Chapter Fourteen

Darien

Darien gripped the steering wheel tightly as he navigated through the snow-covered streets of New York. The windshield wipers worked furiously against the heavy snowfall, creating a hypnotic rhythm that matched his racing thoughts. Baran’s sudden departure from the shelter had left him unsettled. The excuse about homesickness rang hollow in his mind—he knew there had to be more to the story.

Traffic crawled along the Brooklyn Bridge, giving Darien too much time to dwell on the situation. The city lights reflected off the wet asphalt, creating a kaleidoscope of colors through his windshield. He remembered how much Miss Archer disliked Baran and wondered if something had happened between them.

After circling, he found a parking spot near the subway station and hurried through the swirling snow. His footprints left dark impressions in the fresh powder as he descended the subway stairs, scanning the platform for any sign of Baran.

He spotted him immediately. Baran was huddled on a bench, his dark hair matted with melting snow, clothes soaked through. His eyes were red-rimmed, either from crying or the bitter cold—perhaps both. He looked smaller somehow, diminished, nothing like the confident young man who had brightened the shelter hall and his home with his presence.

“Baran!” Darien called out, rushing forward. He grabbed Baran’s hand, shocked by how cold his hand felt even through the wet fabric of his leather jacket. “Come on, let’s get you warm.”

They walked back through the steadily falling snow, Darien practically supporting all of Baran’s weight. Snowflakes caught in their hair and eyelashes as they made their way to the car.

“Why did you really leave?” Darien asked softly, watching Baran’s face in the glow of a streetlamp. “And don’t tell me it was homesickness.”

Baran’s breath came out as a visible puff in the cold air. “I was working through the gala guest list,” he said, his voice rough. “My father’s name was on it. When I called him…” Baran’s voice cracked. “He said I had caused shame to my family. That my call was to con him out of money. He told me never to contact him and hung up.”

Darien stopped walking, anger coursing through him. “I removed his name from that list myself,” he said, his jaw clenched. “Miss Archer must have added it back.” His hands balled into fists at his sides. The thought of her deliberate cruelty made his blood boil. Miss Archer had always been difficult, but this calculated attempt to hurt Baran crossed a line. He’d seen her watching Baran with disapproval, making snide comments about him using him for money, and she had even called Baran a gold-digger, but he never thought she’d go this far.

“I’m going to deal with her,” Darien said, his voice low and dangerous. “She had no right to interfere like this. None.” The protective fury he felt surprised even him—he’d always maintained professional composure with Miss Archer despite her stubborn personality, but this was different. This was personal.

“You might be right about her because when I got up to get some coffee, she told me to make sure I called every single person on the list. Why does she hate me so much?”

“I wish I knew. It may have to do with my banning Hawk.”

“Did she like Hawk?” Baran shivered as he spoke.

“We’re going to talk about this situation at home.”

“Yes, Daddy Darien.”

As soon as they reached the car, Darien opened the door for Baran. He pulled a blanket from the back seat and covered Baran to keep him warm. He turned on the heater and the seat warmer as soon as he got into the driver’s seat.

“Are you upset with me for not finishing the job?”

“I’m upset because you left without calling me first.”

“Did I break a rule?”

“Yes, but I’m going to let it go it this time because the situation is strange to begin with.”

“I felt so hurt. I had to walk, then I felt safe on the train.”

“But you didn’t know where you were going. I understand you needing to take a walk, but you took the subway and had no idea where you were going. At least you answered your phone.”

“You said within fifteen minutes, so I wanted to follow the rule.”

“I want this to be your first and best Christmas.”

“It will be with you. What will we do on that day?”

“We bring gifts to those who need them. We serve a turkey dinner at the shelter and give gifts.”

“That will be fun.”

As soon as they were inside, Miss Charlotte rushed to meet them at the front door.

“Oh, there you are. I was so worried about you, Baran, when Darien called to see if you were home.” She helped to remove his jacket. “I’ll wash those wet clothes now.”

“Could you make him some hot tea and bring it upstairs?” Darien asked.

“Of course.”

Upstairs, Darien found a pair of Christmas pajamas, handed them to Baran, and pointed to the bed.

“You need to warm up in bed.”

Miss Charlotte rapped softly on the door.

“Come in.”

