Page 98 of Sterling Clay

Stone is good.

“What about Dutton?” Clay asks, turning his head from me to Stone and back.

None of us want him living a lie, or feeling he needs to tell one.

“What’s most important for him is he is home. Safe and loved. And he won’t ever see this Darren again.” There isn’t a question in Stone’s voice. His furrowed brow hammers home the thought.

I shake my head. I don’t intend to return to Florida, and if my parents want to see Dutton, they can come to Sterling Falls.

“Don’t forget to tell her about Wesley,” Stone states and I glance at Clay.

“What about him?”

With a slow smile, he states, “They found him. He’s been arrested in Minnesota.”

What a relief, but also one more thing I can’t process yet. For now, I’m simply free, knowing justice will be served by Wesley and Darren will pay his dues to the club.

Stone stands, and Clay shifts to his feet as well. They clasp hands and pull each other into a hug.

“Thank you,” Clay states. “For everything.”

Stone simply shakes his head, cupping the back of his brother’s neck. “This is what we do for each other.”

Clay nods and I stand, too. Holding open my arms, Stone pulls me into a bear hug of an embrace.

“Thank you for looking after him,” I mutter to his chest.

Stone surprises me by kissing the top of my head. “Now you look after him.”

Our voices are not quiet, so I’m certain Clay hears all. His hand comes to my lower back as I step out of Stone’s embrace.

“I plan to.”

+ + +

The remainder of the day, we are simply lazy, sticking close to one another. Clay keeps the fireplace lit, and we watch kid movies and horse videos. We eat Vale’s casserole, and Dutton and I nap on the couch pressed into Clay. When bedtime arrives, Dutton had already taken a real bath in the middle of the day, and eagerly climbs into his bed, happy to be back in familiar sheets with his beloved Violet bear.

“Sleep tight,” Clay says smoothing the covers over Dutton, which are pulled up to his neck. “Violet bear is here to keep you safe. Just like your mama and me.”

“Mama bear and papa bear,” Dutton says, keeping his gaze on Clay.

“Papa bear.” Clay swallows hard, before lowering toward Dutton, and pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You need anything, we are right down the hall.”

If I asked, Clay won’t mind sleeping with Dutton between us. He wants both of us as close as I want both of them. But I need some alone time with Clay as much as I think he wants that time with me.

“Love you, little bear.” I say, taking a turn to kiss him again.

“I love you, too, Mama.”

Tears burn my eyes again.

“Love you, buddy,” Clay adds as I swipe at my cheeks as they spill over.

“Love you, buddy.” Dutton rolls his lips inward while a grin curls his mouth, fighting back a little hint of sass.

He’s such a good boy, and with Clay and I here for him, he’s going to have a great life.

Chapter 35