Page 115 of Structure of Love

“You can bet we’ll be there. Text me the deets when you get ’em, I’ll post it in the group chat.”

“Thanks, Si. He’s just…Having to explain over and over is wearing him down. And he’s adamant about calling his brothers and telling them.”

“Yeah, man, of course. I’m not upset he didn’t call me. Grateful as hell you called me and told me what went down. Also pissed as hell at his parents. I’m going to flatten all four tires and put instant mashed potatoes in their yard before it rains, see if I don’t.”

I grinned at the suggestion. “Do three tires, though.”

“Eh?”

“Insurance reasons.”

Si busted out laughing. “Gage, I’m proud to know you.”

“Thanks, I do try. Oh, Grandma’s waving me in, I’ll text you.”

“Sure, sure.”

I disconnected the call and returned to the living room. Grandma was standing, already grabbing her purse. “Gage, I think Erin should be here. I’m going to call her.”

“Sure.”

Logan’s phone beeped, and he looked at the screen before laughing. The sound was watery, nowhere near its usual volume or strength, but seeing him laugh at all was a relief.

“Why did Si just text me marbles in the gas tank?”

“He’s absolutely pissed with your parents and has things he’s going to do in revenge,” I explained. “Add marbles on to the list of instant mashed potatoes in the yard before it rains and three flat tires.”

Logan’s expression softened. “I really do have the best friends.”

“Wouldn’t marbles in a gas tank destroy the car?” I was all right with it, if they did.

“No, car still runs, but you can’t get the marbles out, and it makes an ungodly racket as you drive.”

A sly grin stole over my face. Damn, Si knew things. “Remind me not to piss Si off.”

“It’s a poor life decision, for sure.” Logan looked up at me. “I might be able to eat.”

“Sure, what do you want?”

“Lee’s?”

Fried chicken and biscuits, eh? “I’ll go pick it up. Unless you want to go with me?”

“I…No. No, I better call my other brothers. They’re the last two.”

“Okay. I’ll be back in a few minutes, then.”

If Logan could be startled into a laugh, even during the height of emotions, he’d be all right in the long run. I just neededto support him past this hurdle. And maybe help Si buy some marbles.

36

Logan

I went to the graveside service and not the funeral itself. I knew how the funeral would be with my parents in charge, and I wanted no part of that dog and pony show. Even at the grave, I stood well in the back, away from the main family. I had things to say to this man that I didn’t want my biological family overhearing.

My chosen family, though, they surrounded me on all sides. My sister, my grandma, Gage, Cooper, Si, Zar, Madison, Asher, Cohen, Riggs, and even Ami and Shanice had showed. The friends who wanted to come but couldn’t get off work had sent me lots of texts and flowers. I felt their support, even though they couldn’t physically be present.

None of my brothers chose to come. They hadn’t had a relationship with Grandfather in several years, and while upset at his death, they eventually chose to not come to his funeral. They would not celebrate a man in death who wouldn’t give them the time of day in life. Frankly, I understood. I just had things I wanted to say to the man. Otherwise, I might not havecome here either. I was still on the fence on whether I should be here or not.