Page 15 of Shuttered Hearts

“That’s easy enough.” I look to Scott for his confirmation.

“I agree. You and Caleb did a great job creating an outdoor space. I think it would be a waste not to use it.”

“So, why don’t you like it?” I look at Caleb.

“Well, when you all put it like that, you make it seem as ifI’mthe jerk.” Caleb throws his hands up in exasperation. I can tell he’s giving the rest of us a hard time and probably aiming to keep us all from thinking about the fact Scott is sitting in another hospital bed.

Caleb has never been good at expressing his feelings, or dealing with them for that matter. Humor has been his go-to during difficult times since I’ve known him.

“Well, you are a bit of a grumpy bastard,” Scott says, causing Emily and me to laugh even harder.

“Hey now, that’s just mean.” Caleb tries to be serious but can’t hold in his own laugh.

I’ve never known Caleb without Emily in his life, but from some of the stories Scott’s told, I know she has softened him up quite a bit.

“No, you’re all right. It’s not a big thing she wants to do, and Max will love it. Plus, it will get cold here soon, so it will be good to use the backyard one more time this year.” He looks down at his watch and straightens in his seat. “We’ve got to go, Em. You’ve got an early shift tomorrow, and I know you need your sleep.” He stands from the chair, moving in for a quick hug from his dad.

“No, I’m fine. We can stay longer to figure out the party.”

“You’ve been here with me practically all day. Go home and get some sleep,” Scott tells her.

“What about the party? We haven’t actually figured anything out.” Emily slowly sits up in her seat.

Caleb moves to Emily’s side to help her up. “We’ve still got a little time, and I think Quinn has already figured out the logistics of the party itself. She’ll probably need help with the invites.”

“Oh, well, I can definitely help her with that.” Emily smiles up at Caleb.

Scott reaches out a hand to her, pulling her close for a hug. “I love you both. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I stand to hug them before they say their goodbyes and head out the door.

“What about you? Do you need to head out?”

“Nope. You’re stuck with me.” I move to take the chair Emily vacated, offering him a smile.

“Ah, kid, being stuck with you would never be a hardship.”

I was close with my parents before everything with Melissa happened. I loved them, and I knew they loved me, but Scott has shown me a completely different meaning of being a father. He is the kind of father I hoped to be one day. Knowing he won’t be around much longer both breaks my heart and terrifies me.

Scott must see something on my face because before I can say anything, he speaks again. “I know it’s not something we’ve ever discussed, and it’s probably not something you want to talk about, but I want to make sure you know how blessed I feel you came into our lives, Declan.”

I lean forward in my seat, clasping my hands and leaning my elbows on my knees, looking down at the floor between my spread feet.

Scott is right. I don’t want to talk about this because it feels like a goodbye. Far too early for one. I squeeze my hands, almost to the point of pain, before looking back up at him. “I know, Scott. I feel the same. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for all of you. You gave me a family when mine let me down. I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”

“You don’t have to. Family means never having to repay us for anything. We don’t do anything for each other expecting something in return. We do it because we want to, and because it feels right. Blood doesn’t make a family, Declan. You are as much a part of us as I am.”

“Why are we talking like this is goodbye? You’ve still got plenty of time with us.” I feel the tears burning the back of my eyes and cough, trying to clear the lump in my throat. I know my time with Scott is limited, but I’ve stillgottime. I’m not willing to cry about Scott, not yet.

“I don’t have as much time as we all want.”

“Maybe not, but you’re not dying tomorrow. So, this conversation can wait.” I stand from my chair, wiping at my face with one hand and reaching into my back pocket with the other. “Now, how about some rummy? I brought some cards with me.”

Scott offers me a small smile, nods, and pulls the table in front of him closer.

eight

DECLAN

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