She carefully placed a tray of tea and cookies on the nightstand, the clatter of the china cups and the aroma of the freshly baked cookies filling the air.

“Baran, please don’t take off like that. You gave us a scare. And make sure you eat those cookies.” A warm, genuine smile spread across her face as she looked at him.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

She picked up the wet clothes and left them alone.

Darien sat on the edge of the bed, sipping his tea and watching Baran get comfortable under the covers. The room was dimly lit, the gentle glow from the bedside lamp creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Baran looked up at him, his eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and relief.

“Baran, we need to talk about something important,” Darien began gently, setting his cup down on the nightstand. “I don’t want you taking the subway to places you don’t know. It’s not safe, especially at night.”

Baran sighed, pulling the covers tighter around himself. “I know. I wasn’t thinking clearly. My father…I wasn’t in my right mind.”

Darien’s heart ached for Baran. He moved closer, taking Baran’s hand in his. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. But you have to promise me you’ll stay safe. You don’t have to go through any of this alone.”

Baran nodded, his voice trembling slightly. “I felt so lost and hurt. Hearing my father say that…it just broke something inside me.”

Darien squeezed Baran’s hand, his voice filled with compassion. “You’re not alone. You have a family here with me and Miss Charlotte. My home is your home now. We’ll get through this together.”

Baran’s eyes filled with tears, and he managed a small smile. “Thank you, Daddy Darien. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

Darien leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Baran’s forehead. “We’ll make a new life here, one step at a time. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Thanks.” Baran’s voice cracked on the word.

“I’m going to read you a story. Then we can eat if you’re hungry.”

Darien picked out another Christmas classic, The Christmas Train by David Baldacci, and began reading. Baran’s eyelids grew heavy, and within five minutes, he was asleep fast.

As Darien watched his boy sleep in the quiet of the room, the weight of Baran’s past seemed to lift just a little, replaced by the promise of a hopeful future. Darien knew they had a long road ahead, but with trust, love, and companionship, they could face anything that came their way.

He wrote Baran a note, then Darien drove back to the shelter, his mind racing with thoughts of the confrontation ahead. The evening had been a blend of warmth and joy, but the discovery he had made upon returning home soured his mood. He knew he had to address it immediately.

Entering the shelter, he went straight to his office and called for Miss Archer. The room was dimly lit, the shadows from the overhead light casting a serious ambiance over the space. His desk was neatly organized, a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside.

Miss Archer entered, her expression guarded. “Yes, Mr. Moore? You wanted to see me?”

Darien gestured to a chair, but Miss Archer remained standing, her posture stiff. “I need to discuss something important with you. Baran’s father’s name was back on the list of donors to call after I specifically deleted it.”

Miss Archer’s eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and defiance. “I thought it was a mistake, so I added it back. We need all the donations we can get, and if his father is willing to contribute, why not?”

Darien’s patience was wearing thin. “Miss Archer, that was not your decision to make. Baran’s situation is delicate. His father disowned him, and having his name on that list was not only inappropriate but also harmful to Baran.”

Miss Archer crossed her arms, her tone turning cold. “I was only trying to help the shelter. Baran’s personal issues shouldn’t interfere with our funding.”

Darien stood up, his voice steady and firm. “This isn’t just about funding. It’s about respect and understanding. Your actions show a complete disregard for Baran’s well-being and my directives.”

She took a step closer, her voice rising. “I’ve been loyal to this shelter, and to you, Darien. But it seems like all you care about now is that boy. You’re blinded by your feelings for him.”

Darien’s anger flared. “This isn’t about favoritism. This is about doing what’s right. Your behavior has been unprofessional and disruptive, and it cannot continue.”

Miss Archer’s face hardened, her eyes narrowing. “You’re making a mistake, Darien.”

He took a deep breath, his decision clear. “No, the mistake would be allowing this to continue. You’re fired, Miss Archer. Effective immediately. Please pack your things and leave.”

Miss Archer froze for a moment, her face a mixture of shock and anger, before she turned on her heel and stormed out of the office.

Darien sank back into his chair, feeling the weight of the confrontation lift slightly. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. He knew that protecting Baran and maintaining the integrity of the shelter were paramount. As he took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing thoughts, he resolved to continue creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone at Rainbow Haven.