Page 30 of More Than a Hero
She did a quick head count, pleased to see no one had forgotten. Relief flooded through her, and she moved around the space, greeting each of the older adults with warm hugs and reassuring smiles. Some of them were seated on the room’s plush sofas, while others stood near the snack table, their hands clasped, eyes bright with anticipation. The room itself had been set up with several cozy conversation areas, the furniture arranged to encourage easy, intimate discussions.
Footsteps outside the door caught her attention. Angie turned just as the door swung open, and the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding released in a slow exhale.
Pete.
Her lips curved into a soft smile as she took him in—broad-shouldered, confident, effortlessly commanding the room just by stepping inside. His presence had a way of steadying her, grounding her.
He led the group of young men inside, their faces a mix of curiosity and nervous excitement. Richard, as dependable as ever, brought up the rear, his tall frame and easygoing demeanor offering a sense of stability to the boys.
Angie’s gaze flicked to Richard for a moment, knowing how much he had on his plate. His wife was due to give birth any day now, and she knew he would likely be absent from future meetings for a little while. But she appreciated that he was here tonight, offering support where it was needed.
As the boys stepped forward, their movements hesitant but eager, Angie noticed something else… the older adults had risen to their feet. They were smiling, but beneath their expressions, she could see the same nerves mirrored back at them.
She met Pete in the center of the room, their bodies instinctively aligning as they always seemed to. The flicker ofconnection between them was something she felt in her bones, especially in moments like this.
Pete gave her a small nod, his silent way of saying,Go ahead. You’ve got this.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to the group and spoke, her voice carrying the warmth and reassurance she wanted them all to feel.
"Okay, everyone. I know you’re all excited about the possibilities tonight, but with that excitement comes a little nervousness. That’s completely natural. So for tonight, there are no expectations—just introductions. I’ll pair you up with your adopted grandchild or grandparent, and then you can grab some snacks and a drink, find a place to sit, and just talk. You don’t need to learn everything about each other right now. Just a little something to start.”
She scanned the room, waiting to see if there were any questions. No one spoke up, so she continued, moving carefully through the pairings.
“And just so you know, our adoptive grandparents said that you can call them by their first name. I like to put the Mr. or Ms. in front, but you can work that out with your partner. Mike, you’ll be with Mr. George, along with Rasheem.”
Tony, a lanky young man with dark hair and an uncertain expression, took a breath before stepping forward. George, a retired history teacher, smiled warmly, offering his hand. Angie didn’t miss the way Mike squared his shoulders before shaking his hand firmly, just as Pete had coached them. Rasheem followed suit.
“Jalen, you and Darius are with Mr. Bertram. Curly and Mike will be with Ms. Rosetta. Jimmy, you’ll be with Mr. Marty…”
One by one, she called out the names, watching each match unfold like a delicate dance—some eager, some a little shy, all of them stepping into something unknown.
When she got to the last pair, she glanced at Pete. He was watching, assessing, his arms crossed over his chest. But when their eyes met, there was something else there, something that made her stomach flip just slightly.
Once everyone had been introduced, she was relieved to see that the older adults immediately encouraged their young partners to grab a plate of food. What surprised her even more was that the young men were quick to help by balancing cups and carrying plates, ensuring their adopted grandparents had what they needed.
Pete’s deep voice rumbled beside her. “We’ve talked to the boys about manners and politeness. It’s good to see them actually remembering what we’ve taught them. This was a chance for them to practice, and they’re doing a hell of a job.”
Angie smiled, the warmth of pride swelling in her chest. “I think they’re doing great.”
As she scanned the room, she noticed that some pairs had already settled into easy conversation, their voices drifting through the air like soft, overlapping melodies. Others were still a little stiff, hesitant, unsure how to break the ice.
She turned to Pete, lowering her voice. “I don’t want to hover, but after they’ve had some time to settle, I’d like to ask everyone to share one thing they’ve learned about their partner. Just something small, something that’ll give them a reason to keep talking.”
Pete nodded, looking over at Richard, who gave an approving nod of his own. “I think that’s a good idea.”
Angie exhaled slowly, watching as the young men and their adopted grandparents slowly relaxed into this new experience.
And then, she did something she hadn’t even realized she needed to do. She reached out slightly and let her fingers brush against Pete’s hand. It was quick, barely conspicuous.
But he noticed. And in response, he turned his hand just enough to let his fingers graze hers.
It was fleeting, but it was there.I see you, his touch seemed to say.I’m right here with you.
A quiet thrill ran through her, but she forced herself to focus as Pete, Richard, and she began moving around the room, checking in on each pair.
This was only the beginning.
But as she watched the warmth begin to settle in, as laughter replaced uncertainty, and as connections started to form, she knew this was the right thing to do.
