Page 23 of The Lonely Hearts Guide (Bountiful Beaus #2)

Alexander wasn’t sure how Elliot’s skin morphed into a window to the womb, but seeing little Honey inside him made everything real. Granted, it was already real, but seeing an actual child smiling back at them felt like being pummeled with truth and expectation. A father. Alexander was going to be a father. A little life was going to be placed into his hands, and he needed to keep that life safe. To ensure Honey flourished in their home. The sense of intimidation over his role in her life was unmistakable, but when their little girl smiled widely and brightly at them, it lit a fire under Alexander’s feet, launching him into action.

As they walked toward the general store, Elliot’s hand in his, Professor Plum resting on Alexander’s shoulder, Alexander was talking a mile a minute, unable to contain his excitement. “We’ll get her the best crib we can find. And she’ll need toys and onesies and diapers.” Alexander paused, taking a deep breath as he took in the moment. “I think we’ll have to order most of it online, but there will probably be some good finds in the general store.”

Alexander held the door open for Elliot, hoping Duck and Goose were working that morning. It had been ages since they spent any real time together. Truthfully, they were his closest friends and he wanted to share his new life with them. He wanted them to be a part of that life. Friends. Uncles, actually, considering they were both Elliot’s brothers.

There was no one at the counter, so whoever was on shift must have snuck into the employee restroom. Taking a cart from the corral, Alexander whirled it around on its wheels, surprised to see Elliot staring at it like it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

“What is that?”

“It’s a shopping cart. Well, some people call it a buggy.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Why?”

Alexander shrugged. “I’m not really sure. I guess because carts and buggies used to carry people—”

Elliot groaned, and the sight of him with his hands fisted at his sides in frustration was the most adorable thing Alexander had ever witnessed. “I understand the concept of carts and buggies,” he huffed with a chuckle. “I just mean, what is its purpose here?”

Alexander arched an eyebrow. “Have you never been to the store before?”

Elliot shook his head. “Jared didn’t want me away from him. He was scared I would take a lover.”

Alexander waggled his eyebrows ridiculously. “One might say you already have.” Elliot cocked his head to the side, seemingly confused. “I mean me. I’m the lover.”

Elliot mouthed the word, “Ahh,” before turning his attention back to the cart. “Yes, well, that’s certainly true, but I’m still not sure what the purpose of this is. He wouldn’t allow me to leave the house without him. Especially not after the night I missed my ferry.” He looked down, but he couldn’t hide the shades of blue light flickering in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Elliot,” Alexander whispered. “That morning, I knew something was wrong. I knew I shouldn’t have let you go.”

Elliot shook his head. “I’m glad you did. While I hate we lost so much time together, I’m happy. We’re having a baby. We’re starting a family. I’ve wanted to be a part of a family for so long.” Sniffling, he steeled his face, hiding his emotions away like he’d simply painted over the emotional blemishes with makeup. “Stop deflecting and answer the question, please. The cart. What is its purpose?”

“You put whatever you want to buy inside, then you take it to the register.” He pointed at the still-unmanned checkout counter. “Right there.”

Elliot took a step back and eyed the cart. “And the little compartment at the front?” He pointed at the children’s seat.

“You can put kids here. There’s even a seatbelt.”

Elliot glanced down at it like he was studying it for minor imperfections. “Once Honey is born, I would like you to place me in the spacious back section of this shopping cart, and I would like you to wheel me around the general store at a rapid speed.” Elliot nodded at the cart. “If you wouldn’t mind.”

“I think that can be arranged.”

Elliot approached the cart and sneered at it. “You heard him. You and I have a date with destiny. Don’t be late.”

Alexander couldn’t contain himself. Seeing Elliot finally let go—watching the man he loved come alive—felt like he was witnessing the birth of sorts. A new man was taking form before him, and that man was silly and ridiculous and adorable. He was everything Alexander had ever hoped for. Unable to control his actions, Alexander bridged the distance between them, picking Elliot up in his arms, cradling him like a newborn.

Elliot stared up at him, awestruck. “You’re very strong, Alexander Davenport.”

Alexander’s smile widened. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

When their lips met, the rest of the world faded away. The kiss went on for days and hours and months, tongues twirling, hearts racing like mad. Elliot was the one to break the kiss, and when he did, his cheeks were scarlet.

