“You know I’ll never forget how you saved me when I was beaten by a group of bullies in the street. Could have died. But you came and took me to the shelter and stayed by my side until I got well again. No one has ever done anything like that for me. I owe everything to you, Kyle.”
“I always told you that you’re my little brother, a gift from the universe. I should have kept in touch. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m fine now and owe it to you.” Sam hugged Kyle then wiped his tears away.
“We won’t lose touch again. If things work out in California, I’ll send for you, and you can stay with me.”
Across the room, Daddy Benson caught Kyle’s eye and winked, holding up a pair of fuzzy socks like they were gold bars. His Santa beard was crooked, and his hat had somehow shifted sideways, but the kids were glowing. Kyle felt something warm stir under his ribs.
Daddy Benson hadn’t just brought gifts. He’d brought a presence.
Kyle leaned closer to Sam. “How long are you staying here?”
“Until I turn eighteen,” Sam said. “Then I’m thinking about community college. Maybe social work.”
Kyle smiled. “I could see that. You always looked out for the younger ones.”
They sat a while longer, talking about old nights spent under too-thin blankets, trading snacks and sharing stories. Daddy Benson joined them eventually, plopping down beside them with a dramatic sigh.
“You two catching up or conspiring?” Daddy Benson asked.
“Both,” Kyle smirked.
“Good.” Daddy Benson reached over and played with Kyle’s hat.
When it was time to leave, they changed back into their clothes, and Kyle hugged Sam for a long time before he was ready to leave.
Once they were back in the truck, Daddy Benson leaned over and kissed Kyle.
“You gave Sam back his smile. That’s worth more than any other gift.”
Daddy Benson’s gaze landed on Kyle, who was quietly wiping a tear away, his shoulders slightly slumped. This wasn’t just nostalgia. It was healing. A reminder of where he’d been and how far he’d come.
Chapter Ten
Benson
Oklahoma
The restaurant was warm, tucked into a quiet corner of town, with soft jazz humming through the speakers and a fireplace casting flickering light across the polished wood floors. Benson sat across from Kyle, the glow from the hearth painting gold into the boy’s hair as he leaned forward. Outside, the coldpressed against the windows, but inside, everything felt still, like the world had paused just long enough for them to talk.
Benson had chosen the place for its cozy home charm, hoping it would make Kyle feel comfortable. He hadn’t expected how much he’d want to talk about himself. Kyle seemed to have so many hidden depths within him, and Benson sought to uncover the complete story of Kyle.
The server had taken their order. This time, he’d let Kyle order what he wanted. He told him not to worry about the cost; he would handle it. They both ordered the same fish dinner, which amused Benson. After they discussed the weather, the server brought their fresh bread.
“Why won’t you let me pay for my half?” Kyle asked.
“I’m the daddy, so you don’t question me on money matters. Part of my job is taking care of you. Let me be the daddy I want to be to you. Okay?”
“Yes, Daddy Benson,” Kyle whispered.
“Tell me how you met Sam?” Benson asked.
“I met him on the subway after some guys jumped him. He was badly beaten.”
“Then what happened?” he asked.
Kyle shrugged, chewing his bread slowly before answering. “After I took him to a shelter. It was rough there, but they got him the medical treatment he needed. I looked out for Sam, like he was my younger brother.”
