Page 16 of More Than a Hero (Baytown Heroes #12)

Angie pulled into the parking lot of Careway, her fingers gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than usual. Tonight was important, a night when connections would begin—ones that she hoped would provide warmth and stability for both the young men and their adopted grandparents.

She took a deep breath and stepped out of her car, smoothing down the front of her soft knit sweater as she made her way inside. The familiar scent of the facility—clean linen, a faint trace of lavender, and the subtle antiseptic undertone—greeted her as she walked through the automatic doors.

She was usually here to visit her grammy Ellen, but tonight was all about the ones who didn’t have family nearby.

Belle had already left for the evening, but the night shift nurse at the front desk spotted her immediately and gave her a warm smile. “Your group is already in the meeting room,” she said with a knowing wink.

Angie smiled back, offering a small wave before making her way down the hall. Excitement and nerves twisted inside her, and she hoped that the older residents hadn’t gotten cold feet. They had all been so enthusiastic when she first brought up the idea, but first meetings could be daunting.

Pushing open the door to the large meeting room, her heart lifted. They were all there.

She did a quick head count, pleased to see no one had forgotten.

Relief flooded through her, and she moved around the space, greeting each of the older adults with warm hugs and reassuring smiles.

Some of them were seated on the room’s plush sofas, while others stood near the snack table, their hands clasped, eyes bright with anticipation.

The room itself had been set up with several cozy conversation areas, the furniture arranged to encourage easy, intimate discussions.

Footsteps outside the door caught her attention. Angie turned just as the door swung open, and the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding released in a slow exhale.

Pete.

Her lips curved into a soft smile as she took him in—broad-shouldered, confident, effortlessly commanding the room just by stepping inside. His presence had a way of steadying her, grounding her.

He led the group of young men inside, their faces a mix of curiosity and nervous excitement. Richard, as dependable as ever, brought up the rear, his tall frame and easygoing demeanor offering a sense of stability to the boys.

Angie’s gaze flicked to Richard for a moment, knowing how much he had on his plate. His wife was due to give birth any day now, and she knew he would likely be absent from future meetings for a little while. But she appreciated that he was here tonight, offering support where it was needed.

As the boys stepped forward, their movements hesitant but eager, Angie noticed something else… the older adults had risen to their feet. They were smiling, but beneath their expressions, she could see the same nerves mirrored back at them.

She met Pete in the center of the room, their bodies instinctively aligning as they always seemed to. The flicker of connection between them was something she felt in her bones, especially in moments like this.

Pete gave her a small nod, his silent way of saying, Go ahead. You’ve got this.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to the group and spoke, her voice carrying the warmth and reassurance she wanted them all to feel.

"Okay, everyone. I know you’re all excited about the possibilities tonight, but with that excitement comes a little nervousness.

That’s completely natural. So for tonight, there are no expectations—just introductions.

I’ll pair you up with your adopted grandchild or grandparent, and then you can grab some snacks and a drink, find a place to sit, and just talk.

You don’t need to learn everything about each other right now. Just a little something to start.”

She scanned the room, waiting to see if there were any questions. No one spoke up, so she continued, moving carefully through the pairings.

“And just so you know, our adoptive grandparents said that you can call them by their first name. I like to put the Mr. or Ms. in front, but you can work that out with your partner. Mike, you’ll be with Mr. George, along with Rasheem.”

Tony, a lanky young man with dark hair and an uncertain expression, took a breath before stepping forward.

George, a retired history teacher, smiled warmly, offering his hand.

Angie didn’t miss the way Mike squared his shoulders before shaking his hand firmly, just as Pete had coached them. Rasheem followed suit.

“Jalen, you and Darius are with Mr. Bertram. Curly and Mike will be with Ms. Rosetta. Jimmy, you’ll be with Mr. Marty…”

One by one, she called out the names, watching each match unfold like a delicate dance—some eager, some a little shy, all of them stepping into something unknown.

