by Faye Byrd
He means well, he really does, but he’s forgetting one of the most important facts. Yet before I can point it out, Trystan sweeps his arm across my shoulder and pulls me into his side. “Harold, I hope you’re not forgetting that you have two grandbabies now, and you’re looking at their parents.” My father’s eyes widen slightly as the words hit him. “Now, why don’t you go enjoy the rest of your visit, and before you go, I’ll gladly give you my info. Not because I think I owe you, but because as a father, I understand.”
Dad stares at Trystan for a beat before his mustache twitches at the corners, and he holds out his hand. “You just might be all right after all.”
Trystan smirks as he takes it and shakes heartily. “Maybe, or I could just be a real smart psycho.”
I nudge him in the side. “Don’t stir him back up now!”
Both men chuckle—a real one this time—and as a trio, we move toward the boys. It isn’t long before Amelia and Cooper are back with lunch for everyone. The next hour passes in a blur of family and a pair of boys who bask in all the attention. Not long after we’ve finished, everyone clears out so that Cam can take a nap.
Amelia grabs me in a hug at the door. “Don’t think our interrupted conversation is done, missy,” she murmurs into my ear and pulls back, giving me the look.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I laugh as I shove her out the door.
By the time I turn around, Cooper’s giving Trystan a fist bump. “Later, man.” He walks right past me on his way out the door.
“Cooper’s leaving?” I ask, looking at the closed door in confusion.
Trystan tilts his head toward the bed. “With both of them asleep, he thought he’d go have a drink, call his wife and give us a little bit of quiet time.”
“Why would he think we needed that?” I ask, not minding that he left but also wondering what’s on Trystan’s mind. “Is everything all right?”
He smiles, and it’s a peaceful, contented smile. “Everything’s perfect, actually. My brother had a lot of trepidation when he first showed up here, but all he needed was to see us”—he circles his hand between the boys and me—“to understand.”
I laugh lightly as I take my seat. “Yeah, I get that. As you can see, my dad has his own concerns, though they aren’t very fair to you.”
He waves me off. “It’s no big deal. I want him to know his family is safe with me.”
“And I want the same for your family,” I say, reaching over and squeezing his arm. “You haven’t mentioned your parents. Are they still alive?”
“They are,” he says with a nod. “But they’re not like the rest of us.” His eyes meet mine, and they’re swirling with uncertainty. “I don’t know how they’re going to react. My last experience with Atlanta is like a black mark. They refuse to admit it even existed, so they’re liable to try and ignore this situation altogether. I just don’t know.”
“I’m sorry,” I respond quietly. “I’d never push you, but it’s important to Cam that they come here.”
“They’ll come,” he says with certainty, his eyes hardening. “Just don’t hold me responsible for whatever they say.”
“You know I won’t.”
15 ROAD NARROWS
Trystan
Easton’s soft but concerned smile comforts me somehow. She’s right, I know she’d never hold my parents’ actions against me, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying what their reaction will be. I remain quiet, lost in my head, dreading that simple phone call.
“Why don’t we see what your results are before we worry about it,” Easton says, reaching over to connect our pinky fingers. “If I’m being honest, testing is a necessity, but I’ve already been warned of how small the chances are as we move from immediate family. You, in this case.”
“Okay, sounds good. Thanks,” I say, giving her a relieved smile.
“What’s wrong, Trystan?” she asks, her bright blue eyes shining even in the low light as the boys sleep. “You’ve seemed off since you came back from the testing.”
I blow out a breath, and a little chuckle escapes with it. “I’m not even sure I understand it, Easton, so how could you?”
“Try me.” She crosses her arms over her chest, pretty much demanding I spill my fucking guts.
“It’s hard to explain,” I start, my thoughts running a hundred miles a minute as I try to put into words how I feel. “It’s like there’s this line that’s been drawn. Pre-Saturday and now.” My hand motions to the room around us. “I almost feel like I’m not the same man who lived that life from before.”
