Chapter 32

thirty-two

JACOB

Walking into The Welcome Center’s living room behind Pastor Adam, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of at least twenty people drinking hot chocolate and enjoying each other’s company.

My heart leaped when I saw Andrew. He was sitting beside Eddie, making something with the Legos bricks. My parents had often joked that it’d take a miracle for them to ever hold my children. Until now, I’d agreed with them. But seeing Andrew with Eddie made me yearn for a different life. I wanted what most people took for granted—someone to love, to build a better life with. Someone who’d always be there for me, no matter what.

Pastor Adam paused in the doorway. “This is what the center’s all about,” he murmured. “Friends who become family.”

Across the room, a toddler pulled himself off the floor and, on wobbly legs, stumbled into the arms of a young woman. The elderly man beside them beamed with pleasure.

“You’re making a difference,” I said quietly to Adam.

“I try. You’ve come at the right time. Andrew has just finished his photography workshop. It’s one of our most popular programs.”

I wasn’t surprised. Andrew’s photographs were amazing. They captured the emotions behind each scene, taking the viewer into the image to become part of the story.

When I moved closer to Andrew, he looked at me and smiled. “Hi. I didn’t think you’d be in town tonight.”

“I needed to see Pastor Adam.” That wasn’t strictly true. I did need to see him, but it could have waited until tomorrow. Was it crazy to admit that even though it was only twenty-four hours since I’d last seen Andrew, I missed him? “How was your workshop?”

“It was great. The students enjoyed themselves and everyone took home some lovely photos. Have you met Eddie?”

I nodded. “He came and saw his dad while I was talking to him.” I looked at the space rocket they were making. “Nice work.”

Andrew smiled. “Thanks.” He looked down at Eddie. “I’ll leave you to finish off your rocket.”

“Okay,” Eddie said softly. “Can I show it to you when I’ve finished?”

“Of course, you can,” Andrew replied with a grin. “I’d love to see it.” He moved away from Eddie and stood beside me. “Can I tell you a secret?”

When a mischievous smile lit Andrew’s face, my breath caught. I’d never felt this off-center around anyone.

“I used to dream about having a large family,” Andrew said.

“Why didn’t you?”

Andrew tilted his head to the side, considering my question. “Apart from being gay and all the challenges that involves, I never found the right person to love.”

His simple words touched something deep inside me, something I’d locked away from the world. I wanted to be the person Andrew could love. All I had to do was convince him we were perfect for each other.

A man stopped beside us. The wariness in the stranger’s gaze made every protective instinct inside me leap to attention.

Andrew’s face turned white. “David? What are you doing here?”

“I spoke to a woman at the general store. She said I’d find you at the church.”

“I told you I didn’t want to see you again.”

That was enough for me. I stood closer to Andrew, hoping the guy got the message and left.

But David didn’t look as though he was going anywhere. “An executive at Sunset Records saw the YouTube video of you singing. He wants to talk about producing another album.”

Andrew’s jaw clenched. “That part of my life is over.”

“The contract could be worth a lot of money.”

Andrew’s gaze hardened. “I’m not interested.”

David glanced at me before pulling a business card out of his pocket. “If you change your mind, I’m staying in a vacation home called Acorn Cottage. I’ll be in Sunrise Bay until Saturday morning.” When Andrew didn’t take his card, he left it on the table beside him. “At least tell me you’ll think about it.”

“I don’t need to. Goodbye.”

David’s eyes narrowed.

“You heard Andrew,” I said. “He wants you to leave.”

“I’m not here to cause trouble.” When my comment was met by hostile silence, David turned on his heels and left.

As soon as he was out the door, I turned to Andrew. “Are you all right?”

“That was David McBride. He used to be my manager.”

“The one who stole the rights to your songs?”

Andrew nodded. “I never thought I’d see him again. He shouldn’t be here.”

“You don’t have to talk to him.”

Andrew seemed defeated. “He didn’t come all this way to have a two-minute conversation with me.”

“If you’re worried about seeing him again, you could stay at my place.”

Andrew shook his head. “I’ve got too much work to do.”

I didn’t have to think twice about my next suggestion. “I could stay with you until he leaves.”

“It wouldn’t be fair to ask you to do that. I’ll be okay.”

“You aren’t asking. I’m offering.”

Andrew bit his bottom lip. “Are you sure you don’t mind? My home isn’t as big as yours and I don’t have all the modern appliances and?—”

“I don’t need modern appliances,” I said gently. “All I need to know is that you’re safe and happy.”

Tears filled Andrew’s eyes. “In that case, thank you. I’d really appreciate you staying with me.”

I’d never seen Andrew so worried about anything. “Good. After we’ve finished here, you can follow me home. I’ll pack a suitcase and stay until David has left Sunrise Bay.”

Andrew sighed. “What would I do without you?”

I looked around the room at his friends. “You would have found a way to stay safe.” But for now, I was glad I was here to look after him.