Page 88 of Outside Looking In

“I would like that,” Nathan said. Inside, his heart was lighting off fireworks. He didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to them. He didn’t even get to see Franny perform. “Would they?”

“I think they would,” Mark said with a knowing smile.

“How is everyone doing?”

“It’s been an interesting few hours. My kids have asked me more questions than they have since they learned what sex was. It’s the first time when I wish they would go back to reading their mobiles.”

“I am sorry about that,” Nathan said.

“Don’t be. This whole development has been unorthodox to say the least, but I’m glad I got to meet you and know you.”

“Likewise,” Nathan said. He had his real father and something like an older brother in Mark, plus real siblings. There was only one person missing. “Have you spoken to Liam?”

“He’s…” Mark scratched at his neck. “He’s still processing.”

Nathan had a feeling he would be “processing” for the rest of his life, and if Nathan ever came to the farm again, he would stay locked away in the shed.

Mark gave Nathan a hug and wished him a safe trip home.

“I hope this isn’t the last time we talk,” Mark said.

“Really?”

“Yeah. You’re family, Nathan.”

It was a nice word to hear.

Chapter 31

Liam

The next day was rough. Not only was Liam having to work double-time on the farm but he couldn’t stop thinking about Nathan not being there. He listened out for other footsteps or someone cursing in a tangy British accent, but his farm was quiet. Not even Tilly and the other sheep were giving him ambient noise. And the silence made his thoughts go to yesterday.

Nathan was Mariel’s son. Nathan was lying to him this whole time. And now Nathan was gone.

His feet seemed to covered in concrete, and his body moved like mush, as if he completed a marathon without stretching. In the shed, Mark was packing up Nathan’s things to send back to London. Soon, he and Nathan would be half a world apart. It would get easier, he told himself. When Kelly left, he felt awful, but it got easier. He wasn’t even Facebook friends with Nathan, so that would help.

Who the fuck am I kidding? This hurts so much more than Kelly.Liam thought back to their break-up. He was angry and hurt that she’d cheated on him. But did hemissher like he did Nathan? Did it feel like someone had torn muscle from his bone?He’d found Mark’s old ad looking for a farmhand, but he didn’t have the heart to post it yet. Maybe tomorrow, when the wound was slightly less fresh.

“Do you need any help out here?” Mark joined Liam, who was shoveling at the manure pit. “I may be a bit rusty, but I still know my way around a farm.”

“I’m good.” Liam wiped his sleeve across his sweaty forehead. “How’s packing going?”

“I’m done. He didn’t bring much.”

“Just a suitcase.” Liam remembered the sight of him dragging that fucking suitcase through his farm in the middle of the night.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s good to see you smiling.”

“You too, brother,” Liam said. “That was pretty awesome last night. I’ve never seen the Pastor speechless.”

“Well, now my ten-year-old son can’t stop saying fucking arsehole prick.”

The brothers shared a laugh, one that relieved some of the tension swirling in Liam’s chest.