Page 35 of Memphis Ending's

“No,” I say quickly.

“Nope, he’s my grandbaby, so technically, he’s your nephew, seeing how you’re my son now. Got me one of both finally, a boy and a girl.” I can see the pride beaming in Earl’s eyes. I gave him a son. It was something I always wanted to do and now I have.

“I need to tell you why I gave you up,” I speak up, needing to get this over with so we can proceed with whatever relationship he wants with me.

“Okay. I know a lot, but I want to hear what you have to tell me.”

Over the next hour, I spill my story from start to finish. Every horrible detail of the abuse I endured and what I hoped to protect him from. By the end, I’m emotionally drained.

“Thank you.” Two words is all Harley says, before he hugs me. “I had two parents who loved me and gave me the world. When I lost them, I knew I needed to find you. I heard tales of what my father was like, but I needed you to confirm them for me.”

“How long are you going to be here?” I ask, curious how much time I have to get to know him.

“My truck’s packed, and I was hoping to make a home here. If you want me?”

“I do.”

The door chimes again as Ashlynn steps in, followed closely by her four men.

Earl's head turns and his face lights up.

“What the hell are y’all doing here? You’re supposed to be makin’ me another grandbaby,” Earl barks, not missing a beat in his soothing of Jacey.

“Dad, how do you expect us to stay away after the news you dropped last night that you and Melissa are finally together and she has a son?”

“Hey, I’m in there too. Don’t forget about me,” Jax interjects playfully, sending everyone into laughter. Harley raises his eyebrow at first, then quickly joins in.

“Harley, this is my daughter Ashlynn and her husbands, Colin, Mack, Kaleb and Ryker. Ashlynn, this is your new brother, Harley.”

I wait for him to flinch at the words husbands, but he never does. The guys pull over a table and we sit, getting to know each other. The boys talk and joke with him as if they had known each other since they were kids.

A family. I finally have one and it’s large and loud and diverse. I couldn’t dream of a better life. When I was young, I thought this was a dream, a fairytale, a figment of my imagination. But dreams do come true.

I’m living mine and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

THE END….