Page 85 of Betraying Bexley

Mateo sat on the bean bag closest to her bed. “Oh? About the day?”

“Yeah.” She took a sip of the warm milk with a splash of honey and cinnamon. “T-Today was interesting.”

“Between you and me, I think we wore Noah out,” Mateo teased before taking a sip of his drink.

“M-Me too.”

“Did you enjoy your pool party?” he glanced up at her.

“Y-Yes. A lot.” She placed her mug on the bedside table. “I-I have s-something t-t-t—” She clenched her hands in fists and took a deep breath. Nervous energy coursed through her. She wanted to tell him that she loved Bronx and Alé, but she also wanted to ask if it was okay to call Mateo dad.

“Take your time, Bex, it’s okay.” Mateo grinned at her in reassurance.

“T-Two t-things.” She swallowed hard. “I l-love Alé and B-Bronx.”

“And the second?” Mateo glanced up at her from the rim of his mug.

“C-Can I c-call y-you d-d-dad?” She gritted her teeth as she exhaled, angry at herself for allowing her stutter to interfere with her ability to speak.

Mateo’s soft sob drew her attention. “You want to call me dad?” He swiped a tear on his cheek as it rolled out from under his glasses.

“Y-Yes. I-I always w-wished y-you were my d-dad. Y-You c-cared w-when no one else d-did.” She twisted her fingers in the blankets on her bed as nervous energy wriggled through her.

“Knock-knock. Bunk check.” Noah opened the door and Bex grinned. “What are the two of you conspiring about?”

Mateo sniffled and wiped his eyes. “Bex would like to call me dad.”

Noah’s chest puffed up and his blue eyes sparkled with pride and love. “Oh yeah? What did you say?”

“Y-You w-walked in,” Bex said. “B-Before he c-could answer.”

“She’s also in love with Alé and Bronx,” Mateo added.

Noah sat down on her bed near her feet. “You love them, huh?”

She nodded, not able to meet his gaze. Of the two of them, Noah was the disciplinarian while Mateo indulged her. “Y-Yes.”

“Do they love you?” Noah tilted his head, catching her gaze.

“I t-think t-they do,” she whispered.

“Then I am happy for you, Bex. You deserve to be loved. You’ve always deserved to be loved. As for calling Mateo dad, I can’t say I’m surprised. Of the both of us, you’ve known him the longest, so it seemed appropriate you’d want to call him such. I’m glad you feel wanted and accepted here and comfortable enough to consider him your parent.”

He didn't understand, she wanted to call Noah something too, but she didn't know what, because dad and dad, would get confusing. "Y-You t-too." She stared at Noah. He reminded her of a giant bear all growl and snarls, but also, he was kind and protective. He was fierce and loved Mateo. According to Asher, he was also deadly when it came to him being a sniper. "Y-You're B-Bear."

Noah blinked then glanced at Mateo who’d taken off his glasses while continuing to wipe away his tears. “Bear?”

She nodded, feeling a little more confident in herself and her ability to explain her reasoning. “Because you remind me of a bear protecting his family.”

Noah sagged. “Wow.” His voice cracked and he cleared his throat.

Mateo gasped. “Bexley. Say something again.”

She grinned. “It doesn’t always work t-this well.”

Noah gathered her in his arms. “I love it kid. I’ll wear the title with pride.”

“T-Thank you.” She hugged him just as tight then Mateo joined them. “We’re a family, n-now.”

Mateo gave a watery chuckle. “Yes, we are, beautiful girl. We’re your family.”

---