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“Cool.” Justice grinned.

“Why don’t you take your brother upstairs?” Jesse suggested. “I’ll be up as soon as I can.”

Lake rose. “Thanks.”

Jesse stood and didn’t even seem embarrassed to kiss him in front of Justice.

“Well, this is a little awkward, I can admit,” Justice said.

Lake laughed. He might not have everyone in his family back by his side, but it appeared that he did have one brother. That was enough for now. “What are you going to tell Mom and Dad?”

Justice shrugged. “I’ll tell them the truth. That I saw you and you’re fine. That you’ll contact them when you’re ready.”

“I appreciate it,” Lake said sincerely.

“Anytime, little brother.”

* * * * *

Jesse

Closing the bedroom door, Jesse caught Lake yawning. “Tired, baby?”

Lake turned and sat on the bed. “It was fun, right?”

“I like your brother.” Jesse crossed the room.

“It was nice to spend time with him. He and Remi hit it off too.”

“I think it will help so that we’ll see more of him,” Jesse offered.

“Do you think he’d consider your offer?” Lake questioned.

“If not now, we’ll keep talking to him about it. We won’t give up.” Jesse leaned over and cupped Lake’s face. “You might not have all your family back, but you have him.”

“That’s enough for now,” Lake said.

“For now,” Jesse agreed. If Lake wanted to reconnect with the rest of his family, then Jesse would work his ass off to make that happen. If not, then Jesse would be there to help Lake through it.

“Thank you. For everything,” Lake said.

“You never have to thank me, baby.”

Lake grinned. “Remi brought me some clean clothes to change into.”

Jesse nodded. Lake had removed his suit jacket and traded it in for one of Jesse’s shirts.

“Shower?” Lake suggested. “I’m pretty sure that the sound of the water would drown out anything Justice might overhear.”

“I put him in the room downstairs as far from here as possible for a reason,” Jesse said.

“Smart Daddy,” Lake teased.

“I am a very smart Daddy.” Jesse straightened before offering Lake a hand up.

Lake allowed Jesse to help him off the bed. Jesse led Lake across the room and into the bathroom. “Get undressed. I’ll start the water.”

Lake started to unbutton his borrowed shirt. “Hot. I like it hot.”