Page 133 of As the Years Pass

He shakes his head. “It’s not, but I like to believe they have met them. Somehow.”

I nod. “You never know what’s waiting for us on the other side.”

“Hey, Emmet?”

I look to my side, and someone who looks vaguely familiar stops beside us. He’s younger than me, maybe mid twenties. Dark red hair, lots of freckles, bright green eyes. Looks like he goes to the gym a few times a week.

“Hey,” I say with a smile.

He puts his hand on his chest. “Miles.”

My eyes widen. “Oh, shit.” I lean in for a hug. “I’m sorry, but you’ve grown up.”

He chuckles, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, I have. You too.”

“I was already an adult when we met. Oh, this is my boyfriend, Adam.”

“Hey.” Adam offers out his hand, and they shake.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Miles says, then turns his attention back on me. “So, I hear you live in Seattle now?”

“Yeah, we do. I’ve been there a year now,” I say.

“I’m actually moving there myself.”

“Is that so?” Adam says. “What area?”

“Don’t mind him. He’s a realtor.”

“Really?” Miles asks. “That’s actually great news because I haven’t found a place to live yet.”

“Well, you’re in luck. Adam is the best.”

“I wouldn’t say that, but I am pretty good.”

“While you two talk, I’m going to get a drink. Miles, would you like something?”

“Oh, no thanks. I don’t drink.” He pulls his hand from his pocket to show me a chip. I nod, giving him a proud smile.

“Good for you, man. Seriously.”

His smile grows, and I hear him and Adam get into conversation about different areas of Seattle while I walk away. I take my time, and choose not to bring Adam a drink while he’s talking with Miles because I don’t want to be an asshole.

I’m sure plenty of men in this room are dealing with a similar thing. I’m not so naive to think every kid who left my parents went on to live a happy life. Kids in foster care don’t have it easy, and a lot of times, those problems follow them for a long time. A lot of them choose to medicate with street drugs and alcohol. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the people here are high right now. It sucks, but it’s the reality of it. Love doesn’t fix everything, but it’s a good starting point.

“God, I miss your mother.” My father sits on the stool beside me. “She’d love this.”

I smile as I look around at all the people who showed up. There’s at least a hundred people in here now, never mind those who stopped by for a few just to pay respects and then left.

“She would have,” I agree. “You did good, Dad. I’m proud of you.”

His smile is sad, and he shakes his head again. “You’re a good kid, Emmet. Now stop with the sappy stuff and buy your old man a drink.”

Chapter Fifty-Four

Adam

I wake before the sun, which is something I haven’t done in a long time since Ian sleeps later these days. But it’s Christmas morning, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t as excited as the kids.