Saving 6 (Boys of Tommen, #3)

by Chloe Walsh

“Because you’re Joseph,” he urged in a raspy voice, covering our joined hands with his other one. “You’re my Joseph.” “Are you feeling alright, Granda?” Frowning, I reached over and touched his clammy forehead. “You’re rambling.” “Loyal, kind, forgiving, fearless, nurturer, protector.” He smiled up at me. “Joseph acted… He took on a role.… He was the father of the lost.” I frowned, confused. “Granda, it’s me. Joey.” “I named you Joseph,” he whispered, swallowing hard now. “Did you know that?” “No.” I shook my head. “I didn’t know. How’d that come around?” “Your father wanted to name you Theodor after him,” he replied. “He said you were going to be just like him…” He paused to cough wheezily. “But you were no Teddy. You were Joseph.” He coughed again. “So I bribed him with a tenner for the pub and called you what I wanted you to be called.” He smiled up at me. “My Joseph. My brave, brave boy. Terrible burdens. A cursed cross to carry. But always rising from the ashes. Always getting back up. Always the…protector.”