When she got to the last pair, she glanced at Pete. He was watching, assessing, his arms crossed over his chest. But when their eyes met, there was something else there, something that made her stomach flip just slightly.

Once everyone had been introduced, she was relieved to see that the older adults immediately encouraged their young partners to grab a plate of food.

What surprised her even more was that the young men were quick to help by balancing cups and carrying plates, ensuring their adopted grandparents had what they needed.

Pete’s deep voice rumbled beside her. “We’ve talked to the boys about manners and politeness. It’s good to see them actually remembering what we’ve taught them. This was a chance for them to practice, and they’re doing a hell of a job.”

Angie smiled, the warmth of pride swelling in her chest. “I think they’re doing great.”

As she scanned the room, she noticed that some pairs had already settled into easy conversation, their voices drifting through the air like soft, overlapping melodies. Others were still a little stiff, hesitant, unsure how to break the ice.

She turned to Pete, lowering her voice. “I don’t want to hover, but after they’ve had some time to settle, I’d like to ask everyone to share one thing they’ve learned about their partner. Just something small, something that’ll give them a reason to keep talking.”

Pete nodded, looking over at Richard, who gave an approving nod of his own. “I think that’s a good idea.”

Angie exhaled slowly, watching as the young men and their adopted grandparents slowly relaxed into this new experience.

And then, she did something she hadn’t even realized she needed to do. She reached out slightly and let her fingers brush against Pete’s hand. It was quick, barely conspicuous.

But he noticed. And in response, he turned his hand just enough to let his fingers graze hers.

It was fleeting, but it was there. I see you , his touch seemed to say. I’m right here with you .

A quiet thrill ran through her, but she forced herself to focus as Pete, Richard, and she began moving around the room, checking in on each pair.

This was only the beginning.

But as she watched the warmth begin to settle in, as laughter replaced uncertainty, and as connections started to form, she knew this was the right thing to do.

The hum of conversation settled into a comfortable rhythm around the room, the initial nervousness having softened into something more natural.

Angie took in the sight before her—pairs of young men and their adopted grandparents leaning in toward each other, sharing stories and trading smiles. It was working.

She clapped her hands lightly to get everyone’s attention. “Okay,” she said, her voice encouraging. “I know it’s difficult to get to know someone when you’ve never met them before. You might be wondering whether you have anything in common or if they’ll like you. That’s normal.”

The adults smiled knowingly, while the boys shifted in their seats, offering shy, almost embarrassed grins.

“In a few minutes, we’re going to go around the room, and I’d love for each of you to share just one thing you’ve learned about your adopted grandparent or grandchild.

It doesn’t have to be anything big. It can be as simple as their favorite color.

But the goal tonight is connection, and I’d love to see that even on this very first night. ”

She glanced over at Pete, catching the subtle chin lift he gave her, a silent sign of approval. The reassurance she was on the right track settled the last of her nerves.

Giving them a few more minutes, she moved through the room, watching how conversations unfolded. Some of the pairs had already relaxed into easy chatter, while others still hesitated, searching for the right words. “Tony, let’s start with you.”

Tony cleared his throat, looking a little uncertain, but when he glanced at the older gentleman beside him, his confidence grew. “Mr. George used to be in the Army.”

George nodded, then smiled. “And Tony here? He’s a hell of a basketball player.”

A murmur of approval moved through the room. Angie’s heart warmed as she moved on.

“Kyron?”

Kyron glanced at the man beside him before looking at Angie. “Mr. Harold loves sweets. Especially cherry pie.”

Harold chuckled. “And guess what? So does Kyron.”

The group laughed, a little more at ease now.

Curly and Rosetta discovered a shared love of singing, which led to an enthusiastic discussion about music styles.

Jimmy admitted with a grin that Marty was obsessed with reality TV shows, while Marty revealed that Jimmy had a passion for history.

