Page 71 of Thinking It Over

“Okay. Listen, I have to go since the nurse is here. See you tomorrow.”

“Will do.”

The call finished, and I continued to gather my things. Earlier today, I’d boxed up a few items of Tyler’s and got them to a courier to be sent home. I’d made sure to collect any personal belongings I could that one day Tyler would need and most likely appreciate, as well as clothes and toys.

It wasn’t lost on me how quickly we’d been able to pack up their one-bedroom apartment. The reality of what the young woman and my nephew had dealt with had hit me hard, Dad even more so. I liked to think we were good people, and knowing that if only she had been able to reach out to us so we could support her, we wouldn’t have missed out on this time with Tyler—and likely things wouldn’t have turned out the way they had.

I shut those unhelpful thoughts down and rechecked my bags. We still had the rental car, so I’d load up what Iwas taking on the plane tomorrow before Dad and I went and collected Tyler.

Somehow, I needed to manage some sleep. I had no idea what was in store for me, and honestly, it didn’t matter. Tyler was what was important, but my initial survival through the unknown meant I needed to hit the hay so I was alert for tomorrow.

NINETEEN

JASPER

Nervous energy was a peculiar thing.When excitement and dread swirled in my gut, and I didn’t know if I was going to vomit or not, it made for a strange feeling. I wiped my palms on my jeans and then removed the small teddy bear I’d wedged under my arm.

Their plane had just landed and was taxiing into position.

When they’d arrived at O’Hare and checked in, Austin had finally called me. A scary calm was in his voice as he’d told me they’d seen Frankie, and his dad had dropped them off. Other than telling me they’d be fine, he said nothing else, but his controlled voice worried me. It meant I had no idea what to expect when he got off the plane.

It seemed like forever until passengers started to disembark. I was on my tiptoes, stretching to try to get my first glimpse of them both, and when I did, my heart tripped over itself and threatened to burst free.

Dressed casually in jeans and a light blue T-shirt, Austin’s hair looked adorably disheveled and in need of a trim. One hand was clasped to a handle of a small case, which he wheeled behind him, and the other held tightly to a little boy with dark blond hair that fell shaggily over his ears. The boy seemed to be talking animatedly, surprising me and inflating my chest with hope. Every second or third step, he made a big jump, Austin laughing and helping him with the flight over what appeared to be markings on the tarmac.

Both smiled. The laughter I could see and wished I could hear sent a shot of emotion through me.

Just maybe this would all work out. I knew it had to, and it would, really. There was no alternative. But honestly, what I’d expected was a boy wrapped up in so much grief he wouldn’t know how to interact. I’d never been happier to have called it so very wrong.

As they stepped through the doors to the terminal, I wondered whether Tyler had been told about his mom yet, and if so, would he understand. Either way, we’d ensure he had the support he needed.

When Austin’s brown gaze hit mine, I didn’t hold back. I took the few steps needed to walk up and wraphim into my arms. I placed the briefest of kisses on his lips, continuing to hug him, whispering, “I’m so happy you’re home.”

He’d released the bag and gave me a one-armed hug. “Me too.”

Reluctantly, I stepped away, turning my attention to the little boy, who stood with his eyes open wide, looking at my face, then at the bear. I crouched down. “Hey, Tyler, I’m Jasper. Pleased to meet you.” I reached out my hand and grinned when he first glanced at Austin, who gave him a nod, before he stuck his hand out and clasped mine.

“Peased to meet you, sir.”

My heart melted instantly. “Thank you, Tyler. You can call me Jasper, though, okay?” He nodded a little shyly, his hand still firmly gripping his uncle’s. “Do you think you can take care of my friend here while I help Uncle Austin with the bags?” I held the bear out.

He appeared to mull it over, his eyes scrunching up just so. “I’s will.” A big head bob followed, and I passed it to him before standing.

“Bags, then home?” I asked Austin.

A content sigh brushed past his lips. “That’s sounds so good.”

I took the wheelie bag from him so I could hold hishand. Not touching him was too difficult. But he didn’t seem to mind, especially as he leaned into me a little.

Bags collected and toilet break covered, we headed to my car and strapped Tyler securely in the car seat I’d bought after Davis had told me which one to get.

Thirty minutes in, Tyler came out of his shell a little more as I started a game of I Spy, using colors. Another thirty minutes passed by, and the kid was out cold. Head angled weirdly, mouth open a little, he looked adorable.

Austin whispered, “I remember Frankie sleeping just like that.”

I chuckled lightly as I flicked another glance through the rearview mirror at the sleeping boy. I didn’t expect it would always be this easy, but for the time being, I was sure we’d happily accept any break we could get.

We reached Austin’s, and I pulled up outside, stopped the engine, unclipped my belt, and angled toward him. “I plan to stay tonight. Is that okay?” While I didn’t expect him to say no, I needed to be sure, just like I needed to do what was right for Tyler too.

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