Page 51 of Brokered Betrayals
“Like love?” Alec asked.
Sawyer wondered how to proceed. Alec and Dane had an undeniable attraction to one another, but the timing had been terrible. He didn’t want to give Alec false hope, but he didn’t want his friend to mope needlessly either. “Cay has his firstgirlfriend. They went to the winter formal together last month, and the budding relationship seems to have helped him quite a bit.”
“What about Dane?” It seemed Alec was tired of skirting around the actual issue. “Is he seeing someone?”
“Why don’t you ask Dane that? He said you guys talk and text all the time.”
“We do,” Alec said. “But he’s been…different lately. A little distant.”
“Could be a self-preservation tactic. Maybe Dane was becoming more emotionally involved with you than he could handle. We both know he cares about you a great deal.”
Alec sighed heavily. “And I’m in love with him. My gut tells me to ease up and give him space to heal, but my heart wants me to hold on tighter.”
“I think you need to let Dane set the tone and pace,” Sawyer said. “I know that’s the last thing you want to hear.”
“No, but it’s the reminder I needed. Dane wants me to be his friend, and I can be that for him. It’s just hard being on the other side of the country.”
“But that’s a temporary problem,” Sawyer pointed out. “There’s nothing preventing you from moving to Savannah once your mission is over. Sometimes you just have to believe that things will work out the way they’re intended. As much as we like to be in charge, we’re not really steering the ship.”
Alec chuckled. “Was that little pep talk for me or for yourself?”
“Both.” Lord knew he needed the reminder every day that passed without a resolution on the case, or even a word from the judge about their adoption hearing. They’d gone through all the motions and completed all the outstanding tasks. Waiting was the only thing left to do.
Royce met Sawyer’s gaze, pointed to the television, and held up two fingers. He needed to wrap up the call before Royce started the next season, or they wouldn’t get anything accomplished for another few days. Muffled voices came from Alec’s side of the connection, followed by his friend’s heavy sigh.
“I need to go,” Alec said. “The sheriff has finally granted me an audience, but he’s only giving me five minutes to make my case.”
“To quote Mama Ru,” Sawyer said, “‘Good luck, and don’t fuck it up.’”
Alec was laughing when he disconnected their call, and Sawyer hoped that good energy would follow his friend into the meeting with the sheriff.
Royce waved the remote at him, and his expression said he meant serious business. Sawyer did too, but he’d need reinforcement to pull it off. And he knew just who to call.
Twenty minutes later, Royce crossed his arms over his chest and scowled at the diaper bag Sawyer had packed. “I don’t know about this.”
Sawyer cocked his head to the side. “You don’t trust my mom to watch Darla for a few hours?” He knew it was a low blow, but desperate times called for devious measures.
Evangeline wore the diaper bag slung over one shoulder and a serene smile on her face. She glanced down at her granddaughter and said, “He doesn’t trust me with you.”
Royce’s eyes widened in alarm. “You know that’s not true at all. This is just her first time away from us, and I…” His words trailed off as he looked around the room, and Sawyer could tellby his horrified expression that he was seeing what had become of their living space. “I think we’re going to use the time wisely.”
“Perfect,” Evangeline said. “Sawyer has packed enough diapers, outfits, and formula for her to stay for a month, but I promise to bring her back as soon as you call me.” She smiled down at Darla, who stared up at her in awe. “That way, your daddies will call on me to watch you more often, though I suspect I’ll have to share you with Grandpa Eddie when you get bigger. I hear he’s already planning your first trip to the hardware store.”
“I’ll walk you out and double-check the car seat installation,” Sawyer said. They’d bought extra bases for Darla’s car seat to make it easy to switch vehicles. Royce had installed one in both of their vehicles and Evangeline’s too. “I’ll be right back,” Sawyer said. “You can get started if you want.”
“I’m okay with waiting,” Royce said, but he scanned the room as if trying to find the best place to jump in.
“You boys are being too hard on yourselves,” Evangeline said as she led the way to her car. “Your home looks like you’ve just had a baby.”
“While I know that’s true, I also know that we’re going to be judged much harsher than a hetero couple going through the second-parent adoption process.”
Evangeline sighed. “I wish I could dispute your claim, but I suspect it’s true.” She opened the back seat and clicked the carrier into the base. “I really hate that you feel such unnecessary pressure.” Evangeline stepped aside so Sawyer could make sure Darla was secure.
He ducked inside the back seat to perform a quick inspection, then smiled down at his little girl. “Have fun with Grandma. I love you so much.” He kissed her forehead and eased out of the car. “She’s all set. Thank you for doing this.”
Evangeline pulled him into a tight hug. “It’s my pleasure.” She eased back and smiled up at him, mirth shimmering in her eyes. “And speaking of pleasure…”
“No,” Sawyer said as he backed away.