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Chapter Twenty-Two

Cade

Cade stood next to Ford at the back of the somber gathering as they shared an umbrella. He had another reason to wear one of those custom-made suits Ford and Jax had purchased for him for his birthday the previous year. The first time he’d worn one of the suits was to Jax’s coach’s memorial. That had been a few months prior.

Life had taken a few unexpected curves the three men were learning to maneuver, but the death of Cade’s father in jail had been a shock to everyone. He was supposed to be in an isolation unit under heavy guard, whatever that meant.

Based on the news Fiona Porter/Abigail Mellon had given Cade, his father was going to testify on behalf of the state to name those involved with him in the criminal enterprise he and Clary Radcliffe had orchestrated. After his testimony, he was promised a better facility out of state and out of danger. Cade wasn’t exactly sure how to react to the news his father was dead, which was why he was standing with Ford at the back of the service while Jackson sat next to Katrina and Cheryl in the front. Cade just couldn’t do it.

The three handsome men were solid. The summer had been great except for Jax being named acting defensive coach for Chicago. It seemed the Cajun had put his own dreams on hold to support the team, and with his temporary position came the new rule of the three of them going back into the shadows, which pissed off Cade more than he could articulate.

“Sweetheart, you should go up and be with your mother. Ashton and Amy aren’t faring well, either.” Ford’s whispered words tickled Cade’s ear.

Cade scanned the crowd until he found his little brother and sister both clinging to Jackson, so he moved forward through the crowd and stood between Jax and Katrina, grabbing both of their hands.

He was surprised to see his mother shedding a tear for Hudson Hayes, but he supposed his better-than-average childhood had been because his parents loved each other, once upon a time. As he watched his brother and little sister, he could see nothing made sense to either of them, so he moved to the other side of Ash to wrap his arms around them in comfort.

The minister finished his worthless pontification as the urn was lowered into a small box before it was locked and placed into its spot in the Hayes’ family mausoleum. Cade had never been to the place before, and he’d never go again.

Things needed to move forward for the whole family, and dwelling on the past and Hudson’s horrible treatment of both families wouldn’t change anything. They needed to overcome the past, and they needed to do it as a unit, Cade was sure.

With coaxing from Ford and Jax, Cade had invited everyone to the Greystone in the historic district after the service because it was closest to the cemetery. They’d had it catered, and Cade had the assurance Griff and Cleveland would oversee the arrangements for him to play the part of reluctant host.

Ford had offered to hold the affair at the club, and as tempting as it was, Cade couldn’t. His father had adamantly disapproved of his lifestyle so the man was likely already pissed off from wherever he would reside for eternity at being in his son’s den of iniquity. Thinking of Hudson virtually spinning in his grave was enough consolation for Cade.

After the memorial, where nobody got up to say anything nice about Hudson Hayes, Katrina took Cade’s arm to have him assist her from the cemetery as Jax helped Cheryl, Amy, and Ashton. “Where’s Branford, Kincade?” Katrina asked. Cade pointed to the side where Ford was speaking with Owen Hatch and Brady Jones, other friends of the trios.

“Mom, is there anything I can do for you?” Cade asked as they approached the limo waiting for them in the gentle downpour.

He saw his mother’s stoic smile under the thin black net veil, which was a glamorous throwback to the days when women wore such things. It was very Jackie O of his mother to wear it to the service.

“Not me. The house in Naperville sold, finally. I’m moving to New York, and I’ll be wintering in New Mexico with the rest of my group. Is Jackson really going to be the defensive coach for Chicago? Won’t that put a lot of stress on the three of you?”

Cade sighed. “We’re going to support him, even if it means we go back into the closet. Ford and I just won’t be seen out with him, I suppose. I’ll keep you posted.” Cade kissed her cheek and opened the door for her to get inside the limo. Cheryl followed, along with Amy.

Cade waited for Ash to climb in, but the teen touched his arm to get his attention. “Can I ride with you guys?”

Jax nodded in agreement, so Cade leaned down and told the women they’d meet them at the Greystone. After he closed the door, the three of them made their way to Jackson’s Hummer, climbing inside to find Ford behind the wheel, ready to go.

Ford slowly followed the limo along the one-way lanes of the cemetery to the exit. “Why’d you want to ride with us, Ash?” Cade glanced at his little brother.

The boy wore an angry expression. “I’m sick of hearing Amy bitch about how Dad was wrongly accused and how Miss Rina lied about everything. She’s so damn stubborn. I told her everything I knew about what happened, but she still swears Hudson was framed.”

Cade held Ash’s hand. “Look, Ash, you and I both know the shit that came out about Hudson isn’t made up. Amy just doesn’t want to accept the fact that the father she idolized isn’t the man she believed him to be. She doesn’t want to accept the changes coming whether she likes it or not, and the longer she denies his guilt, the longer she can live in the fantasy land where her perfect world is exactly as she wants it to be.

