Love by Chelle Bliss

Author:Chelle Bliss [Bliss, Chelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-18T04:58:33+00:00

12

Angelo

“I’m proud of the man you’ve become.” Uncle Sal grips my shoulder as we stand away from the patio and the rest of the family.

“Thanks, Uncle Sal. That’s a big deal coming from you.”

Unlike my father, Uncle Sal has always been a family man. He dedicated his life to raising his kids right and putting them on a path to being good human beings.

My mother did that for our family. If she hadn’t been in the picture and we’d been left with my father raising us, I don’t know what would’ve happened.

Pops was too deep into the mob and knew no other life. Most likely, we would’ve been pulled in too eventually and ended up in jail right alongside him.

“I don’t know everything you’ve been through with losing Marissa and being a single parent, but to see you happy and thriving, son, it gives me no greater joy.”

The three years of my life without Marissa felt like they passed in slow motion. A nonstop loop of unending sadness. The only saving grace to propel me through each day was Brax and Tate. Without them, I’m not sure I’d be standing here today. Not that I would’ve taken my life, but a broken heart is a real thing. Mine was beyond broken, and I’m pretty sure my body would’ve succumbed to the misery.

“How are you doing, Uncle?” I ask, seeing a few more deep lines near his eyes since the last time I saw him.

He and my father seem to be aging at a ridiculously slow rate. It’s like they have superhuman genes that move at a snail’s pace. They both have gray splashes in their hair but haven’t turned fully. The lines near their eyes have grown deeper over the years, but the rest of their faces have remained wrinkle-free.

“Life couldn’t be better, kid.” The corner of his mouth curves up. “My kids are grown, so many grandkids I can barely keep count, and I have Maria by my side. What more can a man ask for?”

I shake my head. “Nothing.”

I try to picture my life in thirty years when Brax and Tate have children of their own, but it’s hard for me to imagine them any older than they are now.

My heart aches at the thought of them someday leaving me and moving on with their lives. I wonder if every parent feels that way or if I’m just more attached to my children because of the loss we’ve endured.

“Enjoy the time you have with them now.” His eyes move to Brax and Tate as they chase each other through the backyard. “They grow up too fast.”

“I can’t imagine them not being around every day.”

Uncle Sal snorts. “By the time the hormones kick in, you’ll be counting the days until they leave for college. Trust me.” He squeezes my shoulder. “I think it’s the big man’s plan to make the transition less painful for us. Make the teenagers as moody and difficult as possible so we’re thankful when the big day comes.

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