Page 86 of Stained Hearts
“Really? You’re serious?”
Galen smiled. “Of course I am. I reached out to the Cudahy Foundation, showed them the work we’ve been doing for the last year, and asked them for support. They’ve given us a five-year renewable grant. There’s enough money here to upgrade all the things we’ve had to put off.” He leaned in. “I know how badly you wanted it, and I thought if I could give it to you….”
The two sat staring at each other before Robert burst into tears. He threw himself into Galen’s arms and kissed him soundly.
I knew how much it meant for Robert to get that. It would bring food, critical supplies, and more to the shelter. He had been running in the red for years, doing his best to keep up, but now, with this grant, they might finally get in the black again.
When I first met Galen, I wasn’t sure he was right for Robert. I was never so happy to be wrong. This new Galen was a marvel, and the fact that he made Robert happy meant everything to me.
“Tom?”
I turned to find Olivia behind me, holding a large package in her hands. She handed it to me, then went back to her seat.
“What’s this?”
Aiden swallowed hard. “It’s from me.”
My fingers trembled as I took off the paper. When I peeled it back, letting it fall to the floor, everyone gasped. It was the window I had ordered, but not exactly what Aiden had shown me. Though the phoenix still burst from the ground in a cascade of color, in the corner of the glass there was a heart, in shades of red, blue, and white. Inside the heart was Aiden’s name and mine.
“I hope this is okay.” He was chewing his bottom lip, his gaze darting around the room.
I rushed over to where he sat on the couch and pulled him to me. “Baby, this is the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen.”
“I know just where to put it,” Dad said. “We’ll rebuild the frame on the front of the house, so this will be the centerpiece, and then we’ll put clear glass around it. Anyone who sees it will know love lives in this house.”
Everyone was in awe, telling Aiden how incredible it was and mentioning that they might want something like that for themselves.
“I think I’m out of the stained-glass business,” he said quietly. “I’m not sure I can go to the shop anymore.”
Dad came and sat next to Aiden. “Have you been to the garage lately?”
“No.” He looked at me. “Why? Did I miss something?”
“I’m making a workshop out there for you. I want you to continue making these things, and I want you to be safe while you do it.” He put an arm over Aiden’s shoulder and pulled him close. “My son deserves something that’ll make him happy.”
Aiden’s lips quivered, and then I noticed the tears sliding down his cheeks. “Thank you.”
Dad held him as Aiden sobbed into his shoulder. “It’s okay. Let it out.”
We sat there quietly as Dad comforted Aiden, stroking a hand over his back.
“I was so scared.” His voice was nothing but a hoarse whisper. “I kept thinking they’d pick me up and throw me into the river or toss me out into traffic. I didn’t want to die, Dad. I had too much to live for.” His gaze flicked to me. “But it hurt and I was afraid and—”
His voice was guttural now, a raw, aching need that he tried to keep hidden. I looked up and found everyone had moved, giving us some privacy. Dad kissed Aiden’s forehead.
“I’m sorry that happened. I’m sorry you had to see the ugly in people.”
Aiden choked on a laugh. “But that’s just it. I didn’t see them. I only saw Tom and my family. I was afraid, but you guys gave me the strength to hold on. That was the moment I truly felt I belonged here.”
Dad shuffled over to where I stood and pressed Aiden to me. He sighed and sank into my embrace.
I stroked his hair as he nuzzled my chest. “Aw, sweetheart, you always belonged, but I’m glad you figured it out for yourself.”
Mom went in and got us hot cocoa, because of course at three in the morning we needed something to make us sleepy. This family was strange and wonderful, and I loved it.
“We need to be at the Pfister by noon,” Dad reminded us, shaking his head. “I can’t believe Lincoln’s getting married.”
Of course he could. Noel meant the world to Lincoln, just as Mom meant everything to him. Dad loved seeing people happy, and if he had a hand in it, so much the better.