“I have an erection,” he whispered. Looking around the store, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw they were still the only two there.

“I want to do things to that erection.”

Elliot trembled. “Alexander.” His voice was a whine. A long, high-pitched sound that sent a chill down Alexander’s spine. Once he placed Elliot’s feet on the floor, they both stared at the tent in his shorts.

“Fuck,” Alexander mumbled

“Alexander,” Elliot whined again, his erection twitching against his shorts. “It won’t go down. Why won’t it go down?”

“It could be your pregnancy hormones.”

Elliot growled and poked him in the chest. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t attribute my extremely valid bodily responses to pregnancy hormones. I don’t care for that.”

Alexander snickered, reaching down and cupping the tented erection. “Fine. It’s not your hormones. You’re just popping a boner in public for fun.” Was Alexander goading the man he loved? Yes, but how could he not when Elliot looked adorable when flustered?

“Well, unless you plan on deflating it, you can remove your hand. Honestly, Alexander, do you wish to get us arrested for public indecency? You’re practically masturbating me.”

God, he wanted that. He wanted to feel Elliot’s cock in his fist. To bring him pleasure. “There’s an employee restroom in the back.”

Elliot blinked confusedly at him. “While I’m appreciative of your unnecessary need to describe the store’s many amenities, I’m not sure what it has to do with anything.”

Alexander dragged his finger up the length of Elliot’s erection. “If you’d like, I can take care of this for you in the bathroom.”

Elliot’s eyes bulged. “In a public restroom? I don’t know if that’s appropriate. We could get in trouble.”

Alexander looked over his shoulder and smiled. Duck and Goose were finally back behind the counter, drawing pink hearts on the chalkboard on the wall behind them.

“They work here part-time. They won’t mind.” He looked over at Goose and waved. “Good morning!”

Goose’s face lit up when he saw his friend. “Alexander, good morning!”

“Listen, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind if I took Elliot into the back. I need to . . . talk with him.”

Goose nodded. “You can use the office. It’s empty.”

“Actually, I was hoping we could commandeer the bathroom for a few minutes.” Heat flooded his cheeks. “For reasons.”

Goose’s lip curled into a knowing smile. “By all means. Enjoy yourselves.”

Alexander pulled Elliot into the restroom, which, if Alexander was being honest, didn’t seem like the most sanitary rendezvous destination. It clearly hadn’t been cleaned in ages. Alexander looked up at Elliot, expecting to see him recoiling in disgust. Instead, his hands were fumbling awkwardly with the button on his shorts.

“Alexander,” he whined, sounding like a steaming kettle. “I can’t get them off.”

“Oh, I’ll get you off, baby,” he teased, but Elliot stared at him confusedly. “Never mind. It’s a euphemism.”

“I don’t know what that word means.”

Alexander freed the button, ripped down Elliot’s zipper, then affectionately caressed his bulge through the baby-pink briefs he’d selected for the day. “It means I’m going to suck your cock, sweetheart.”

Elliot swallowed. “Oh, my.”

Alexander pulled Elliot’s shorts and underwear down, staring hazily at the erection in front of him. “Jesus.” He wrapped a hand around it and slowly stroked the shaft. “You’re so hard for me.”

Elliot nodded, then looked at the door, nervous orange light flickering in his eyes. “I don’t want to do this.”

Alexander immediately released the hold he had on Elliot. “I’m sorry. I thought you wanted to. We don’t have to do anything sexual. Not if you aren’t ready.” To Alexander’s surprise, Elliot rolled his eyes.

“I’m not saying I don’t want to ejaculate, because I do.” He stared down at his throbbing shaft, watching as it twitched up and down. “Clearly, I want that quite a bit. I just don’t want to do it here. I know we’re supposed to be shopping, but could we go home? Please?” He chewed his bottom lip as he watched his cock jolt. “I want to be able to relax when we’re being intimate, and I’m a nervous wreck.”

Alexander cupped his cheek, thankful they were on Sugarplum Island so their home was less than a five-minute walk away. He gave Elliot a kiss. “Okay. Let’s go home.”

Seven minutes later, Elliot, Alexander, and their matching erections were in bed with their arms and legs tangled around each other to the point Alexander wasn’t sure whose legs were whose.

