Page 46 of Unfinished Noise

Nathan nodded firmly. “Agreed. We’ll set boundaries. But we’ll do it gently.”

Spencer exhaled. “Yeah. Gently.”

He glanced at the clock. They had a show tonight at nine. A big one. Sold out. But none of that mattered right now. The only thing that mattered was seeing Jamie walk through those doors safe, whole, and not thinking Spencer was angry with him.

Nathan nudged him. “After we pick them up, let’s take them to dinner. Something calm. No pressure.”

Spencer nodded. “Yeah. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere we can see what they were thinking.”

They both resumed pacing, trading turns like it was a routine they’d practiced. Every time the doors opened, Spencer’s heart jumped.

He wanted to see Jamie, hug him, and make everything right again. And he hoped the boy felt the same.

Spencer saw them before anyone else did. The passengers from the two o’clock flight trickled out in small clusters, dragging carry‑ons and yawning, but Spencer’s eyes locked instantly on the two figures stepping through the gate—Jamie and Alfie.

Jamie looked exactly like the photo Spencer kept on his phone: light brown hair falling softly over his forehead, blue eyes scanning the crowd with that hopeful, nervous brightness Spencer knew by heart. He wore a pale blue button‑up, sleeves rolled to his elbows, and he looked so damn beautiful that Spencer’s chest tightened.

Alfie spotted Nathan first and broke into a run, practically launching himself into Nathan’s arms. Nathan caught him, hugging him tight, murmuring something Spencer couldn’t hear.

But Jamie—Jamie’s eyes found Spencer. And the second they did, Jamie ran. Spencer didn’t think, didn’t breathe, just opened his arms. Jamie collided with him, wrapping himself around Spencer as if he’d been holding his breath for days. Spencer lifted him slightly off the ground, burying his face in Jamie’s hair, inhaling that familiar clean‑soap scent that always made him feel steady.

“Baby,” Spencer whispered, voice cracking. “God, I missed you.”

Jamie clung tighter, fingers curling into the back of Spencer’s shirt. “I’m sorry,” he said against Spencer’s shoulder. “I missed you even more. So don’t be mad at me.”

Spencer pulled back enough to see his face. Jamie’s eyes were wet, lashes clumped, cheeks flushed from running. Spencer cupped his jaw gently.

“I’m not mad,” Spencer said. “I was worried. That’s all.”

Jamie nodded. “I love you.”

Spencer brushed his thumb across Jamie’s cheek. “I love you too. More than anything.”

Jamie leaned into the touch like he’d been starving for it.

Behind them, Nathan hugged Alfie again, telling him he wasn’t angry, that he wanted him safe. Alfie nodded into Nathan’s chest, relief written all over him.

Spencer kept Jamie close, one arm around his waist, thumb rubbing slow circles against his hip. “We’re taking you both to dinner,” he said softly. “Somewhere we can clear up any misunderstandings.”

Jamie exhaled, shoulders finally relaxing. “Okay.”

Spencer kissed his forehead. “And after that, we’ve got a show at nine. You’ll be backstage with us. No more disappearing, okay?”

Jamie nodded again, eyes shining. “Okay, Daddy Spencer.”

Spencer smiled—soft, warm, full of everything he’d been holding in since Jamie left. “Let’s go, baby.”

With Alfie tucked under Nathan’s arm and Jamie pressed close to Spencer’s side, they walked out of the airport together—finally whole again.

Chapter Eighteen

Spencer

The restaurant was dim and warm, all soft lighting and quiet clinking silverware—exactly what Spencer wanted after the chaos of the last twenty‑four hours. The hostess led them to a private booth tucked into the corner. Nathan and Alfie were seated a few tables away, close enough to see but far enough not to hear.

Spencer slid into the booth first, letting Jamie sit beside him instead of across from him. Jamie didn’t hesitate; he pressed close, thigh against Spencer’s, like he needed the contact to stay grounded.

Spencer rested his hand on Jamie’s knee. “Are you okay?”