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Lake smiled as he was surrounded by family, love, and comfort. He had been a brave boy. It seemed he was able toclaim that title more and more. Maybe one day he’d be brave enough to confront his own family like he had Ezra’s.

Baby steps.

Or in his case, maybe he should say size thirteen little steps.

Lake giggled.

Once he started to laugh, Lake couldn’t stop.

Tears fell from his eyes, but they were cleansing.

Dom started to laugh with him. Ezra soon followed.

“I have no idea what’s happening,” Jesse whispered.

That made Lake laugh even harder.

“Just roll with it, man,” Remi advised. “Just roll with it.”

“Sure,” Jesse said.

He didn’t sound sure. Lake tilted his head back to peer at Jesse. “Hi, Daddy.”

Jesse smiled. “Hi, baby.”

“I did good?” It was important. He was a brave boy.

“Bestest!” Dom told him.

“Are we regressing?” Jesse asked.

Lake giggled. “Not you, Daddy! You have to be big boy.”

“Gotcha.” Jesse winked.

“I’m going to talk to the officers and have them swing by the house to get the statements later. They’ll be plenty busy booking Ezra’s parents,” Eric said. He bent and passed Ezra to Remi.

“That sounds good,” Jesse asked. “Are Dane and Brandon home?”

“Dane went to pick Brandon up. They’ll meet us at the house,” Remi said.

“Yours or mine?” Eric asked.

“Ours,” Remi said. “Lake will be more comfortable there.”

“What about Ezra?” Lake asked.

“I’m good as long as I’m with you,” Ezra said before slipping his thumb in his mouth.

“K. I want to go home,” Lake said.

“Mas, can you make sure that Lake and Ezra’s shifts are covered? Then cancel my calls for the rest of the day, please,” Jesse asked.

“You got it, boss. I could order some food to be delivered. Your lunch is on the floor,” Mason offered.

“I’ve got the food handled,” Remi said. “Jesse might need some clothes though.”

“Slumber party?” Lake asked.