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"I hope so. I thought we were done with kids after Faith moved out, but there's just something about Geo. He fits with us." Xander sighed. "Better get this over with. No point in dragging it out." He took a deep breath and called to the others. "Get over here. I want to talk to you about something."
Matt released Geo, said something to him, then dunked him before swimming back to Xander. Once there, he rose up out of the water and kissed Xander softly. "It's going to be okay. Relax. You look ready to beat someone up." He tugged on Xander's beard gently. "Want me to talk to him?"
"No, I want to do it," Bryon told him.
Geo swam back to them, then hefted himself up on the side of the pool to sit beside Bryon. "What's up?"
Bryon smiled. "It's time for you to decide where you want to live. Remember I promised I'd give you the choice?"
Geo frowned. "I have to decide now?"
"You've had time to think. The team will be heading back to Los Angeles soon. We need to know if you're going with us or not." Bryon hated seeing the look of despair in Geo's eyes. The kid really didn't want to have to choose.
"So I can find a foster home here or one in Los Angeles, right?" Geo's voice shook a bit as he asked.
"Yep. I can find one here if that's your wish or I have a good one already picked out in Los Angeles if that's your choice. But I have to warn you, the one in Los Angeles is to a couple that can be a bit crazy at times. They're a gay couple who have already raised a daughter and are looking to bring a kid in who is willing to put up with their crazy lifestyles. They work odd hours in unconventional jobs but make more than enough money to support you. They'd expect you to do well in school and promise not to run away and cause problems. They know what you've been through and will help you move on from it. They're a couple of jokers. Two of my best friends actually. They like to swim a lot, spend time at the beach, eat unhealthily, and they own an old dog who you'd have to accept as well."
Geo looked over at Matt and Xander who were grinning up at him with hopeful looks on their faces. Geo shook his head, then glanced at Bryon. "You mean them?" He looked back at Matt and Xander.
Xander nodded. "If you'll have us."
"We'd love to be your new foster parents," Matt agreed.
Tears filled Geo's eyes. "Honest? This isn't a joke?"
Xander moved over so he was standing in front of him. He rested a hand on Geo's knee. "We've talked about it and would love to have you move in with us and be part of our family. We'd love to call you our son."
Bryon swallowed hard. He wouldn't cry. He refused. He'd seen too much to get soft right now. He wouldn't let this get to him.
Geo looked at Bryon. "Can I? Is it possible?"
Bryon nodded. "You just need to agree. You need to know they're not always fun. You will have to go to school, help around the house, and do everything every other teenage boy has to do. There will be rules and you will have to respect them as your parents. It won't always be like things have been here."
"I know." Geo wiped tears from his cheek. "What about Faith? Will she be mad if you do this?"
"We talked to Faith this morning and she wants to throw a welcome to the family party once we get home if you agree. She's always wanted a brother and if you agree to let us adopt you, she'll finally have one," Matt told him.
"Adopt? So this wouldn't be just a foster home?" Geo asked.
"Adopt. We'd make it official. No half-assed stuff for us. It's all or nothing. We've already looked, and your parents signed over legal guardianship to the State of Nevada. We'd just have to go through the adoption process and make it all legal." Xander grinned.
"So what do you say? Come live with us?" Matt placed a hand on Xander's shoulder but stared at Geo.
"Yes. I'd love that." Geo jumped into the water and threw his arms around both men.
Bryon grinned as he slowly stood up from the pool and quietly walked away. He'd let the new family have their time together. He didn't need to be watching even though he wanted to. He couldn't believe how a simple trip to get married had impacted the team's lives so much. Everything was changing, but for the better. Their family was growing. He had no doubt that Geo would make an amazing addition to Matt and Xander's family, but also to the team. The other kids would love and welcome him. He might not have gotten his happily ever after yet, but the others were getting theirs. His would come in time. Becca would be his another day, then they could start their forever just like Geo, Matt, and Xander were about to start theirs.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Bryon took a bite of his dinner, then leaned back. "First before we start this meeting, Xander and Matt have an announcement."
Xander and Matt stood. "Geo, come stand with us." Matt smiled at the boy.
Geo got up and walked over to where they were.
"Matt and I would like to announce that Geo has agreed to be our son. We'll start work on adopting him as soon as we get home." Xander threw his arm around Geo's shoulder.
A cheer went up around the room.