Easton’s demanding face morphs into a sympathetic one. “Of course you’re not the same. This type of revelation can only be classified as life changing.”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t think you understand. I mean it was life changing, but it also changed me in here.” I palm my chest. “I was the type of man who enjoyed life. I loved to flirt and be flirted with. I had no intentions of settling down, and as long as it never affected Blake, all of that was perfectly fine with me. But now, since the moment I landed in Atlanta, I’m suddenly uncomfortable.”
“Is this about the nurse?” she asks, her brows furrowing.
“It didn’t help.” I snort. “Look, it’s just … Fuck!” I brush my hand through my hair. “Here I am ready to sign on to a lifetime commitment with a woman I barely know, yet I suddenly can’t stand when a nurse gives me fluttery lashes. It’s disconcerting.” I stand and start moving around to walk off some of the nervous energy.
“Trystan,” she says, causing me to pause and look at her. “You know there’s no pressure from me, right? I know I threw that out there like a crazy woman, but you’re not committed to anything. I won’t hold it against you if it’s something you’re not ready for.”
I shake my head as I drop to my knees before her. “Don’t you see? I am ready.” I cup her cheek. “I’d go to the sperm donation center right fucking now if you asked me. It’s all those other women who want things from me that’s the problem.”
Her breath catches, and I have to fight to keep from running my thumb across her parted lips. “I, uh, I’m not sure what to say.”
I smile. “Nothing. You don’t have to say anything because we’re good.” I release her and stand, my eyes falling to the bed. “We’re perfect, actually.”
She squeezes my hand at my side. “I couldn’t agree more.”
The rest of the afternoon goes well, the heaviness ending with that conversation. It isn’t much longer before the boys wake and we start a game of Candy Land. Our first family game, actually. Sometime before it’s over, Cooper makes a reappearance, and we finally get to spend some quiet time with the boys, just him and me. Easton straightens up the room and leaves us to it.
Just before dinner, two doctors enter the room, and Easton rushes to introduce them. “David, Dr. Sen,” she says as she leans in to give the taller one a hug. “I’d like to introduce you to Trystan Ashby.” She doesn’t say who I am, but their eyes flick between Cam and me, so it’s clear they know.
I hold out my hand. “Nice to meet you both.”
After a couple of shakes, Easton steps next to David while Dr. Sen moves toward Cameron. “David is the man who discovered Cam’s illness along with the switch.”
“I don’t envy you at all,” I say seriously. “But I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“Of course,” he responds. “Cam and Easy are like family to me. They are my family.”
“Dr. Logan is Ryder’s father,” Easton adds, and a light bulb goes off.
“Weston’s husband?”
“That would be my son,” David says with a smile.
Dr. Sen interrupts by clearing his throat. We all turn our attention to him. “Dr. Logan and I actually have good news.” He smiles as he looks between Easton and me.
For her part, Easton is practically vibrating beside me. I grab her arm in an attempt to offer whatever strength I can. Her eyes glance to mine, and they’re dancing. She knows
what’s coming.
“Cameron’s numbers have held steady, and he is well enough to be discharged in the morning,” Dr. Sen announces, and apparently, he expects Easton’s response because he takes a step back.
Her small vibration turns into a full-blown shake as she’s overcome by the news. I grab her and pull her into my chest and as she cries silent, ecstatic tears. Her shoulders shake, but she’ll be okay, she just needs to let it go. After a few minutes, she pulls back to look at me, and I wipe her face with my thumbs.
“Our baby gets to go home.”
Her emotions and words combine and overflow inside me. This is only beginning for me, but she’s already faced one battle, and this is the outcome. Our son can go home. I lift her up twirl us around, overcome by Cam’s first victory in a long line to come. By the time I put her down, we’re both high from the news, and maybe a little from the closeness we just shared.
“Can Blake and I pick you up?” I ask, holding my breath.
