AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Are you staying the night?” I ask him and he nods.
“Yeah, if that’s alright.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
We spend the rest of the evening together, just talking and enjoying each other’s company. It’s not about grand gestures or big declarations; it’s about the simple, quiet moments that make everything else fade away.
When it’s time to head to bed, Wade follows me, and there’s no hesitation, no awkwardness. It feels natural, like this is where he’s meant to be.
As we lay down together, his arms around me, I feel a sense of peace settle over me that I haven’t felt in a long time. It’s not just about the comfort of having him here—it’s about knowing that, no matter what happens, we’re in this together.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I murmur, my voice sleepy as I nestle closer to him.
“Me too,” he replies, his voice a low rumble in the dark.
And as I drift off to sleep, I know that whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll face it together. Because that’s what we do. That’s who we are.
TWELVE
Wade
The soundof Jake's laughter echoes through the small kitchen as he wrestles a jar of peanut butter from Ellie’s grip. Ray sits back in his chair, his gruff exterior softened by a smile as he watches the kids bicker. This has always been my sanctuary, this house, these people. No matter what else was happening in my life, I could always count on Ray and the kids to make it seem like everything was going to be okay.
“Wade, tell her she can’t have peanut butter on her pancakes,” Jake says, his voice pleading.
He’s only twelve, but he’s already got that serious, responsible air about him. I guess he had to grow up fast, just like I did.
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms as I look at Ellie, who’s barely nine but has the stubbornness of someone twice her age.
“Ellie, you know the rules. Peanut butter goes on toast, not pancakes,” I tease her.
She pouts, and I can already see her wheels turning, trying to figure out a way around my logic. “But it’s the same thing, isn’t it? Bread and pancakes? They’re both for breakfast.”
Ray chuckles, shaking his head. “Can’t argue with that kind of reasoning.”
“Fine,” I say, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. “But you’re cleaning up if it makes a mess.”
Ellie beams, victorious, and I can’t help but smile. This is what I’ve missed. The easy, everyday moments that make life feel normal. That almost makes me forget, even for a few minutes, about the confusion that’s been clouding my thoughts since Auden came back into my life.
I glance at Ray, who’s watching me with that knowing look of his, the one that says he’s got me all figured out. He’s been my rock for as long as I can remember, ever since I landed in his foster home at fifteen. Back then, I was angry at the world, convinced that nobody could possibly understand what I was going through. But Ray… he never pushed, never pried. He just gave me space, let me find my own way. And when I was ready, he was there.
“Something on your mind, son?” Ray asks, his voice low enough that the kids can’t hear.
I shrug, but I know I’m not fooling him. “Just… thinking.”
“About Auden?” he presses, his eyes narrowing.
I don’t say anything at first. It’s always been hard to talk about my feelings, especially when it comes to her. But Ray’s always had this way of getting me to open up without even trying.
“Yeah,” I finally admit, rubbing the back of my neck. “Things have been… complicated.”
Ray nods, taking a sip of his coffee as he waits for me to continue. He’s not one for giving advice unless he’s asked, but Ican tell he’s curious about what’s been going on between Auden and me.
“It’s like… every time I think we’re getting somewhere, she pulls back,” I say, staring down at the table. “One minute, she’s looking at me like I’m the only guy in the world, and the next, she’s got this wall up, like she’s afraid to let me in.”
Ray listens, his expression thoughtful. “Have you talked to her about it?”
I shake my head. “Not really. I mean, I’ve tried, but it’s like she’s scared to let things get too serious. And I get it, you know? I wasn’t exactly Mr. Reliable back in high school. But that was years ago. I’m not the same guy I was back then.”
