Page 108 of Galen's Redemption
Chapter Twenty-Seven
GALEN KNELTin front of Cassie, who looked up at him with wide eyes as he presented her with a stuffed toy that he’d had made. When he’d gone into the Build-A-Bear Workshop and seen the golden mane with the bright gray eyes, he thought of Lincoln. God, he actually ached when he thought about Robert saying Lincoln and Noel were getting married. How could he possiblymiss out on that?
“He’s for me? Really?”
“Yes, really. Your mom says it’s okay for you to take him.”
She threw her arms around Galen, squeezing him tight. “Thank you, Uncle Galen!”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
It sent warmth rushing through him when she clutched Lincoln the Lion to her chest and ran to show her mother. Galen had been hard at work, trying to find a job that would give theminsurance, but thus far hadn’t had much luck. Still, he held out hope that he could help Cassie and her mother. Maybe it was the guilt of failure that made it so important to see her smile.
“Let’s hope this year brings a lot of changes for us all.”
Arms wrapped around his waist, and soft lips kissed right below his ear. A shudder coursed through him. He turned and pressed himself against Robert.
“I’ve been thinking.”
“Great. I like the way you think. What’s on your mind?”
Galen drew in a breath. “I want to go see Lincoln and Noel tomorrow. I… I don’t want to miss him being married.”
“Good. I was hoping you might decide to do that.” Robert kissed Galen’s neck again. “I think he wants to see you too.”
“I hope so. I… I want to be part of his life, you know? I know he won’t forgive meright away and that I’ll have to prove myself to both of them, but you have no idea how much I want to do that.” Galen chuckled. “I miss going there and eating. I used to tease Lincoln about his food, but it was the best damned food I ever had. There’s nothing quite like a big, juicy cheeseburger and homemade fries.” His stomach rumbled. “But I miss him more than the food.”
“Then let’s do somethingabout it.”
God, Robert made it sound so damned easy. What would Galen do if they rejected him? Well, at least he’d know where he stood and wouldn’t have it hanging over his head anymore. Yes, it would hurt, but Rachel told him he had a family who would stand by him, so if things went bad, he’d have to rely on their love.
“Okay. When do you think we should go?”
Robert glanced up at the clockbehind the desk. It was nearly ten. “Now?”
Whoa. That was… a lot faster than Galen had expected. “Can we do it?” He clenched his fists, not wanting Robert to see how nervous he was.
“Brady? Think you can man the fort for a couple hours?”
He looked up from the computer monitor, his eyes bright. “Yes, sir!”
“Okay. You’ve got my cell if you need us.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the trust.”
Robertsmiled. “You’ve been working damn hard, and I think you’ve more than earned it. We’ll be back soon.”
“Okay. See you later.”
As they walked out the door, Galen nudged Robert’s shoulder. “I think you found your office manager.”
“Who? Brady?”
“Yep. He’s perfect for the job. Eager, willing to listen, desperate to learn. He knows what it’s like on both sides of the street, and the people who comein already know him.”
“But he’s so young.”
They got to the car, and after Robert unlocked the doors, they got inside and buckled up. He started the car and leaned back as it warmed.
