and then began to read.
“‘Collin, you were fifteen when I promised you that if you did what was asked of you and followed the rules, you, too, could have your own Mercedes. You’ve earned this. Your mother and I could not be prouder. We love you very much! Congratulations, son! Dad. PS Try not to get it stolen!’”
“Thank you!” Collin exclaimed, his excitement spilling past his eyes. He moved into his father’s arms, the two men embracing warmly.
Matthew grinned. “I’m proud of you, son,” he said as he slapped Collin across the back. “Now, go check out your car,” he said. “Maybe take your little brother for a ride!”
Collin swiped a hand over his eyes as he leaned to kiss his mother’s cheek. “I love you,” he said and then took the porch steps two at a time, eager to explore his new vehicle.
* * *
Collin listened with half an ear as Jake rambled on about Star Wars, the newest Avengers movie and some little girl named Melissa, who kept giving him cookies at lunchtime. The two had been riding around for hours, finally stopping at In-N-Out Burger when Jake complained about being hungry. He was finishing off the last of his double-double burger and fries as he filled his brother in on everything that was important to him in his small world.
Collin had forgotten what it was like to be his brother’s age—not having a care in the world and still feeling like the weight of everything rested on your shoulders. He had been a sixteen-year-old with his own problems when Jake had been born. His saving grace had been their father.
Collin had been fifteen years old when he first met Matthew Stallion in family court. He’d been facing criminal charges for stealing Matthew’s car. He hadn’t been thinking when he’d swiped the luxury Mercedes for a joyride. After crashing it on the interstate he’d been given probation and an opportunity to change his circumstances around. Matthew had become his mentor, and then his mother’s husband. For the first time in his life, Collin had a father who was there to greet him each morning and wish him good-night every evening. Matthew had stepped up to be his parent, taking the place of his biological father, who had died in military service when Collin had been a baby. On his eighteenth birthday, Matthew had asked to legally adopt him, wanting to give Collin his name. That moment had been the happiest in his young life and the framed photo of them back in family court was one he cherished.
Collin had fond memories of their father listening intently as he whined about problems that weren’t problems, and he wanted his baby brother to know the same joy. Even though he knew there were times his dad had only been listening with half an ear, his thoughts also on business and issues that didn’t concern his sons, Matthew had never let him see that he wasn’t the most important thing in that moment.
Jake beamed up at him. “I hope Dad buys me a car when I graduate from law school.”
“Just do what you’re told, follow the rules, and I’m sure you’ll get one, too, someday.”
“I want a BMW, though. Or maybe a Tesla.”
Collin laughed, “You have expensive taste.”
“Says the guy who just got a free Mercedes!” Jake grinned, his wide smile like a beacon in the center of his small face. He took a sip of his soda, sucking the beverage loudly through his straw.
“We need to get back,” Collin said as he reached for a paper napkin to wipe his hands. “Mom’s going to be mad that we ate when she was planning to cook dinner.”
“I’ll be hungry again by the time we get back. It won’t go to waste.”
Collin laughed. Jake continued to talk, barely stopping to catch his breath. He had missed Collin and it showed in the young boy’s exuberance. Collin let his brother ramble, feigning interest in stories about superheroes and girls who smelled like bubble gum. An hour later, when he pulled his new car back into the driveway of their home, Jake was past ready to go back to his video games and give his big brother some very welcome space.
* * *
“That boy is out like a light,” Matthew said as he returned to the dining room table. “What did you do to him?” he asked, his eyes locking on Collin.
Collin shrugged. “I didn’t do anything.”
“He didn’t sleep last night. He was so excited, and he was up at the crack of dawn. He needs to rest. And you, Mr. Stallion, need to get your foot trunk out of my SUV and take it to your room so you can unpack,” Katrina admonished.
“Yes, ma’am.”
She leaned to kiss the top of her son’s head. “So, we redid the guest suite. Your father and I thought you might like a little more privacy until you figure out your plans. You’ll have your own entrance with your own key. The fridge and pantry are fully stocked, so if you want to make your own meals you can, but you are always welcome to eat with us.”
“I still grill on Fridays and Saturdays,” Matthew said, “so you’re guaranteed a good meal at least two days out of the week.” He winked at Collin.
“I know you are not talking badly about my cooking,” Katrina said as she moved to her husband’s side. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and leaned to kiss his lips.
“Not at all. I was just reminding our son that we eat steaks on Friday.”
“And Saturday,” Collin said with a wide grin across his face. He held up two fingers. “Two! Two days of good food!”
“You two think you’re funny!” Katrina said, giggling softly. “I’m done with the both of you.”
“Family breakfast is the same time tomorrow?” Collin asked.
His mother nodded. “Food will be on the table at nine o’clock sharp. And we’re all going to church at eleven. We have much to be thankful for and I’m thinking you could use a little prayer to kick off your week.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“We also need to talk about you getting a haircut,” Katrina said. She pulled her fingers through the length of his dreadlocks. “Something a little more befitting of the courtroom.” Her eyes were wide as she looked from her son to her husband, and back.
“I’m not cutting my hair, Mom,” Collin said, his tone firm.
Katrina crossed her arms over her chest. “Matthew, please talk to your son!”
“So, now he’s my son because he doesn’t want to cut his hair?”
“Support me here, please!”
Matthew shook his head. “Darling, I love you. But we are not going to win this argument. You’ve been trying since he graduated high school and decided to lock his hair. It’s time to let it go,” he chuckled softly.
“Uncle Mark is one of the state’s top attorneys and no one ever says anything about his dreadlocks.”
“Oh, they say things,” Katrina muttered under her breath. She tossed her husband a look.
Matthew laughed heartily, “That’s okay, baby. I know the ladies love my brother’s rugged good looks and I’ve heard most of your friends say how they would love to run their hands through that full head of hair he has.”
Katrina tossed the man another dry look. “You really are no help, Matthew Stallion.”
Collin grinned. “I’ll tell you what, Mom. I’ll give it some consideration, but I can’t promise you anything. The girls like to slide their fingers through my hair, too!”
Matthew and Collin both laughed heartily as Katrina threw her hands up in frustration. The two men watched as she made her exit, stopping to give them both one last kiss before retiring for the night.
Matthew stood and moved to the sideboard. He filled two glasses with scotch and passed one to Collin as he sat down with the other.
“You’ve