Daniel > Recent Status Updates

Re-read as an audiobook 😊

“Thank you for wanting me, Matty.”

Like I could ever want anyone else.

I kiss him back softly, a gesture we share only in the dark when we’re alone. It’s our secret, a rebellion against a world that believes two best friends kissing for comfort is wrong. But how could it be wrong when it feels so right?

“I’ll always want you, Ducky,” I murmur against his lips. “Always.”

“I don’t know about that,” I say, hedging.

“Bear!” the nine year old wannabe ecoterrorist shouts at me. “You just swore. To God. You can’t tell a little kid that you swear to God over something and then not do it. You may effectively ruin my childhood. Think of the therapy bills. I’ll probably never be able to have a normal relationship when I’m an adult. I’ll live with you forever and become a cat lady.”

Ty looks at Otter sadly. “I hope you know,” he tells him, “that just because Bear can’t say it doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel it. He’s always been like that and whatever he needs to work out, I hope that you can let him.”

I want to rush over to the Kid and scoop him in my arms. I want to bury this nine year old in everything I can give because he keeps finding ways to show he knows me better than I know myself.

So ... window sex is HOT! Who knew?!?

"Don’t people deserve second chances?”

“You tell me, Mr. Canoodles-with-Cory-Ingram-in-a-library.”

“We’re not canoodling.”

“You’re doing the dreamy smile now!”

“Stop,” I say, but we’re both laughing again before I sigh. “Okay, maybe I was a little too harsh on Cory. I…”

God, exactly how much do I confess? No way I’m going to tell her about our window sessions.

If this story doesn’t end with me killing Will Palmerston, I will flip my shit. Actually, if this story doesn’t end with Mercer taking his fucking power back and knocking his father down to the gutters where he belongs before I kill him, I will flip my shit even more.

My mission in life just became Mercer’s redemption, and I will stop at nothing to help him get it.

Got a Kindle "megapack" of the first 8 "original" Hardy Boys books for 99 cents. Let's see how my famous/infamous "inner 12 year old" feels about these. 😏

He watches me sleep then does something he hasn’t done in a very long time: prays. Please, God, take care of them. I’m not going to be able to right now. I want to, but I can’t. I have to leave. It’s not going to be easy for us. Please keep a close eye on Bear and Ty. I’d appreciate it more than You know.

He leans over me, whispers into my ear, “I’m sorry. I hope you’ll be able to forgive me one day.”

“I don’t want Otter to go away again. Is that selfish?” he whispers.

“No, it's not. It means you love him very much, and that will never be selfish. I don’t want Otter to go away again, either.”

He throws his arms around me. "I know. I know,” he whispers. I stay wrapped in his little arms until he releases me a few moments later. “I love you, Papa Bear,” he says, kissing my cheek.

“I love you too, Kid.”