Corbin vowed softly. “If your mom visits you, it won’t change anything. You’ll still live with me.”
“You sure?” Justin edged closer to him.
“You’re mine and I will never, ever let you go.” Corbin drew him into his lap and held him close. “I love you, Justin. So damn much.” He put his jaw to the crown of Justin’s head. “Your mom has some things to work out, but I know she loves you, too.”
Justin chewed that over. “She sent me away.”
“She sent you to me because she knows no one will ever love and protect you like I will. She was in a tough spot and she made the best decision she could. Okay?”
Rubbing his eyes and then his nose, Justin nodded. “Okay.”
“Good. So...that helps?”
“Yeah.” He twisted away and got back under the covers. “Thanks, Dad.”
Lang dropped his head silently back against the wall, tortured by his nephew’s pain. How could Corbin bear it? He was so proud of his brother for seeming to know the right thing to say and the right way to say it. To give credit to Darcie? No, Lang didn’t think he could have, but of course it wouldn’t help Justin to know that his mother had completely abandoned him. Corbin had understood that.
His brother was one hell of a man.
Lang stood there in the hall, eyes closed, his thoughts and emotions rioting, until Justin called out, “Good night, Uncle Lang.”
His eyes popped open. Oh hell. Busted. Leaning around the door frame, Lang peered in and saw Corbin giving him a sardonic smile.
“Did you want to tell Justin good night?” Corbin asked. “Or were you angling for a hug?”
“I was hoping to be asked.” Trying not to look maudlin, Lang grinned and sauntered in.
“I figured.” Corbin kissed Justin on the forehead—something Justin no longer shied away from. “Good night, son. If you need anything, or if you want to talk some more, just come to my room, okay? Anytime.” When Justin nodded, Corbin stood to give Lang room.
Sitting by his nephew, Lang asked, “You brushed your teeth?”
“Yup.” Justin gave a toothy grin to prove it.
“Did your dad read you a bedtime story?”
Curling his lip, Justin said, “I’m not a baby.”
“Definitely not, but how about you indulge me?” Lang picked up the comic book on his bedside table. “This looks like a good one.” Werewolf. With some really incredible artwork.
“I already read it,” Justin said.
“No kidding? You can read all this?”
Again, Justin said, “I’m not a baby,” but this time he laughed.
“Well, I’ll read it with effect.” He gave an eerie, very monster-inspired laugh. “What do you say?”
With new excitement, Justin nodded, then even scooted over to make room for Lang in the bed.
Corbin smiled. “Not more than a half hour, okay? It’s getting late.”
“You got it.” Once Corbin left the room, Lang got comfortable. Justin did as well, snuggling in against his side as if it were a nightly ritual. And by God, starting tonight, it would be. Having Justin there, so close, was something he knew he wanted to get used to.
With exaggerated flair, Lang started to read. Justin was suitably enthralled. At one point, enjoying himself as he did, Lang decided he felt sorry for Darcie. Whatever misguided notions she’d had, whatever hardships life had dealt her, she’d deliberately given up this remarkable little boy.
Someday he’d like to understand her, to know why she’d never told Corbin he was a father, to comprehend what mindset led her to believe she’d be better off without her son. If she’d only told Corbin early on, the entire family would have helped her.
She’d made other choices and tonight, in this moment, he was glad that Justin was with them now.
By the time he finished reading, exactly thirty minutes later, Justin’s eyes were heavy and he kept yawning.
Carefully, Lang maneuvered him flat to the pillow and tucked him in. His hair was now smooshed on one side, so Lang smoothed it. “Love you, Justin.”
His eyes already closed, he mumbled sleepily, “You, too, Uncle Lang.”
Wow. Those profound words burrowed right into his heart, and he knew he’d never be the same. Funny how a man could go from never thinking of kids to loving one with all his heart in such a short span of time.
He set the comic aside, quietly clicked off the bedside lamp and, leaving the door slightly ajar, went to find his brother.
* * *
Corbin stood on the covered deck, drinking in the moist night air, listening to the soothing sounds from the lake