Page 97 of Forgiven

“Then don’t feel bad. When I asked for your help, you were there for me.”

Ezra swiped at his watery eyes. “I should havealwaysbeen there for you, Callum. You shouldn’t have needed to come to me. I should have checked in on you more. Called. Written.Anything.”

Callum squeezed his uncle’s hand. “It’s okay, honestly. You’re herenow,and I’m okay.”

“Are you, really?”

“Yes. I’m upset about Mum and Molly—Dylan says I need to grieve them.”

“He’s a smart guy.”

Callum smiled. “Yeah, he is.”

“You really love him, don’t you?”

Callum nodded. “Yes.”

“Do we need to talk about the birds and the bees?” Ezra asked in a fatherly tone.

Callum let out a watery laugh. “Well, actually, I did have afewquestions.” His cheeks blazed.

“I’ve got you,” Ezra promised. “Let me finish cooking, and then we can chat over food.”

“Maybe after.”

Ezra laughed. “Okay, after.” He stood. “I’m glad you’re happy, Callum.” He moved back to the cooker and used a spatula to stir the food. “I’m making chilli by the way.”

“Smells great. There was something else.”

“Oh? Do I need to stop cooking again?”

Callum laughed. “No, you’re good.” He rubbed his finger over the tabletop. “Dylan asked me to move in with him.”

“Sounds like you’ve had an emotional rollercoaster of a day.”

“Yeah, you could say that.”

“Do you want to?”

“Yes. Do you mind?”

“Mind? Why would I mind?”

Callum shrugged. “I was worried you might think I was being ungrateful?”

“Why? Because you’ve done exactly what you came here to do?”

Callum stared at him, wide-eyed.

“You wanted to sort your life out. In just a few weeks, you’ve got yourself a job you seem to enjoy, a great boyfriend, and now somewhere to live. I’m proud of you, Callum.”

Callum’s cheeks became hotter. “Really?”

“Yes. I knew you’d get your life together, but even I didn’t think you’d manage it this quickly.” He turned the heat off and started to dish up the rice he’d pre-cooked. “So, when am I losing my boat-mate?”

“I’m not sure. We didn’t talk about when I’d move in.”

“Well, whenever you’re ready, I’ll help you with your stuff.”