happy.”
Her voice was thickening with tears, so Logan swiftly crossed the kitchen and bent practically in half to hug her to him. “I know, Mom. I know.”
I turned to leave the room, when she said, “Creed?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“We’ve all always said that Jakey is the smartest one in this family. He hasn’t been the best with people since his parents passed, so if he trusts you enough to hold your hand, and your presence has him talking outside of his own house, then…thank you.” She patted her son’s cheek. “Plus, I don’t think I’ve ever seen my son so besotted.”
“Mom,” he moaned.
She tugged on his beard affectionately. Just like Jakey often did. I’d have to ask Logan if Jakey got it from her or if she got it from Jakey, but that would keep until later. For now, I left them alone and went in search of the little boy who was stealing my heart and his grandpop. Apparently, it was time for this family to begin healing.
We arrived back at Logan’s house tired, but he and Jakey were both in good spirits. Jakey cuddled up to his uncle on one side, and I wrapped my arm around Logan on the other. We’d kept physical contact in front of Jakey to a minimum up to this point, but after the little boy’s quiet show of support, I was optimistic that he’d receive it well. After glancing at my arm curiously, a small grin flickered across his face before he turned back to watch the TV. Logan sighed and relaxed into me.
When Logan got up to take Jakey to bed, I said goodnight, and picked up my phone. Logan said, “Creed,” softly, and I turned to find Jakey hovering right behind the couch.
“What’s up, Jakey?” I asked.
Happiness quickly followed Logan’s surprised expression when Jakey held out his hand to me. I reached out from my position on the couch and took it, only understanding what he wanted when he turned and took a couple of steps before turning to look at me with a question in his eyes. Without hesitation, I stood up and let the little boy lead me upstairs. Jakey wanting me to be part of his nighttime routine made my heart swell. This stamp of approval meant more than any I’d ever received professionally or personally. The child had been through the wringer losing his parents, and his acceptance of me in their home and with them…was everything.
When we reached the top of the stairs, Logan said, “I’m going to give Jakey his bath. Do you want to wait in my room?” Then he looked down at his nephew. “Would you like Creed to sit with us for your story tonight?”
Jakey walked me into Logan’s room and straight to the bed. I promptly sat down, and he grinned, then skipped out of the door and past his uncle. The look Logan and I shared was emotionally charged, then he followed Jakey.
When they came back out with the little boy freshly scrubbed, I took my cues from them. Once Jakey crawled onto the bed, he gazed at me and patted the spot next to him on the far side, so I moved and positioned myself next to him. I didn’t miss the soft smile on Logan’s face as he grabbed a book and began to read. His deep voice floated over me, endearing me even further.
Jakey was still awake when Logan finished the book, and I barely suppressed my laughter as Jakey said, “Aden, Knuckle Wogan,” just like Logan told me he did each night.
“Again? You sure?” Jakey’s head nodded up and down vigorously. “Okay, but this is the last one for tonight, buddy. We’ve had a long day.”
Jakey nodded happily, but when his uncle reached in the basket for a new book, his nephew grabbed it from his hands and held it up to me. “Aden.”
There are days in life you know you’ll never forget; your first kiss, the first time you sneak a sip of alcohol, your first date, the night you met the man—I glanced at Logan—that you thought could end up being the one, but never in my wildest dreams had I suspected that a little boy saying his first word to me would rate on that list. “You want me to read to you?” I asked as I took the book.
He let it go and leaned into my side so he could see the pictures. “Well, I’d be honored.”
There was a shift in my brain,