Her reply is simple. “Yes.”
We don’t get to stay much longer because Coop has a flight, but this is one of the best days of my life. The boys even put up a little fuss about having to separate. I can’t be upset, as I find it endearing, but a quick promise to pick up Easton and Cameron in the morning is all it takes to make everyone smile once more.
“Trystan, Blake. You here to take me home?” Cam asks as soon as we walk into his room. He’s dressed and ready to go, his toy truck tightly in his grip.
I walk over and pick him up. I can’t help it, he’s just so damn cute. “We sure are, dude.” I pull him to me and hug his little body as close as I can, his excitement vibrating through him.
“Pick me up, Daddy,” Blake says, holding up his arms.
With Cam still in one arm, I reach down with the other and grab Blake, a boy on each hip, and my smile can’t get any wider. When I catch Easton’s eye, her face matches mine.
“You gonna show me your room?” Blake asks Cam as soon as he’s settled.
Cam nods his head vigorously. “Yep, I got lots of stuff we can play wif.”
“Cool,” Blake answers.
Cam looks to Easy. “How much longer, Mama?”
She walks closer and runs her fingers through his hair. “Not too much more, sweetie.”
The softness of her touch and the caring way she speaks to my son echoes through my chest, causing a ripple of warmth to spread. This woman is a mother with her every thought and action. Her every move is dedicated to the love she has for our children. It makes me want to pull her close and discover everything about her, yet it also makes me want to run as far away as possible.
But I can’t.
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Nowhere else I want to be.
Nowhere else I intend to be.
This is the beginning of a new, unknown life for us all. One in which we’re entwined together forever.
“Come here,” I say softly, motioning with my fingers for her to step into our circle.
She moves closer and wraps her arms around the boys across from me. We stand there like the tight-knit family we already are, relishing the moment. A small smile plays on her lips; it’s a smile of contentment.
And I feel the exact fucking same.
It doesn’t take long for the wiggle boys to decide they’ve had enough of us squeezing them between us. They start protesting and ask to be put down. With a sigh, Easton steps back and moves away, returning to her packing.
“Here you go, dudes. Play on the bed while we finish getting your bags packed,” I say, sitting them down and turning to Easton. “Has the doctor been in to release him yet?”
“David’s already been in and told the nurse to get the paperwork started, but I also expect Kabir to stop by before we can leave.” She’s steadily grabbing things lying around and stuffing them in the several open bags.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Can you take these bags down to your car?” she asks, pointing to a few that are already zipped.
“Sure.” I shrug and head over, invading her personal space as I bend down to retrieve the bags. The open flirtation from two days ago is nowhere in my mind. I’m doing this now because I can’t stop myself. The need to be close to her is overwhelming, and frankly, it’s fucking scary.
Her arms are covered in goosebumps as she steps away. She gives me the bitch-brow. “This is not the time for games.”
I lift the bags and pin her with serious eyes. “Who said anything about playing?”
Her eyes widen slightly, but I don’t wait to hear her response. I make my way out the door as quickly as possible, chastising myself as I go. I’m not sure what’s changed since yesterday morning, but something has. It’s like the very core of my being has been ripped away, only to be replaced with someone I don’t recognize.
As I reenter MUP, I think of the first time I walked through these doors. At that time, I didn’t have expectations. I was just following my gut, and I left a slightly changed man, but it’s nothing compared to now. Entering this hospital brings me joy. My family is here, waiting for me to take them home.
Once I’m close to Cameron’s room, I can hear the rambunctious boys. A smile automatically forms. The deep, accented voice of Dr. Sen greets me as I enter the room. He and Easton pause and turn to me. “Is our boy ready to be dismissed?” I ask, spreading my arms.
“Yep,” Easton replies, and her smile is contagious. “Kabir was just giving me instructions for his medications, and he’ll also have weekly appointments with David to monitor his cell counts.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Trystan.” Dr. Sen motions for me to stand beside Easton. “I’m sure this is no surprise, but Cameron”—he leans in close so the boys won’t overhear—“is definitely your son.”
