A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies - Christina Lee Page 0,84

when they fell into bed, whispering late into the night, Rhys knew he was right where he belonged. This boy he’d loved his entire life had gathered up the tattered shards of his heart and offered them to Rhys for safekeeping. And he would cherish every single piece, always.

30

Emerson

It was Saturday morning, and they’d just finished a breakfast of bacon and eggs cooked by yours truly. Mrs. Lancaster had retreated to the sunroom to take a call while the kids set up a game of Uno at the dining-room table, something they loved doing with her, and he was pretty sure it was mutual. It had been a surprise having her show up out of the blue, and hearing the real reason why made him sad. But Rhys had called it—and he obviously knew his mom well. Emerson was glad she’d come home to work through her troubles, and it felt good having her around again.

“I think it’s time,” Rhys said as they stood side by side in front of the sink.

Emerson paused with a dish in his hand. “To tell your mom about us?”

They’d been skirting around the subject since she’d arrived, trying to find the right time because she was currently going through relationship troubles and Rhys didn’t want to overwhelm her. But Emerson knew better. She had always been a strong presence in Rhys’s life. She’d raised Rhys as a single parent in a loving home that rivaled his own. Rhys no doubt needed a reminder of that.

“Yeah,” Rhys replied, wariness in his eyes. “Why is it so scary to talk to your parents about this stuff?”

“Because it just is? She’ll be happy to have good news. Think of it that way,” Emerson assured him, even though he had some fear of his own. Story of his life.

Like what if she thought it was a terrible idea to have messed with their friendship? Except all her fears had already been Emerson’s own. Probably Rhys’s too.

And so far, so good.

Aunt Janice barely seemed surprised when Audrey blurted the news to her yesterday after school when she’d picked her up for a visit to the mall with her daughter. She’d only winked, kissed Emerson’s cheek, and whispered, “You deserve to be happy. Both of you do.” And he’d sagged in relief.

He poured himself another cup of coffee and walked behind Rhys to the sunroom.

They found Mrs. Lancaster in one of the wicker chairs, staring out the window overlooking the trees, which created a picturesque backdrop in the fall—the very thing she missed after moving.

“Everything okay?” Rhys asked hesitantly.

“I think I’m going to stay,” she replied absently. “I miss living here, and the ladies think I can get my old job back.” According to Rhys, she’d gone to lunch with her old friends and came back looking much lighter.

Rhys sat down on the love seat across from her and motioned for Emerson to join him, likely knowing full well he was questioning whether or not to make a retreat and let them talk in private. But she didn’t give any indication that her thoughts were only meant for her son, so Emerson sank down on the cushion and propped his feet on the coffee table.

“Is that okay?” she asked, looking a bit nervous. “You willing to live with your mom again?”

“Of course you should stay if that’ll make you happy.” Rhys threw Emerson a sidelong glance. “And I—”

“We were hoping Rhys would stay here with us,” Emerson said in an unsteady voice. Holy shit, had he actually said that out loud? “I mean, if that’s something he wants.”

“Was that the newest elephant in the room?” Rhys winked, and Emerson coyly bit his lip. When Rhys’s eyes crinkled at the corners, Emerson knew he’d made the right decision.

Mrs. Lancaster cleared her throat, and Rhys turned sharply in her direction, possibly just as embarrassed she’d witnessed that moment of affection between them.

“Mom, I need to tell you something,” Rhys said, and her eyebrows knitted together. “Emerson and I…we’re…uh…” Fuck, he swore under his breath.

“Together,” Emerson said, interlacing their fingers, hoping to help bolster his courage. “In love.”

They grinned goofily at each other. Damn, did he adore the man.

His mother stared as if working the information through in her brain. “You…you’re in a relationship? For how long?”

“It just happened,” Rhys replied. “The relationship part, not the feelings part. It’s a long story.”

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed, then clapped her hands excitedly. “This is amazing.”

Emerson squeezed his hand as Rhys leaned forward. “Sorry if