Page 152 of Outspoken

“Us. The three of us. What do you think of us as a family?”

They share a side glance, then Amber voices how they both look, “Huh?”

I pace, feeling crazy but also the clearest I’ve been my entire life. “This works, doesn’t it?” I nod to myself, answering my own question. “You two get along. I like having you around, Angel, even if you break my shit. Mom always said you were a good kid, and I believe her. You’re a good kid, you just need someone. You need stability and a home.” I glance at Amber. “And you. I’m not sure I can live without you or if my heart could ever love again. You’ve invaded my soul, mi amor, and I’ll never recover.”

“But,” she says cautiously while still looking lost, “you want your own kids.”

I stop pacing to secure her hands in mine. “Family. I’ve always wanted my ownfamily. I was stuck thinking that meant biological children, but family is more. It’s who you choose and who’s meant to be with you. It’s a deep connection and unconditional love. Support. It’s who you want in your life.”

Amber’s unblinking eyes and frozen expression tell me she’s struggling to respond, so I turn to Angel, putting my hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know how it’ll work,” I tell him, “or what we’ll have to do, but I want to adopt you—if you’re cool with that. That’s what I want, but it matters what you want.”

He gapes at me, stunned. I’ve stunned both of them so much they’re statues. I return to pacing, nodding like a bobblehead.

“This isn’t crazy,” I say to myself as much as I do Angel. “I want to be there for you, give you a solid foundation. I want you to put your clothes in the closet and stay until you’re an adult. Kids don’t leave home when they’re eighteen anymore, so that means you’ll probably be living with me until you’re thirty and I’m an old man, but that’s cool. The point is, it’ll be your home. Your home will be with me.”

Angel is the first to recover, and he frowns. “But you’re my cousin.”

“So? I can still adopt you. We’re already family. It would only mean I’m the one officially responsible for you. And I wouldn’t bail like your parents.” I hesitate with my next words, realizing that I might be pushing. I don’t want that, so I need to get my excitement in check. “But it’s completely up to you. If you still hate me or think I’m fake, you should do what will make you happy. I can help you find somewhere to stay if you don’t want to be at my place.”

He shrugs, looking indifferent and not giving away any of his emotions. “I was going to stay with Amber.”

I lift my brows at her.Thisis something I wasn’t expecting.

She gives a very Angel-like shrug. “I said he could stay with me if he didn’t want to stay with you. It’s his decision.”

I force myself not to grin. Everything is clicking so perfectly.Can’t they see how well we fit together?But I’ll keep my heart open and not get stuck on the outcome I want. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, I’ll deal. I’m surrendering and letting the greater plan unfold for once.

Anyway, it’s not up to me. Whatever path I follow depends on Angel’s next words.

Amber and I look at him.

He crosses his arms, his eyes darting between us like he’s calculating the pros and cons of the situation. Then his gaze drops and he frowns at my sneakers, working his lower lip. He shrugs. “Do I have to call you pops?”

Yes!

It feels like the heavens are parting and the angels are singing. I’m ready to grin so hard it’ll hurt my face for weeks. Instead, I remain calm and clear my throat, faking indifference. “Naw. I mean…Whatever you want is cool.”

He nods at Amber, his blotchy face looking bored even though his eyes are shining and his posture is lighter. “You want her to adopt me, too?”

Amber nervous-laughs. “Uh, hey, Angel, can you go to the car please? I need to talk with Miguel.”

With yet another shrug, he turns. When he reaches the car, he pauses before opening the door. Looking at his hands, he says quietly, “I like your house, pops.”

I can’t hold it in. I grin. I can’t stop grinning.

Pops!

“Careful, kid,” Amber says through a frown. “This one isextremelyclingy.”

Angel half smiles and then climbs in the backseat, shutting the door.

Amber’s expression immediately falls and she hugs herself, glancing at the group of tents across the parking lot. Her voice is barely above a whisper. “Miguel…”

I move closer, wanting to touch her but resisting. She’s too guarded.

“There’s no pressure,” I say. “You don’t have to stay with me or stay involved in Angel’s life. It just felt right for me, so I had to say it. But I understand if it’s not right for you.”

She nods, chewing her lip and giving me space to continue.

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