Luke took a step back in surprise. “No,” he murmured. “I did not know that.”
Morgan shook his head. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I haven’t been myself for nearly a year. I’m consumed with thoughts of our childhood, of Prometheus, of Winters... And I let that get in the way of my marriage, of my children. Christ, I still haven’t even looked at Felicity. I don’t know how to move forward, and now the one person who could have helped me is gone.”
Luke stepped toward him and squeezed his shoulder. “You still have me. You still have Adrian. We will always be here for you. If our childhood taught you anything, you should know that.”
“You’re right.” With a hollow laugh, Morgan finally turned to face him. “I do know that. I just needed some time to deal with this on my own.”
“I understand,” Luke said. “I’m just sorry that I wasn’t here when you needed me.”
Morgan sighed. “I’m better today. I truly am. I worked all the rage and grief out with my painting.” He gestured ruefully to the destruction around them. He’d painted when they were young, but Winters and Roger had mocked him for it until he’d stopped.
Luke nodded. “I’m glad you have a release.”
Morgan suddenly frowned. “You know what would make me feel better?”
“What?” Luke asked suspiciously.
“You could tell me what’s going on with you. Why you look even worse than I do.”
Luke shook his head, stunned that his little brother had read him so easily. “Absolutely not. I’m not putting any more on you.”
Morgan strode over to two tipped over chairs and righted them. Taking one of them, he gestured to the other.
With a sigh, Luke sat down. It took him nearly an hour to explain what had happened with Serenity and Gabriel, but with each passing moment, Morgan seemed more himself, so he supposed it was worth it to bare his own private torment. When he was done, Morgan leaned back in his chair and shook his head.
“He’s your son, Luke. You can’t just give him up as though he’s a prize that Adrian won and you don’t want to hurt his feelings. Vanessa and Adrian love that boy, and it will hurt them to give him up. But he’s only been with them for a month. They love him enough to let him go, and they will be happy to be his aunt and uncle.”
Luke swallowed. “But what about Gabriel? Won’t he hate me for taking him away from the only home he’s ever known?”
“Don’t you think he wonders about his real family? Don’t you think he deserves to know the truth? He’ll want to know you. Trust me.” His voice gentled. “Don’t you think he wants to know Serenity?”
“Christ,” Luke muttered. “You’re right. That’s why she left. Because I didn’t even give her the option to know her own child. Because I said we couldn’t take him away from Adrian and Vanessa. I was so worried about hurting my brother that I hurt the woman I love instead.”
Morgan sighed. “You need to talk to Adrian. You need to tell him the truth. I think you’ll be happily surprised by his reaction. Vanessa, too.” He stood and gave his brother a half smile. “Let’s go have dinner with the children.”
Chapter Twenty-one