“I remember being that boy until the day Hudson brought me to your house to babysit the two of you while he took your mother on their honeymoon. I needed Hudson to want to spend time with me, but his love was never given easily. We Hayes men had to work for it far too hard.” Cade’s voice trailed off as he stared through the side window, reliving childhood memories best left buried.

“What have you got planned for the rest of the summer, kiddo?” Jax turned to look over the back of the front seat of the Hummer.

“Mom brought me home from art camp for this crap. Anyway, we were supposed to go to the house in Wisconsin for the rest of the summer. Well, if it’s still ours.” Ash glanced at his hands in his lap, and Cade could see the boy was worried. The expression shouldn’t be on such a young face.

“I’ll make sure Mom gives it to you guys. She wants to be fair to Cheryl because none of us asked for any of this.” Cade released Ash’s hand and patted the boy on the knee. Ash only nodded before he turned to look out the car window as rain gently fell.

Cade was playing host along with Jax and Ford. There were a lot of people in attendance, including Fiona Porter/Abigail Mellon. Cade was about to ask her to leave when Liam O’Malley walked into the house. He had no idea how the man had heard about Hudson’s untimely death, so he didn’t have a clue why the man had shown up.

As Cade was about to approach him, Jax led him out to the back deck off the main floor. “Let her do her job, Kincade. I spoke with Mitch and Stan. Neither of them gave that fucking prick a heads-up about the shelter. Mitch says he’s a crook, and Abigail confirmed he’s the lawyer for the Irish mob here in town. We need to find out how Ford’s friend, Robin, knows him, but we’ll talk about it later.

“The FBI has evidence Kenneth Shaw was just a cover for the whole shelter scheme. It sounds like the whole thing was a setup to launder money, chére. The cops are working through it, so it’s no longer our concern. The man didn’t get his hooks into you, so let’s not worry about it, okay?” Jax held Cade close.

Cade wasn’t surprised by the revelations about his father’s behavior any longer. Life was full of unpredictability, and it was just something one had to learn to accept. Plans could be made, but life threw unexpected curves… for example, Jackson Delacroix signing up to be the defensive coach for Chicago.

“Are you going to take the job with the team permanently? I know it’s a great opportunity, but I worry what it will do to our relationships,” Cade said, finally.

All the worry and uncertainty had been a millstone around all of their necks. Decisions needed to be made, and truths told if the three men were going to continue their trilationship.

“I…” Jax started to speak before a scuffle broke out in the entry foyer. Cade and Jax hurried to see Ford had Liam O’Malley on the floor as Fiona/Abigail handcuffed him. The house was so quiet they could hear the sirens of the approaching law enforcement officers.

Katrina and Cheryl hurried over to where Cade and Jax stood, appearing more surprised than everybody in attendance. “What’s going on?” Rina asked.

Jax pulled Cade under his arm in a protective embrace as Kincade took his mother’s hand. “It’s just a loose end of Father’s case. No need to worry, I promise. Let’s get you ladies some Bloody Mary’s. Cleveland’s an incredible bartender, as Mom knows, Cheryl. I think Ash is upstairs in the media room. Where’s Amy?”

Cheryl’s face turned a shade of pink. “I had the limo take her to my parents’ place in Lake Ridge. She’s inconsolable, Kincade, and I don’t know what to do for her. I’m considering a counselor.”

Katrina rubbed her arm and smiled. “I know a few good ones, dear. She probably needs help coming to terms with everything that’s happened, and the smart thing to do is find someone for her to tell how she feels about everything. She can come to her own conclusions regarding how she wants to remember Hudson. Cade and Ash had a different relationship with Hudson than Amy. It’s going to be difficult for both of your children, but I’m here to support the three of you, as is Kincade.” Rina’s compassionate response absolutely shocked her son.

“Jax, why don’t you get Cheryl a drink. I’d like to talk to Mom for a few minutes about another matter.” Cade led his mother to the home office the three men shared.

He closed the door and turned to Rina, offering a chair which she declined. “What is it, Kincade ?” Rina sounded upset with him, and he didn’t understand her attitude at all.

“Okay, cut the crap. What’s the deal with Cheryl and you? She should be your mortal enemy, Mom. Hudson left you for her . She’s younger than you, no offense, and he cheated on you with her… without her knowledge, but still.” Cade felt the recap of events was necessary.

His mother’s gentle smile surprised him. “Kincade, that young woman reminds me so much of myself when I was her age. Do you know she’s only thirty-two? I realize she looks a little older than her age, but a few visits to a spa and financial security will resolve that business.

“She was only eighteen when your father began his pursuit of her, the lecherous old bastard. I know I should hate her and try to cut her out, but I was as na?ve as Cheryl when I met Hudson Hayes. We were both duped by the son of a bitch but now we can help each other.

“That’s exactly what I plan to do, Kincade. It’s going to take a bit of time to work out the financial aspects because the Feds are going to comb through the books and see what monies are to be seized as illegal funds. I have a feeling we’ll all be fine.” His mother hugged him.

Cade kissed her cheek and was thankful. Katrina gave him a good example of how to treat people in life… much better than Hudson had ever provided.

