“That’s what any parent wants for their kids,” Ben said softly. “And remember, Rob and I are always here to help you.” Ben leaned over and embraced his son.
“Thanks, Dad. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
Chapter 26
Kyle
There was a bounce in his step as Kyle left Hawthorne Bluff Bank and Trust and practically skipped down the street toward Cuppa Joe’s to meet Jon and Wyatt. The interview with Win Tomlinson had gone extremely well. Win had extended an offer to Kyle for a position in the financial services division, understanding that it would be a few months before Kyle would actually be able to start.
“While we’re ready to expand now,” Win had told him, “I’m more interested in hiring an extremely well-qualified person for the position even if it means waiting a bit longer. I think you’ll be a great asset to this department.”
When Kyle reached the coffee shop, he was surprised to see that Neil and Matthew had already arrived. He joined the group after ordering a cappuccino and a celebratory pastry.
“Hi, guys,” Kyle greeted them happily.
“By the look on your face, I’m guessing the interview went well,” Jon said, kissing Kyle on the cheek when he sat down.
“It did. In fact, you’re looking at the new financial services manager,” Kyle said. “If I accept the position, that is. Which I fully intend to do.” They congratulated Kyle, raising their coffee cups in a toast. Even Wyatt lifted his small cup of milk, mimicking them all.
“They know you can’t start immediately, right?” Jon asked.
“Yeah. Win said he’d rather wait and hire the most qualified person for the job. I guess he likes me.”
“Of course, he does,” Neil said. “He knew he had the best candidate sitting in front of him.”
“I stopped by Finn’s office after the interview and told him the good news,” Kyle told them. “He’s really glad that it worked out.”
When they were done, Jon suggested a walk through town so they could show Neil and Matthew around. As they passed the Bees Knees, Matthew stopped.
“Um, you guys didn’t plan this, right?” he asked.
“Plan what?” Kyle was confused.
Matthew pointed to an empty storefront between the Bees Knees and the Leaf and Petal. “This.”
“Do you remember what was here the last time we visited?” Kyle asked his husband.
“Hmmm.” Jon thought a moment. “I don’t. Whatever it was, it couldn’t have made much of an impression.” He turned to Matthew. “Sorry, I don’t remember ever seeing an empty store on Main Street.”
“Oh my God!” Kyle practically shouted. “Are you really thinking of expanding?”
“It’s not like you haven’t suggested that on more than one occasion, smarta—, um, my friend.” Matthew smirked, barely catching himself. They’d all been careful of their language now that Wyatt was talking more, as he had an uncanny habit of repeating what he heard at the worst possible moments.
“Well, the sign says the lease is being handled by Connolly Realty. You can ask Sarah about it tomorrow when we meet her to look at the house.”
It was a beautiful,typical fall day—sunny but crisp—as they exited the SUV on a small residential street on the north side of Hawthorne Bluff. With Wyatt’s car seat installed, it wasn’t easy to fit four adult men in the SUV. But since the ride from the B and B to this neighborhood was only a few minutes, they risked it, and Matthew sat on Neil’s lap next to Wyatt.
Sarah Connolly was waiting outside of a large sage-green and butter-yellow Craftsman-style home when they arrived. Once introductions had been made, Sarah said, “I really think you’re going to love this house, guys. It recently came on the market when the owners decided to downsize after their last child got married and moved out. They realized that it was just too much house for them at this point. C’mon.” She dangled keys. “Let me show you around.”
After touring the home for almost an hour, Sarah excused herself so the guys could talk in private, telling them to meet her at her car when they were ready.
“I think this is the one!” Kyle said excitedly.
“Yeah, it definitely feels right,” Jon agreed.
“It’s a great house for sure,” Matthew added.
