Page 89 of Dreams Do Come True

“Thanks,” Kean replies.

We walk towards the church entrance and see people milling about. The first person I spot is Daniel, who sees me and comes walking over.

“Titus,” he greets, smiling at me.

“Hi, Daniel. Can I introduce you? Kean, this is my wonderful assistant Daniel.”

Kean holds his hand out and shakes Daniel’s. “It’s good to finally meet you.”

“And you,” Daniel says.

“These are our brothers, Temp, Ben and Sly, and this is River,” I say, holding the baby up, “and Lyric.”

“It’s lovely to meet you all and put faces to names. Look at you, Lyric, looking very smart there.”

I hold River out to him. “Here.”

Daniel takes River and smiles. “Welcome to the world, little one. You have two fine daddies, you know that?” he looks at Lyric. “So do you.”

Lyric nods and clutches his bear to his chest.

As we’re chatting, Monica and her husband walk over to us.

“Titus, Kean,” Monica says. “Hello Lyric,” she says, stroking his hand and then stealing River from Daniel.

“Monica, Chris, can I introduce you to Tempest Tanner, Sylvester Anderson-Sherwood and Ben Stone?” I introduce.

“Hello, it’s lovely to meet you all. I just wish it was under better circumstances,” she says.

“We brought some clothes with us as you asked Titus,” Chris says softly. “Making bears is a lovely idea.”

“It was Kean’s idea,” I tell them.

Lyric moves and holds his arms out to me. “Tus,” he says softly.

I take him and hug him close. “You okay, little man?”

He nods and snuggles close.

“So cute,” Daniel says, looking at us.

Chris looks at the time. “We should go in; the funerals are due to start in a few minutes.”

Monica hands River to Kean. “Come on then,” she takes Chris’ hand and we all follow behind. Daniel at our side.

“We’ve got your back, Bro,” Temp says softly just before we walk in.

“Thanks,” I reply.

Kean and I follow Monica and Chris to the front of the church. The church is packed, and looking at those gathered, I know most of the people here.

The church isn’t overly large, but it’s pretty in an understated way. There are pews on both sides with stone columns dotted around the sides and stunning stained glass windows.

In front of the altar are two wicker coffins, with pictures on top, one of Doris and one of Reggie.

I look at Doris’ picture, she was lovely, River seems to take after her in looks, whereas Lyric looks like Reggie.

Lyric points at the pictures. “Mama, dada.”