Galen's Redemption by Parker Williams

Author:Parker Williams [Williams, Parker]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-64405-199-3
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2019-04-16T04:00:00+00:00

GALEN WANTED to cry. His emotions were a jumble, and he didn’t know how to handle them. First Andy saying he was going away for a few weeks, and then meeting Robert’s brother and husband, who was dying? He wasn’t sure what to do. What he’d said to Robert was the truth. Everyone always left, no matter if it was walking away or dying. Why would anyone want to put themselves through this kind of pain?

When Robert opened the door, the scents of a Mexican restaurant assailed Galen’s nose. Spiced beef, corn tortillas, beans, salsa, and so many other smells mingled together. Marco sat on the couch, with Andy at his side. As soon as Andy saw Galen, he started to get up, but Galen shook his head. He sat once more, obviously displeased.

The moment Tom and Brian came around the corner, the room erupted into a cacophony of greetings. An older woman, who Galen assumed was Robert’s mother, rushed over to them and kissed Brian on the cheek. He leaned against Tom, chatting to them both. Where Tom’s expression was one of pain, his mother’s was one of compassion. She looked up and spotted Galen, whispered a few words to Tom, then glided across the room toward him and Robert.

“Oh, good. Almost everyone is here.” She kissed Robert on the cheek. “Your father’s working on a project in the garage, but he should be along any minute. Now, who have you brought with you?”

“I’m guessing you already met Marco and Andy.”

She nodded.

“This is Galen Merriweather, and this is my mother, Rachel Kotke.”

“Thank you for having me in your home, ma’am.”

“I’m glad you were able to come. It’s a great pleasure to meet you.”

He held out his hand, but she frowned when she saw it. He half expected her to push him out of her house, but instead she stepped closer and smiled.

“I’m not so big on shaking hands. Would it be okay if I gave you a hug instead?”

Galen’s gaze shifted over to Robert, who winked at him.

“Up to you, Galen.”

He tentatively opened his arms. She moved into them and encircled him around the waist.

“It’s nice to have you in our home.”

She directed him to an empty chair. Robert sat on the arm, close enough that Galen could smell his cologne. The house was warm and inviting. He let his gaze drift around the room, stopping at each of the photos that dotted the wall. Young Robert and Tom, standing there, gap-toothed, mugging for the camera. Robert holding up an award of some kind. Tom and Brian, obviously so much in love.

What must it be like, growing up in a house like this? Surrounded by parents who cared about you? Who didn’t play favorites? Who actually loved you?

A pit settled in Galen’s stomach as he thought about what his father had said and how he’d come to be desperate to please the man. He shook his head. He didn’t want to think about that now. He needed to focus on getting through this dinner.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.