Chapter 277
The next day at Adam’s place, morning light streamed through the windows, turning the air into something warm and golden where tiny dust specks floated and sparkled.
Irene touched her arm where fading bruises still showed yellowish marks. She caught Adam watching, his eyes darkening before he quickly looked away.
At the table, three kids bent over paper
er with serious faces. Dr. Jonathan moved between them, giving quiet tips as paintbrushes moved and pencils scratched.
“Got a minute?” Jonathan came over to Irene,
“Sure, what’s up?” She put down her tea, breathing
ontaining his excitement
the jasmine smell.
“There’s this awesome youth art show coming to town,” he said, rocking on his heels. “Your kids are super talented–way better than my other students. I already signed them up.” His smile turned a bit sheepish.
Irene’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“It’s perfect for them,” he continued quickly. “All the big private schools send their best students. Great for making friends, building confidence–really helps kids grow.”
Hene glanced at Adam across the room, something passing between them without words. That silent understanding made her heart
skip in a way she wasn’t ready to think about.
“That sounds great,” she said. “Thanks for looking out for them.”
“I’ll be there too,” Adam added, his tone casual but final.
Three heads popped up instantly.
“Uncle Adam’s coming with us?” Lucas nearly tipped his chair in excitement.
Something changed in Adam’s face–all the hard lines softening into someone completely different, someone most people never got
to see.
“We’re gonna do awesome!” Lucas punched the air, almost knocking over his drink.
Jonathan caught his arm mid–swing. “Easy there, buddy. Careful with your masterpiece.”
“My picture’s gonna be the most beautiful one!” Lily carefully picked up her drawing, walking over to Adam with big, hopeful eyes.
Alex stayed quieter than his brother and sister, but couldn’t hide his smile. His eyes moved between Adam and his mom, seeing something the grown–ups were still pretending wasn’t there.
“Did I hear something about an art show?” Brandon appeared in the doorway. “Uncle Brandon says you’ll crush the competition! And winners get special prizes from me!”
“Really?” Lucas’s mouth fell open.
“When have I ever let you down?” Brandon winked, though something flashed in his eyes as he watched Adam surrounded by the
kids.
“We’re gonna win everything! Lily wrapped herself around Brandon’s legs.
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Chapter 277
Best uncle ever! Even Alex Joined In, dropping his usual cool kid del
The kids surrounded Brandon like he was giving out free candy, the happy voices all talking at once. Through all the noise, frene found Adam watching her, his shile so real it made her chest feel warm.
In the middle of this unusual family they’d somehow created, something clicked for frene–not like a lightning bolt but more like slowly waking up. Maybe the family her kids deserved wasn’t something she had to keep looking for. Maybe it had been forming around them all along, one surprising piece at a time.
“Mom, look!” Lily tugged at Irene’s sleeve, breaking her from her thoughts. I drew you and Uncle Adam together!*
Irene looked down at the colorful crayon drawing. Two stick figures stood side by side–one with long hair and a big smile, the other in what appeared to be a wheelchair with spiky hair. Between them were three smaller figures, all holding hands in a row.
“That’s all of us,” Lily explained proudly, pointing to each figure. “One big happy family.”
From across the room Alex caught his mother’s eye, his knowing gaze saying more than words ever could. Kids always saw what adults tried to hide, especially from themselves.
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