Page 126 of Timeless

“I won’t listen unless everyone is at the table and I want to sit next to Dad.”

I put my fingers to my temples. Jack was breaking the rules and he knew it.

Without even being asked, the boys moved for the table. Jack had all the power over us. I think they would do anything he asked. The boys had all taken a seat at the eight-seater table but Jack was waiting to see where Jax sat.

Jax pulled out a chair and Jack went to take the one next to him.

Okay. This could go smoothly. Right

Jack was still pulling out his chair, then he froze, in between the chair and Jax.

He had seen them.

“Mom made pies,” Jack mumbled.

No one knew the importance of these pies, apart from Jack.

I lowered to my knees and gently pushed Jack around to face me. “I told you we need to talk, Jack.” I just had to be gentle about this.

“But it involves pies.” Jack’s expression was blank. “It involves pies.”

I nodded. “Yeah, it does, bub.” I reached out for his hand that wasn’t gripping the ring. “It’s about Will.”

Jack glanced to his side to look at Jax. He went to open his mouth, looking back at me.

“It has nothing to do with your dad. I promise.” I quickly answered his question before he even said it. “Do you remember what I told you when it comes to Will?” I was hoping he remembered. He usually remembers everything but he was younger when we talked.

He frowned.

Okay. Maybe he didn’t remember. My eyes dropped to the ground. Okay. I can do this. Surely, Jack won’t react that badly.

“It was when you last made pie,” Jack said and my eyes snapped up.

I nodded. “Yeah. Do you remember what I told you about Will?”

“He isn’t family,” Jack remembered.

I smiled. “And what does that mean?”

“You only count on family,” Jack recalled.

“So, what is Will?”

“Not family,” Jack answered correctly and then his mouth dropped slightly.

“Yeah, bub. Correct.” I kept a smile on my face, knowing he now knew what that meant.

“Will’s moved on then?” Jack’s eyes dropped to the table.

“Yeah.” I kept holding his hand. But I was waiting for his reaction.

He remained quiet. When he wasn’t making eye connection or talking, I was usually in trouble.

Jack looked up, meeting my eyes. “Can I delete his recordings on the box?”

I was stunned for a second. Okay. I wasn’t expecting him to take it that well. “Um, yeah, of course, Jack.”

“Can we also burn his stuff?” Jack’s eyes lit up.

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