Stephani_Hecht_ _EMS_Heat_10_ _In_His_Hero's

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same time, he felt a bit of shame, too. He didn t
want Chauncey to have to see just how bad things
were.
Are you sure? It s not exactly pretty when she
gets like this.
Chauncey pressed a kiss to Brody s cheek.
That s all the more reason for me to be there for
you. Now tell everyone goodbye while I get the
car.
Numb, Brody nodded and did as ordered.
The entire drive there, Brody said a silent
prayer that maybe this time it wouldn t be so bad.
That maybe he d walk into the house and his
mother would be all happy, alert and smiling, just
like she used to be ten years ago before his
father died.
Even as Chauncey pulled into the drive leading
to Brody s mother s tiny ranch home, Brody knew
that prayer would go unanswered. While he d yet
to see what condition his mother was in, Brody
knew what he d find inside.
After Chauncey turned off the car, Brody
hesitated, hand on the door handle. I should warn
you. She can be mean sometimes.
Chauncey cupped Brody s cheek. That s okay.
I know how it can be when dealing with an
alcoholic. Just because we had money doesn t
mean that my own family didn t have their issues.
Not a holiday goes by that my Aunt Susan doesn t
get drunk and make a scene.
God, how could Brody have ever thought that
Chauncey was a self-centered jerk? The man had
a heart so pure and kind that Brody felt damn
lucky to have him in his life. It made Brody wonder
how anybody could ever think ill of the man.
Kiefer told me that your family disowned you
for standing up for him. I m so sorry, Brody said.
It s okay.
I know what it s like to be alone. It must hurt you
so much.
Chauncey fanned his thumb over Brody s
cheek. But I m not alone any more. Neither are
you. We have each other now.
Those words lifted a huge weight off Brody s
shoulder and it suddenly felt as if he could breathe
again. He nodded, Yes, we do.
Now, let s go in and help your Mom out.
Brody nodded as he finally allowed himself to
feel hope. What s more, he allowed himself to feel
worthy. If Chauncey still found him desirable, even
after knowing all his worst fears and secrets, then
maybe Brody wasn t such a loser after all.
September 11th, 2011
Brody sat in the comfort of Chauncey s arms as
they snuggled together on the couch in
Chauncey s living room. The place was more
cramped than usual since all of their friends were
there as well. They d arrived early that morning so
they could show their support to Brody.
For the first time ever, Brody was watching the
news as they covered the anniversary. It was
tough having to see the continuous footage of
them replaying the videos of the attacks, but at
the same time, it felt cathartic, too.
Are you doing okay? Chauncey asked.
Yeah, thanks to you. Brody stared at the
screen, his chest growing tight as they showed
the first Tower collapsing.
That was the exact moment my dad died and
my life changed forever.
Did you know that I wanted to be a fireman,
like my dad? I was too small though, Brody
confessed.
Instead you became a damn great medic and
the world is better because of it. I may not have
ever met your father, but I know he d be damn
proud of you. God knows I am.
Brody craned his head so he could gaze up at
Chauncey. I m so lucky to have you.
He was, too. Not only had Chauncey helped
him through the past few difficult weeks, but he d
managed to find a rehab center for Brody s
mother. While Brody knew his mother had a
difficult road ahead of her, he finally had hope that
she d overcome her problems.
Brody looked back at the TV. On the bottom of
the screen the station ran a ticker that displayed
the names of those who died that day. Brody s
heart leaped as one stood out to him, Hey, look
there s my dad s name, Barney Wiseman.
I see it. Chauncey kissed the top of Brody s
head.
I want to go there next year, Brody suddenly
decided.
You mean to Ground Zero?
Brody nodded. I think I m finally ready to face
it.
Are you sure?
Brody looked back up at Chauncey. Yes. I
wasn t before because I wasn t strong enough,
but now that I have you, I know I can face
anything.
Brody paused, as he nervously nibbled on his
bottom lip. That is, if you promise you ll go with
me.
Chauncey gave Brody another kiss, this one
landing on his cheek. Brat, I m always going to
be by your side. Nothing could ever pull me apart
from you.
Happy, Brody snuggled back into position. As
he continued to watch the television, he realized [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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