Though his news is no surprise, Easton collapses against my side, and I pull her close as I blow out a deep breath. “You’re right. It isn’t a surprise, but hearing it really means a lot to us.” I pull Easton tighter against me as she sniffles into my shirt.
“Good.” He nods, but his face doesn’t brighten. “I’m sorry to say, though, that neither you nor your brother were a close enough match.”
All the euphoria drains away, even though Easton has already warned of this outcome. She stiffens, and my arm instinctively tightens around her, my eyes flicking down. She’s staring at me with so much conviction that our decision is sealed.
Cameron will have a possible match, we’ll see to it.
“Thank you, doctor,” I say after clearing my throat. “Easton made sure I was aware of the odds.
“That doesn’t mean you cannot be of help,” Dr. Sen replies, flipping through Cam’s chart. “Your blood is a perfect candidate for Cameron’s future transfusions. Let’s get you in here to get as much as possible stored.”
“Okay, just tell me what I need to do.” Even this small thing is comforting, and my chest swells, knowing that I can contribute.
“Leave your contact information with the nurse, and I’ll get it set up quickly,” he responds with a smile. After signing the final form, he passes Easton a stack of papers. “Cameron is free to go.”
“Take the next left, and it’s the third driveway on the right,” Easton instructs as we move through the quaint neighborhood streets of The Peach Estates.
She has a two-story home with white wood siding, an upper balcony that spreads the full span of her house, a large wrap-around porch with hanging baskets overflowing in greenery and even a swing. Her lawn is well-manicured with flower beds and one large shade tree in the center of her yard. The back is enclosed with wood fencing so I can’t see it, but I imagine a swing or playhouse built atop bright green grass.
By the time I cut the ignition, both boys are clamoring to be unbuckled, their excitement uncontainable. I open the door and lean in, freeing them as fast as I can, while Easton moves to unlock the front door.
“Hurry, Daddy,” Blake says.
“I g
ots to show Blake my room,” Cameron adds.
As soon as they’re out of the car, they take off for Easton as quickly as they can. They’re like a storm rumbling past her as I grab a couple bags from the trunk.
She’s waiting for me at the door. “You can just set them in the living room.”
I enter her house, and it says so much. It’s neat, but it doesn’t feel sterile. Most things are in order, but you can also tell that a kid has a happy life here. I drop the bags and look around. “This is a nice place.”
She smiles. “Thank you. It’s home for us.”
The main room is bright and large with a dining table toward the back and rich wood floors as far as the eye can see. In the very back, there’s a partial view of the kitchen and breakfast bar. I zero in on the finishes. Looks like marble and stainless steel. I can work with that.
“Come on, Blake, let’s go to my room.” Cam motions from the bottom of the stairs.
“Be careful, sweetie,” Easton calls after them as they climb the steps. “Cam, remember what the doctor said. You have to take it easy.”
“We play on my bed wif toys,” he responds, as if it’s a simple solution.
I walk over to Easton and grab her fingers between mine. “Just relax, he’ll be okay. Why don’t you go up and help them get settled, and I’m going to run back to that grocery store we passed on the way.”
She furrows her brow. “The grocery store? Why would you need to go there?”
I smirk. “Because, Miss Wilder, I’m going to go buy some things and come back and cook all of us an incredible meal.”
“You can cook?” she asks, shocked.
I chuckle. “Well, I might’ve been in the process of opening my own restaurant before I was called to Atlanta.”
“Your own restaurant? As in you’re a chef, professionally?” She’s still staring at me, dumbfounded, as if she can’t grasp the concept.
“Why don’t you just let me show you?” I lean down and press a kiss to her forehead. “You go check on the boys, set your mind at ease.” I squeeze her fingers and let go, walking to the front door.