Alexander slid his finger between Elliot’s cheeks, softly petting his hole like the head of a dog. Elliot moaned obscenely, a sound Alexander had never heard. “Do you like that?”

Elliot rolled his hips, his eyes closed as he nodded in agreement. “You make me tingly all over. Like little bolts of lightning down there.” He stared down at his chest. “Should I remove my clothes?”

Alexander swallowed. He wanted that. He wanted to see his beautiful beau in a complete state of undress, but after the appearance of Honey through his tummy, Alexander didn’t want to take any risks. “As much as I’d love to see you, I’m worried your skin might turn see-through again. I don’t want to risk her seeing us like this.”

Elliot gaped at him. “You’re right. I didn’t even think of that. Should we refrain until she’s been born?”

Alexander shook his head. “As long as you keep your shirt on, we should be fine.” He leaned closer, pressing his face into Elliot’s groin, inhaling deeply. “God, Elliot. I could live off this scent.”

Elliot feathered his fingers through Alexander’s hair. “What do I smell like?”

“Like a man,” Alexander whispered. “Like my man.”

Alexander knew his way around a cock, and he planned to demonstrate his knowledge to Elliot. He curled his fingers around Elliot’s shaft and guided it to his lips, locking eyes with Elliot as he leaned closer and placed a kiss on the tip. Elliot whimpered, his entire body trembling, and a bead of pre-cum pearled at the tip. Alexander extended his tongue and licked it clean. The moment the droplet touched his tongue, Alexander moaned.

“You taste so sweet.”

He nodded, his bottom lip between his teeth, looking like he was ready to come out of his skin. “I’m made that way. My body doesn’t break down waste. As explained in Mother’s initial Manual for a Happy Home, my body keeps fluids and waste cooled to avoid it spoiling before it can be expelled.”

Alexander licked the tip of Elliot’s cock. “So I’m essentially snacking on last night’s juice?”

Elliot nodded, arching his hips instinctually. “More or less. My internal processors keep it cool so it doesn’t go bad, then my body warms it as it’s expelled. Alexander, please? More. More of what you were just doing.” Elliot slid his hand down until he was cradling his balls, rolling them with his fingers. “More everything.”

“All right. Lie back for me. Relax, sweetheart.”

Elliot nodded, lying back, resting his head on the pillow. Alexander opened his mouth, taking Elliot’s sizable cock to the back of his throat with ease, thankful he never had much of a gag reflex. Elliot was making sounds Alexander never heard anyone make before. Needy, broken little whimpers that had Alexander’s cock twitching.

Each dive down felt like Alexander was taking more and more of Elliot into himself. Swallowing his pooling pre-cum like he was swallowing Elliot’s very soul. His hands roamed and lingered in places he’d only dreamt of touching every time he remembered the boy on the ferry dock. The man with a heart the size of Dallas. Alexander’s good boy.

Pulling off Elliot’s cock, Alexander jacked him slowly, staring into Elliot’s eyes. “I want to fuck you.”

Elliot’s eyes widened. “You do?”

To prove it, Alexander lifted Elliot’s legs, spreading them so they didn’t push against his belly, and guided them closer to his chest. “Hold on to your thighs, baby.”

Elliot’s lip trembled like he was overcome with emotion, but he did as Alexander asked. With his legs against his chest, he whispered, “Please be gentle.”

Alexander nodded. “I swear it. We can go as slow as you need.” Caressing Elliot’s cheeks, he pulled them apart, revealing a small pink hole. The sight of it had Alexander’s cock leaking, and he reached down to free himself, dragging the head up and down Elliot’s crack, spreading his pre-cum around the entrance. When he pulled back, he leaned down and licked Elliot clean, purring at the flavor of his pre-cum mixed perfectly with Elliot’s flesh.

Elliot let out a guttural moan, louder than any Alexander had ever heard before, and pleaded for more. Who was Alexander to deny him? He licked Elliot again, this time focusing on the left cheek, covering every inch. His skin was soft like cashmere, and as he turned his attention inward, the light dusting of hair in Elliot’s crack felt incredible against Alexander’s face. He worked Elliot’s hole with precision, pushing in past the ring of muscle, moaning obscenely when Elliot clenched around him.

