Kyle
A year later….
“THIS… MY friend, was worth the blood, sweat, and tears,” Javier says as we look out over the playground at the children’s complex.
This place is amazing. Beau really took my idea and turned it into a wonderland I could never have dreamed of. It’s more than an orphanage. Everything is state of the art. The place was built to encourage these kids to feel at home but also to explore who they are and their interests.
We have a music center with studios, equipment, and instruments. There’s a sports center where they can play any sport their hearts’ desire. A media center for film, writers, and so much more. A state-of-the-art kitchen where they can cook with the chefs if they’d like. We left no stone unturned.
“It is,” I reply. “Look at them. I’ve been here for every single intake and arrival. I’ve seen their sad and scared faces when they get here. Now look.”
“Safe and happy, just what you wanted,” Jordan says from my other side.
“Yeah.”
He just took the words from my mouth. We screen every single worker through at least three different systems. Mitch oversees the final approval. I’ve worked with the staff up close and personal. If I get a bad vibe, I let them go without question. Everyone comes in on a hundred-and-twenty-day probation.
These kids will always be safe on my watch. I also promised myself they will always have the best. We take the broken, bent, and unwanted kids. Here they will learn to heal and be loved.
“I think Mas thinks he has forty new siblings,” Beau muses.
“I thought it was just me,” Andy says with amusement coloring his words. “He loves this place. I think it’s good for him and the other kids. They gravitate to him.”
“With the exception of one.” Beau throws his head back and laughs.
We all laugh. My poor boy.
“Nah, they’re going to be best friends. Just you watch,” I say, still laughing.
“If you say so,” Beau says, with doubt.
“I’m with Kyle,” Andy agrees.
Cheers erupt on the basketball court, pulling our attention. My lips kick up as the subject of our conversation hands out high fives. I look to the left of the scene to find an intent Mas hovering on the sidelines. Yeah, Mas has a best friend in the making.
“Personally, I think this has been good for all of us. Didn’t know I wanted to be a papa until I gained a bunch of niños.” Javier laughs.
“Tell me about it. I find myself headed to this place more than my own home,” Jordan adds. “They keep me out of trouble.”
We all turn to look at Jordan. I think we’re all thinking the same thing. He has been staying out of trouble lately. I haven’t seen him on the cover of the tabloids in months.
Um, interesting.
I think we’re all growing up. I know I have. Our wedding is next month, and we’ve just finished unpacking the penthouse suite of the main building on the children’s complex. Beau decided to add in suites in case we ever needed to stay on-site.
Andy and I decided this was where we wanted to live and had the penthouse designed for our family. I think it was the best move for us. It feels just like home.
“Are you ready for the first school year?” Jordan asks Andy.
“Yeah, I think I am. The school looks great, and the staff is rounding out nicely. I like that we decided to open registration to the complex tenants,” Andy replies.
“I’m still on the fence about that shit. If those little privileged assholes start fucking with our kids, they’re out,” Beau grumbles, speaking to my own thoughts.
We went back and forth on the topic a few times. A few of us weren’t too sure we wanted kids at the school that might look down on the kids from Savanna’s House. Andy was adamant that the school should be open to others.
He has a vision for it all, and I decided to trust it. It’s his thing after all. Andy has taken on the school as headmaster. While he, Tara, and Emma have been very serious about this wedding, Andy’s been even more serious about the direction of the school. I have faith in all he’s done for the school and these children. I think they all have become ours.
“Yup, they have become all of our niños.” Javier chuckles.
“It will be fine. I’ve talked with the parents, and I’ve designed the program to be inclusive. I’ll be watching,” Andy reassures.
“You guys need anything?” Jordan asks. “I’m heading out on the road for a bit this week, but if I can help with the new place, the wedding, babysitting during the honeymoon, whatever you guys need, let me know.”
“Thanks for the offer,” I reply.
“I think we have it all covered. Mas wants to stay with my parents for the two weeks,” Andy says. “We finished up with the place. I’ll be back in time to get the school open and running. We’re pretty good.”
“Well, the offer is out there,” Jordan says.
“Fellas, it is always good to be in your company. This is a good thing we’ve done here. I’m going to hit up the deep pockets to keep it going. Call me if you need me,” Javier croons. “Adiós, mis hermanos.”
“Later, man,” I say, pulling him into a one-armed hug.
“I’m heading out as well,” Beau says. “I need to get down to the gym.”
We embrace next. I’ll see him later when I drop Mas and a few of the others off at the gym for their classes. Emma usually does it, but she’s been avoiding her new crush in the last few weeks. The Daltons have been making life quite interesting lately.
“I’m going to join the street hockey game in a few,” Jordan says as he stretches.
“Cool.” I nod.
Andy and I are the only ones left on the little hill we’ve been standing on looking over the playground. I take in a deep breath. This right here is well with my soul. Savanna would be happy.
I turn my head to the right when Andy’s laugh meets my ears. His face is alight with amusement, and his eyes are sparkling. He’s still as gorgeous as the first day I ever laid eyes on him. My lips curve in the corners when I note he’s wearing a short-sleeve shirt and shorts.
We’ve come a long way, baby.
“What’s so funny?”
“Mas once referred to us all as gods. His superheroes, he called all of his uncles. I just find it funny how we’ve gotten into the habit of standing up here to look down on the place. It’s our Mount Olympus,” he explains happily.
I join in on the laughter, looking out over the complex. Who knew this would all lead here? Although, I’m not too sure on the superhero part. I’m still worried about making all the right choices concerning Mas.
“That kid is something else.” I grin.
“I think he’s going to give us a run for our money,” Andy says, not sounding the least bit put off.
“Twenty-eight days. Are you ready to become Mr. Tyson?” I ask, reaching out to bring him closer.
Andy leans into my side, wrapping an arm around my waist. We melt into each other effortlessly. This is who we’ve become. We don’t throw it out there into people’s faces, but we don’t hide anymore. Our love is our love.
“Kyle, I’ve been ready to be yours since the day I was born. I’m finally complete,” he replies, and it’s all that needs to be said.
I kiss the top of his head, squeezing my arm around his waist. I feel the exact same way.