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Sebastian gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Didn’t think I’d be back so soon, did you?”
“If I could see my children every day of the week, I’d be a happy mother.” Her eyes fell on Gus, and she opened her arms to him.
He fell into them like a little child in need of motherly love, and that’s exactly what she gave him. She whispered words Sebastian could not hear. He caught an “I love you” and “You’re going to be all right” as he left them alone and headed to the kitchen.
The mood was much different than Monday evening when they’d made the truffles. Although, Skylar did have some truffles out and was munching on them. She often did that when worried about something.
Dad was seated at the table in the breakfast nook, staring out the window at the hedges. When Mom and Gus joined them, he seemed to notice and stood from his place to come closer to his family.
“We have a bit of a situation to deal with after yesterday afternoon’s events,” Dad announced.
“What kind of situation?” Sebastian asked.
Mom stepped closer to Dad and circled her arms around his waist as his arm rested over her shoulders.
“Milton Hanley has decided to sue Augustus for assault and battery.”
Skylar dropped the truffle she’d been holding.
“What?” Gus’s mouth fell open. “I didn’t even hit the guy.”
“He says you pushed him and threatened to end him.”
Gus rolled his eyes. “Oh my gosh. That was just the alcohol talking. I wouldn’t have actually hurt him. Although, I wanted to.”
“Did you touch him?” Dad asked.
“I might have pushed him, but he had it coming.”
“Even so, when someone wrongs us, we don’t strike back. We turn the other cheek.”
Gus’s shoulders slumped and his head bowed sadly at their father’s words.
“Our lawyers will be speaking to his, but if they can’t talk him out of it, this will go on your record, Augustus. And I know Oliver was trying to be a friend and help our family as he has in the past, but I fear he may lose his job over this.”
Sebastian saw Gus’s chin begin to quiver, and he stepped closer and lay his hand on his brother’s shoulder to give it a squeeze. But instead of accepting the support, Gus pulled away and moved out of reach.
“These are the consequences of your actions, son,” Dad declared.
“I know, okay!” Gus cried. “I’m a grown man. Stop treating me like a little kid.”
Dad walked across the kitchen and lay his hands on Gus’s shoulders, tilting his head to try to get Gus to look at him.
Gus’s eyes veered down and away.
“We love you, Augustus.” Dad took hold of his face and turned it up toward him, and Gus’s eyes finally met his. “We love you.”
Tears filled Gus’s eyes then, and it broke Sebastian’s heart to see his brother this way.
“I’m sorry, Dad.” Gus leaned forward, and Dad wrapped him tightly in his arms. “I know I messed up again. I know I’ve disgraced our family and you’re ashamed to have a son like me.”
Dad pulled back and took his face again, looking him in the eyes. “I may be disappointed by your choices, but I will never be ashamed that you are my son.”
A weak smile crossed Gus’s face then.
“This will all work itself out.” Dad patted Gus on the shoulder and returned to Mom’s side. “But as far as the company goes … I don’t want you there right now.”
“At all?” Gus replied, looking shocked.