There was movement above, and when he looked up, Elliot was stroking himself, and Alexander realized that even if the sight of Elliot bringing himself pleasure was the only thing Alexander ever saw, he still would have seen the world. Because that’s what Elliot was. He was Alexander’s entire world. His universe. Every star in every sky from the beginning of time, right up to the end. Alexander wanted to see more. All of Elliot. The shirt was hiding his creamy skin, and even knowing Honey might wake, he couldn’t keep going without seeing more of Elliot.

“Will you take off your shirt?” Alexander requested.

Elliot blinked hazily at him. “But you said—”

“I know,” Alexander interrupted with a smile, his cock twitching at the thought of seeing Elliot’s bare chest. “We’ll cover your bump with a blanket.” He stood and walked toward the closet, wanting to grab a cover from the top shelf. The sound of Elliot’s needy whine stopped him when he was halfway across the room. Looking over his shoulder, he realized Elliot’s eyes were on his ass. Alexander arched an eyebrow. “See something you like?”

Elliot licked his lips, nodding. “I want to be inside you.” His eyes widened like he hadn’t meant to say the words aloud. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—”

Alexander shook his head. “Don’t apologize. I want that, too. Did you want to fuck me instead? I can do you after.”

“Not yet. I’ve never done it before. Jared never allowed it. I want to, though..”

Alexander’s heart fluttered. “I’ll teach you. I’ve only bottomed a handful of times, but I want to bottom for you.”

“Okay. Yeah, Alexander. We can do that.”

Returning to their bed, Alexander lifted Elliot’s shirt, happy to see creamy skin instead of a window into the womb. But Alexander didn’t want to take chances, so he spread an old throw blanket over Elliot’s stomach, then returned to his place between Elliot’s legs. He licked and lapped at Elliot’s hole like he’d never have the chance again, not stopping until Elliot was a moaning, whining mess.

Reluctantly, Alexander removed his tongue, replacing it with his finger. He slid in with ease, Elliot’s tight heat feeling like a heater turned on full blast. Elliot’s inner walls clamped around him, tighter than any hole he’d ever penetrated.

“You feel so good, sweetheart,” Alexander whispered, kissing his way up Elliot’s chest. He fucked his finger in and out of Elliot, not stopping as he journeyed up the man’s body. It felt like his lips touched every square inch of Elliot’s body, but it wasn’t enough. He needed to be inside Elliot. To claim him in a way no one would ever claim him again. To fuck the hurt out of him until Alexander’s cum marinated him from the inside out, bathing him in Alexander’s truth. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he whimpered, rocking back on Alexander’s finger, practically begging for it.

“I’m going to slide another in. Are you ready?”

The second finger slid in with ease, thanks to a heavy gush of Elliot’s natural slick. It trickled down, coating his entire palm. Alexander wanted to taste more of his Elliot. He leaned closer, licking a half-ring around the place where his fingers and Elliot’s body were connected. Elliot clenched in response, sending a rush of adrenaline down his body, to pool in his cock. He rose to his knees, his eyes never leaving Elliot’s.

“Please don’t hurt me,” Elliot whispered, and the sound of fear in his voice stopped Alexander’s tracks. Elliot’s eyes were closed, probably scared to show his colors to Alexander. He had good reason to be worried; if Alexander saw the slightest hint of sad blues or frightened reds, he’d call off the whole thing. He wouldn’t hurt Elliot again.

“Open your eyes for me, baby,” Alexander coaxed. “Please? Let me see your colors.”

Elliot shook his head. “I can’t.”

Alexander touched his cheek. “You can. I promise. You don’t have anything to be scared of. It’s just you and me.”

Hesitantly, Elliot’s eyes flickered open, and there was a new color swirling in the corners. Alexander thought he knew all Elliot’s colors. They flashed pink-pink-pink when Elliot’s heart was so happy it couldn’t contain his excitement. Red was anger, and orange, nervousness. When Elliot was being a cheeky scamp, they would turn yellow. He hadn’t seen much blue since reconnecting with him, because Elliot hadn’t had a reason to be sad. This new color, though—this bright, iridescent silver light shifted hue each time Alexander tilted his head—Alexander had no idea what it meant.

“What does silver mean?” Alexander asked, stroking Elliot’s face.

