Page 60 of Galen's Redemption
He held out his hand, but she frowned when she saw it. He half expected her to push him out of her house, but instead she stepped closer and smiled.
“I’m not so big on shaking hands. Would it be okay if I gave you a hug instead?”
Galen’s gaze shifted over to Robert, who winked at him.
“Up to you,Galen.”
He tentatively opened his arms. She moved into them and encircled him around the waist.
“It’s nice to have you in our home.”
She directed him to an empty chair. Robert sat on the arm, close enough that Galen could smell his cologne. The house was warm and inviting. He let his gaze drift around the room, stopping at each of the photos that dotted the wall. Young Robert and Tom, standingthere, gap-toothed, mugging for the camera. Robert holding up an award of some kind. Tom and Brian, obviously so much in love.
What must it be like, growing up in a house like this? Surrounded by parents who cared about you? Who didn’t play favorites? Who actually loved you?
A pit settled in Galen’s stomach as he thought about what his father had said and how he’d come to be desperate to pleasethe man. He shook his head. He didn’t want to think about that now. He needed to focus on getting through this dinner.
“Okay, I think everything is done. If you’ll all come into the kitchen and help yourself. Since this isn’t a formal meal, we’ll eat in the living room.”
“You’re going to love my mother’s cooking.” Robert stood, then turned to Galen. “Come on.”
Galen shook his head. “I’m nothungry. Maybe later.”
“You okay?”
“Yeah. Go get some food.”
“Galen—”
“Really, eat.”
“Okay.” Robert strode to the kitchen but turned back to look at Galen. Then he went inside for a few minutes before returning with a plate heaped with all the delicious things Galen had smelled when entering. They chatted while they ate, laughing and having a good time. Even Brian seemed to find an appetite.
Rachel came out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a tea towel. She picked up a few plates and took them back into the kitchen. After that, she was a dervish! Everywhere Galen looked, she was there, fussing over Brian, filling up Tom’s plate, asking Galen if he was sure he didn’t want something. She never seemed to tire of it. When she passed by Andy, she ruffled his hair and patted Marco onthe shoulder. She seemed to thrive on making her family happy. It was such an odd feeling for Galen, who had never known such a thing.
Pounding footsteps sounded through the house, and Galen jerked his head around. A man—more a mountain—stepped into the room. Deep red hair and some of the bluest eyes Galen had ever seen had him staring in awe of the man he could only assume was Robert’s father.He headed straight over to Brian and knelt down by his side.
“How you feeling, son?”
“I’m okay, Dad.”
“Tell me the truth, Brian. How are you feeling?”
“It hurts.” Brian sniffled, and the man reached out and wrapped burly arms around him. They murmured words to each other, with the guy stroking his hand down Brian’s back.
Galen’s stomach churned at being privy to such a scene. He didn’t feelworthy at all to witness it. Hell, he didn’t even belong in this house.
His gaze roamed the room, stopping at each person in it. Marco was taking care of Andy, Tom was caring for Brian, as was his father. His mother was taking care of them all. Robert took care of all kinds of people. And Galen? He’d never taken care of anyone but himself before. Why would he think he could fit in among all thislove?
“Robert?”
“Yeah?” He came over to where Galen stood. “What’s up?”
“I think I’d like to go home now.” He went to the door. When he got there, he stopped and turned around. “Mr. and Mrs. Kotke, thank you for having me in your home. It’s an honor to have met you both.”
Before she could protest, Galen pushed open the door and rushed outside. This wasn’t his world, and he didn’t belong amongdecent people like Robert’s family. There was too much of his father inside him, and that tainted everything.
Hands on his shoulders startled him. He hadn’t heard anyone approaching. He turned, expecting to see Robert, but instead found Robert’s father towering over him.