Cleveland, Griff, Ford, Jackson, and Cade were sitting in the family room of the Greystone. Griff glanced around and chuckled. “You need more furniture, guys.”

Cade took in all the unoccupied space and stood to walk over to the entrance of the room, stepping it off to the back door which led onto the patio. It was thirty feet.

He pulled out his phone to record the measurement before he stepped it the other way, finding it was thirty-five feet. For such a vast room, a leather sectional, a chair, a coffee table, end table, and entertainment center seemed to be sparse furnishings.

Without a word, Cade walked into the completely empty rooms nearby—the formal living room and dining room—stepping off the space as well. “We have the blueprints,” Ford told him as he walked into the dining room where Cade was studying the large chandelier.

“Did you pick this thing?” Cade pointed to the light fixture.

“God, no. It came with the place. I told you at Christmas we did the bare necessities. We should make changes, but we weren’t doing it without you. We can hire someone to help us.” Ford’s bewildered expression was cute.

“Why?”

Ford stared at Cade, holding his hands up and shrugging. “I’m not sure what you mean?”

Cade decided it was time for the two of them to address the elephant in the room. “Jax is going back to the NFL. That means you and I go back in the closet, Branford. Or I guess it means I go back into the shadows.

“Being a coach has a lot more restrictions than being a free-spirited player. The team owners will accept the two of you as a couple, I’m sure, but not me as your third. There’s no place for me in this relationship, yet again. It would be better if I rented an apartment and moved out. We can still be something to each other, but I can’t live here with the two of you.’ It was time to get all the ugly truths out in the open.

Ford popped his knuckles. “No. No, we’re not doing this again. I won’t…” Ford sat on the floor against the wall and pulled his knees up to prop his elbows with his blond head secured in his hands.

Cade stood stock-still, not sure what to make of the man crumbling before him. Jax’s rowdy laugh echoed through the house, snapping Ford’s head up. He jumped from the floor and left the room, dragging Cade with him. The tall blond was moving so quickly Cade slid in his stocking feet like he was on ice.

“Jackson, he wants to move into an apartment. I’m not doing this again.” Ford’s demanding tone brought silence to the room. Cade looked around to see his mother, Cheryl, Cleveland, Griff, and Ash staring at them.

Jax walked over to take Cade’s hand. “Why on earth are you always on the run? Where are you wantin’ to go now, Kincade? Don’t you like this place? If not, we’ll move.” Jax’s beautiful smile was no longer hidden behind the goatee.

“I, uh, maybe we should wait…” Cade wasn’t sure how to finish the sentence. He wasn’t a fan of having important discussions with a room full of people.

“No, we’re not waiting. Jackson, are you going to coach for Chicago? If you are, then Cade thinks that means he goes back into the shadows and can’t be seen out with us.” Apparently, Ford didn’t have his same reaction. It made Cade feel like an evil fairytale queen at that point.

“Hold the thought.” Jackson sighed and hurried upstairs.

“Kincade, dear, what’s wrong?” his mother asked.

“Nothing’s wrong, Mom. It’s just that if Jax is going to coach for Chicago, he can’t be part of our trilationship. He and Ford, as a couple, will be hard enough for the team owners to accept. I’m just the plus-one problem.” To Cade, it was plain as day.

They all heard the heavy feet on the stairs as Jackson Delacroix, the Ragin’ Cajun, strolled into the family room with a smile. “If y’all will excuse us for a few minutes…”

Jax grabbed Cade and Ford’s hands, leading the two of them to the basement. He pulled them out to the patio where a clear sky and beautiful sunset was making itself known.

The three stood together on the paving stones, holding hands in a triangle. “I wanted to wait to do this until we had a chance to go away again, but with the team up in the air and all the bullshit we’re facing, I know it might take time before I’m able to take a trip.

“First of all, I’m not going to coach for Chicago. I spoke with Tony and Greg about it, and I told them I’m not giving up the two men I love. We agreed to a scenario where I’d stay until they found a replacement defensive coach. They said they’d be supportive of whatever I did in the future—fitness boot camps, opening a gym, or a sports rehab facility. I still don’t know what the hell I want to do, but I don’t want to be in the spotlight unless I have the two of you by my side.” Jax’s explanation allowed Cade to breathe easier.

Cade watched Jax drop on one knee, not releasing either of their hands. “Some might say this situation is illogical and it takes a lot of creativity to make it work, but we know we want to be together so let’s make it permanent. Branford, will you marry me, and Kincade, will you allow us to adopt you so the three of us can become a family? It’s not ideal because I’d like to walk down an aisle with both of you but that’s not possible. We work with what we have, right?” Jax’s gaze shifted from one to the other.

Ford flashed a bright smile. “Let’s not call it an adoption. Let’s call it a spiritual joining. Kincade, will you be spiritually joined to us?”

Jax opened a box with three beautiful bands inside, each with three small diamonds imbedded in the top. He was as stunned as he’d ever been.