David’s face lit up as he revealed how Hannah loved gardening and how his mom also loved planting flowers. “We’re gonna try working on the Careway garden together,” he added, glancing at Hannah, who smiled warmly.

Darius, impressed, shared that Bertram had been in the Navy. Bertram, in turn, found out that Darius had never been on a boat but had always wanted to, and Jalen had always wanted to visit the Baytown Pier.

Mike talked about Rosetta’s love for seafood restaurants. “Her favorite food is shrimp.”

“And his is hamburgers.” Rosetta laughed.

Finally, they’d all shared. Angie pressed a hand to her chest, feeling a lump rise in her throat.

In just an hour, young and older strangers had become paired with real, shared moments.

She turned, taking in the expressions of the senior adults.

They looked happy, engaged… some even a little energized by the conversations.

Then she shifted her gaze to the boys, wondering if they felt the same.

Her breath hitched slightly, afraid of what she might find. But instead of boredom, reluctance, or irritation, she saw something else entirely. Smiles. Real smiles.

Her eyes flicked to Pete, who was watching her. She gave him a slight nod, silently asking him to take over.

“I think we can call this a successful start,” Pete announced, his deep voice rolling over the room, steady and sure.

“We’ll meet right here every Thursday. If any of you want to do something outside the group, we’ll set up guidelines, and we’ll need to obtain parental permission first. But as we move forward, we might be able to plan some things as a group. ”

His lips twitched, a slow grin forming. “I know we can definitely all go to the Baytown Pier.” He glanced at Bertram and Jalen, who both grinned back.

“Maybe even charter a boat and watch the sunset. There’s also a kitchen here at Careway.

If we get permission to use it, maybe we can have a night when we cook or bake together.

Just throwing out ideas based on what you all have shared tonight. ”

Richard stepped up next. “Alright, boys, time to head out. I have the van outside. Say your goodbyes, and let’s move.” He borrowed a van from his church that would carry all the boys.

Angie smiled as she watched the boys stand, some offering a hand to their adopted grandparents before parting ways. It was a simple gesture, but one that carried weight.

She took a moment to make sure all the leftover food was properly stored before informing the head nurse that anything remaining could be shared with the night staff. By the time she stepped outside, Richard’s van was pulling away, the taillights glowing softly in the dark.

She turned back toward the Careway Senior Apartments, walking alongside the older adults, ensuring each of them made it inside safely.

Finally, it was just her and Pete. They stood between their vehicles, the cool evening air wrapping around them, but Angie barely felt it.

Pete stepped in first, wrapping his arms around her. Without hesitation, she melted into him, pressing her face against his solid chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoed in her ear, grounding her, steadying her.

“This was good,” she murmured against him.

“Yeah,” he agreed, his voice rumbling through his chest. “The kids will get something real out of this. A deeper appreciation for older people. A chance to talk to someone with age and wisdom but not always the body’s ability to do what they want.

They’ll gain another adult in their world who gives a damn about them. ”

Angie closed her eyes, breathing him in, absorbing the weight of what he was saying.

“And for the older ones,” she added, her voice softer now, “this will be good for them, too. A way to connect, to be around younger energy, to share their music, their stories. To feel… valued.”

Pete’s hold on her tightened, his lips pressing against the top of her head. “It was a fucking phenomenal idea,” he murmured. “And we owe it all to you, Angie.”

She swallowed hard, emotion thick in her throat. But exhaustion was settling in, and her body ached in that familiar way that signaled she’d done too much. A hot bath and a good night’s sleep would do her wonders. And maybe, if she was lucky, she’d dream of him.

She tilted her head back, meeting Pete’s gaze. His eyes were already on her, watching her the way he always did—like he saw everything.

Without thinking, she lifted onto her toes, her arms winding around his neck as she met his lips in a slow, lingering kiss. Pete groaned against her mouth, pulling her flush against him, his hands splaying across her back as he deepened the kiss.

And for that moment—just that moment—nothing else in the world mattered.