“I don’t know. I’ve never felt this way before.” He placed a hand over his heart for emphasis. “Big feelings. Bigger than anything I’ve ever felt.” He sniffled, his eyes wet with emotion. “I want you. I want all of you.” He reached for Alexander’s hand and guided it to his shaft. “Make me feel good when you enter. I think it might help.”

Alexander nodded, slowly stroking the man he loved. “Of course.” With one hand wrapped around his shaft, Alexander fisted the other around his cock. “Are you ready? We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready. I promise, baby. I won’t be mad.” When Elliot nodded, mumbling a plea for him to continue, Alexander aimed his cock at his entrance, teasing the hole with his cockhead. “Open up for me, baby.”

As if the words were a kiss of life, Elliot’s resistance fell, and Alexander sank into him. He moved slowly, trying not to hurt Elliot. Their eyes were locked, and thankfully, Elliot didn’t seem to be in pain. He looked confused, but Alexander didn’t know what he could be confused about.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s . . . I think it feels good.” He blinked a few times, like he was trying to test the statement’s validity. Elliot’s back arched and he slid further down Alexander’s shaft, not stopping until they were connected completely. Elliot craned his neck, trying to look past his belly to where Alexander was embedded inside him, but he wasn’t bendy enough. He had a half-smile on his face like he was worried smiling any wider might tempt fate. “Can you move a little? I want to see if it still feels good.”

Alexander leaned down, careful not to place his weight against Elliot’s bump, and kissed him sweetly on the lips. Slowly, he pulled out until only the head was inside, then sank back into Elliot’s tight warmth. He repeated the action, feeling proud when he saw the new silver light in Elliot’s eyes shift into the brightest pink he’d ever seen.

“I love this,” Elliot admitted, tears spilling down his cheek. He covered his mouth with both hands, unable to look away from Alexander. “I didn’t know it could feel good. Alexander, I—I didn’t think I’d ever . . .” He wiped his tears away with his palm. “Thank you.”

The look he was giving Alexander made his heart skip a beat. He was acting as if he was just handed the most precious thing in the world. Perhaps he had. Perhaps, by making love to Elliot, Alexander was providing a glimpse into their future. A life without pain. A world without fear. Alexander wanted the expression to remain etched onto Elliot’s face, timeless and solidified, unfaltering.

“I love you,” he breathed, sliding out, then fucking his way back in. “I love you so much, Elliot.”

Elliot pressed a hand over Alexander’s heart. “I love you, too.”

Alexander picked up the pace, watching Elliot’s eyes for any sign of nervous orange lights. Every thrust felt like a declaration, and the sense of completeness only made Alexander thrust harder—deeper—into Elliot.

“You like that, baby? Does that feel good?”

Elliot knocked Alexander’s hand away from his shaft and took charge, stroking himself. Pre-cum flew from the tip, spattering Alexander’s chest in inconsistent patterns. He nodded emphatically, meeting each of Alexander’s thrusts in with a thrust of his own.

“So much. More, Alexander. More?”

“I’ll give you as much as you need. Just keep riding that dick, baby. You’re doing so good for me.” He leaned over Elliot’s belly and latched onto his mouth, sucking fiercely. He wanted Elliot to clamp down with his teeth. To draw blood. Maybe even to scar him so he could never forget this moment. He touched Elliot’s nipple, and the moment they connected, Elliot let out the loudest cry he’d ever heard. “You’re so responsive for me, sweetheart. Fuck. I’m so proud of you. You’re doing such a wonderful job.” His tongue slipped into Elliot’s mouth, tangling as he increased the speed of his thrusts. He was getting close, and he knew it wouldn’t be long, so he pulled their mouths apart and touched their foreheads together. “I want to come inside you, Elliot. Are you ready? You want me to make you mine?”

“God . . . Yes . . . Please.” He was a whining, writhing mess of a man, and Alexander loved every second of it.

“Here it comes. Fuck. Elliot. Baby, I’m—I’m . . .” Alexander reared back his head and howled out his pleasure like a wolf baying at the moon. His cries were raw and animalistic, a stark contrast to the reserved businessman he usually presented as. With Elliot, he didn’t have to be Alexander Davenport, heir to an empire. He could be wild and wicked. He could take his pleasure when he saw fit.

