laugh. “I knew it! I could have predicted thisweeksago, but I was waiting for you to figure it out. Beckett Dillon Kade is truly in love,” he announces, holding his glass up to me before draining the rest of it.

I chuckle, shrugging my shoulder, “I am, Bobby. More than I ever thought was even possible,” I admit, my face turning serious again. “I mean, you know what kind of example of romantic love I had growing up. I just never thought that kindof love was actually attainable until I met Selah. I’m not going to risk losing her, and honestly, Edison is happy here too. He’s finally coming into his own, building really good friendships, and experiencing a positive childhood. This is just a better place to raise children.”

“C-children?” Bobby sputters, gawking over at me.

“Yes, as inmultiple. Have you seen Selah?” I ask, and he pretends to zip his lips closed, making me laugh.

“I’m ready to make every commitment she needs, Bobby,” I say, feeling the decision settle into my soul. “There’s truly nothing I’ve ever wanted more than this. Not the collaboration with Global Games, not the Fortune 500 cover, not all of the accolades in the world could compare to the life I’ve started building here.”

Bobby sits quietly for a moment, the smile on his face fading as he nods at me. As happy as I am, I think we both understand that this means we won’t be as involved in each other’s everyday lives for the first time since we were boys.

He clears his throat, sitting forward in his chair. “Well, I’m happy for you, but the city won’t be the same without you, brother. Regardless, we will get everything figured out if this is what you really want. So just tell me, what’s the plan?”

My shoulders relax, relief filling me knowing that he understands and is ready to move forward with me, even if it’s not physically side-by-side anymore.

“The first step is to go over some things I need to change for work,” I respond, rubbing my hands together, the smile on my face growing. “And for the second step, I’m going to need Natalie’s help.”

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