Alexander pulled Elliot’s hand away from his cock and shook his head. “You’re not going to come that way.”

Elliot stared at him like he’d just stolen the only happiness Elliot had ever known. Alexander didn’t care. He had a gift for his precious boy. Trailing a finger through Elliot’s slick, he coated it around Elliot’s cock. In one fluid motion, Alexander pulled out of Elliot’s hole and straddled his lap, careful not to place pressure on the baby. Reaching beneath himself, he held Elliot’s cock, aiming it at his entrance.

Elliot’s eyes bulged. “What are you doing?”

“I want you to claim me. I want this to be our beginning.” He leaned down, slamming their mouths together. Their tongues twisted and tangled around in their mouths until Alexander could no longer tell which was his and which was Elliot’s. He kept his eyes open, locked right on Elliot. Pulling away, he panted in Elliot’s face, feeling dazed.

“Alexander?”

Alexander was feeling so many emotions. It was like his body was a powder keg, waiting to blow. He wanted this with Elliot. Forever. A happy ever after.

“Marry me?” Alexander whispered. “Please, Elliot? I want this with you more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

As Elliot’s eyes flooded with unshed tears, Alexander prepared for the oncoming pain. He hadn’t bottomed in ages, and he wasn’t prepped, so it was going to burn. Alexander knew it would feel as if he was being split open, but that was what he wanted. He wanted Elliot to crack him down the middle until every trace of his love was fully visible. To aim that love at Elliot, so he never felt alone again.

He lowered himself until Elliot’s cockhead pressed against his entrance. “Well?” Alexander was breathless, already feeling uncomfortable pressure as he sunk down at a snail’s pace. “Will you?”

Elliot’s eyes were blasting every color of the rainbow, so Alexander couldn’t gauge his emotions. He thought Elliot would say yes, but without the lights to guide him, Alexander felt naked. Granted, he was naked, but it was a newfound nakedness. Stripped free of pretense and subtlety, Alexander was laid bare before the man he loved. He’d put himself out there in a way he swore he never would. Your heart can’t break if it never leaves your chest.

The longer their silence permeated the room, the more vulnerable and exposed Alexander felt. He placed his heart out there for Elliot to do with as he pleased, but Elliot was doing nothing. He was saying nothing, and it terrified him.

Elliot placed his hands on Alexander’s hips, arched his back, and breached the rim. “Yes,” he breathed, sliding in with ease. The burn was deep and undeniable, but Alexander loved it. More than that, he was living for it. It was the simple sense of pain that reminded Alexander he was alive. “Yes, Alexander. Of course, I’ll marry you.”

Tears fell down Alexander’s cheeks. “I love you.”

Elliot kissed the tip of his finger and offered it to Alexander. Alexander puckered his lips to Elliot’s fingertip and smiled. “I love you, too.”

Alexander rolled his hips, trying to keep his weight off Elliot as he fucked himself on the smaller man’s cock. It didn’t take long before Elliot was moaning like a wanton tramp. Good. Alexander liked him that way. He wanted to see Elliot dirty himself up a bit more.

“I’m close,” Elliot whispered before pulling his bottom lip between his teeth.

Alexander rode him faster, desperate to bring Elliot to release. “That’s it. Come for me, baby.”

Elliot’s eyes rolled back in his head, more blasting pink light pouring out, sparkling against the waterglass on their bedside table and sending pink fractals dancing against the walls. With a final roar, Elliot exploded, shooting jet after jet of steaming cum into him, painting his insides until every inch was drenched.

As they laid there, side by side, their fingers laced, Elliot tilted his head to meet Alexander’s gaze. “Did you mean it? About marrying you?”

Alexander brought Elliot’s hand to his mouth and kissed his palm. “I want that. I want to build a life with you.”

Elliot sniffled, nodding slowly. “I want that, too.”

Alexander opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a word out, his phone rang. He reached for it, surprised to see his mother calling. He motioned for Elliot to give him a moment, then answered the phone, pulling Elliot closer.

“Lexy.” She sounded worried. He hadn’t heard her sound nervous in years; not since she moved to Sugarplum Island. “We’ve got a problem.”

“What’s wrong?”

His mother sighed. “They found a body.”