Sawyer arched an eyebrow, but when he looked at Ford, he slightly shook his head. Sawyer didn’t push for it. “Um…are we supposed to sleep in the naked?” Gavin asked. It was a question that seemed out of nowhere and Sawyer laughed. Although his brother didn’t sound opposed to the idea.
“No!” Sawyer said. At that moment, there was a knock at the door. He smiled. “Right on time.”
Ford frowned. “What are you up to?”
“You’ll see,” Sawyer said. He walked over to the door and opened it to a bellhop.
“Your luggage.” He pushed a cart into the room, then nodded and turned around and left.
“You really did think of everything.” Ford shook his head but he wore a smile.
Sawyer shrugged. “I didn’t want to miss a beat. I want this to be special.”
Gavin and Savanna went over to the suitcases. They grabbed the bag that had their name on it, then hurried off to their respective rooms without even a goodbye.
Sawyer laughed. “I’d say they’re excited.”
“Agreed,” Ford replied with a chuckle.
Sawyer turned to Ford. “What were you and Savanna discussing, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Ford grinned. “She was asking if we ever would consider adopting them.”
“Really? What did you say?”
“I asked how they would feel if we did,” Ford said. “If we were waiting for a sign, I’d say we just got it. If Savanna wants it, then I think Gavin would too. I’m sure they’ve talked about it. We need to look into what it will entail.”
“I agree,” Sawyer said.
Now that the resort was open for business, Sawyer hoped they could have more time for their family. And then they would see what avenues they could take to make it all official. And that included making Ford his, legally and binding.
He wasn’t sure if this was what his father wanted when he made Sawyer their guardian, but it was definitely the second good thing the man had done for him after giving him life.
Later that night after the kids had all gone to sleep and Ford and him were lying in bed, Sawyer turned to Ford and said, “I think I’m ready to open the letter that my father left me.”
Ford looked at him and nodded, sliding closer and wrapping an arm around his waist.
Tearing open the envelope, Sawyer let out a breath before taking it out and unfolding it, studying the neat cursive that was scrawled across the sheet.
Son,
If you’re reading this, your first thought is probably that I don’t get to call you that, right? Or maybe it’s good riddance. Who knows? I guess I should since I am your father.
Probably another title I don’t get to claim, right? Like calling you my son.
I wish I could say I have some grand explanation that will give the reason as to why I left you, why I left your mother, but the truth is, I was young and a coward. All I saw was my life getting flushed down the toilet… not that I did much with it anyway.
I wish I could say that I was at your graduation and all the other important moments, but that would be another lie. I tried, though, with your siblings, but trying isn’t always good enough.
Cynthia was nothing like your mother, Erin, but by the time Savanna came along, I knew I couldn’t run out on another kid of mine. I got my act together, but Cynthia never did, unless by some miracle my death sparked that in her. For the kids’ sake, I hope that is the case, but if not, you’re all they have left in the world.
I know I have no right to ask anything of you, and a better man would have had the courage to do it in person, but I guess we both know that’s not me.
But Gavin, Savannah, and Callum are the only good things I did besides you. I hope you can find it in your heart to take care of them.
If you’re anything like your mother, I know you will.
You turned out better than a father like me could ever dream of, and maybe you’re exactly what your siblings need to thrive.
I know I am out of favors in your eyes, but a dying man can ask for one more. Please find it in your heart to speak kindly of me to your siblings.
I made a lot of mistakes in my life, but never knowing you was my biggest and most lasting regret.
Sam Lancaster
Sawyer slowly lowered the letter to his lap and felt a tear trickle down his cheek.
“Are you okay, babe?” Ford asked as he rubbed circles on his back.
“I will be,” he replied. “I didn’t expect some great epiphany from reading it, but at least he admitted that he was a coward and that’s why he left. I’m not sure if this is closure, but maybe I needed to hear him say it wasn’t because of me.”
“What are you going to tell the kids?”
Sawyer sighed before answering. “I am going to honor his wishes and speak kindly of him to them. Him making me their guardian was one of the best things that could have happened in my life, and I owe him that much.”
They kissed as they laid down in bed. Ford pulled the cover over them as they whispered good night.
As Sawyer laid there later holding Ford, who was lightly snoring, he thought back on all the years he had spent being angry and bitter toward his father. The years he’d kept himself closed off scared whoever he let close would leave. He knew it was time to let it go, to let the man rest in peace and not to live in the past.
Even being the man he was, his father had tried for the children, and for that, Sawyer would be grateful.
Epilogue
Ford
6 More Months Later
“Sign right here,” the judge said to Ford. Ford nodded and did as he was asked, even as his hands shook. As he signed the paper in front of him, he felt this overwhelming amount of love rush through him. He looked over at Sawyer and held his gaze, needing to share that moment with him as they made this commitment.
It hadn’t been easy, but here they were. They had to wait the year before even starting the adoption process, then go through the process of getting Cynthia’s rights revoked.
“And I need you to sign right here, Mr. Lancaster.” The judge pointed, and he stepped aside and watched as Sawyer signed out his name.
Callum fussed in Savie’s arms, stretching his arms out for him. When Ford took him, he smiled that toothy smile, and said, “Ford.” He had to hold back laughing because it sounded way to close to Fuck. He swore the kid did it on purpose.
Ford kissed the top of his head, all the while keeping his eyes on Sawyer. Signing that document with Sawyer meant more than he could put into words. Because yes, he’d been there, he loved the kids. But this made them his in the eyes of law.
When Sawyer put the pen down, Gavin slipped his hand into Ford’s. Beside Gavin was Savanna.
“Is it official?” Gavin asked.
Ford squeezed his hand, and the judge looked up. He smiled and nodded. “It is official,” he said. “Gavin, Savanna, and Callum, your last name has been changed to Lancaster, and the adoption is complete. Congratulations.”
“Yayyyy!” Gavin threw his fist in the air, being more vocal than the rest. But Ford didn’t miss the tears in Sawyer’s and Savie’s eyes. He could feel the tears beginning to build in his own eyes, and he didn’t even try to hide it.
“Thank you! Thank you!” Sawyer reached out and took the judge’s hand, shaking it probably with a little more enthusiasm than necessary. Ford couldn’t stop smiling because he felt the exact same way Sawyer did.
“Thank you!” Ford also shook the judge’s hand.
The judge nodded. “It’s my pleasure.”
Savanna, Gavin, Callum, Ford, and Sawyer all left the judge’s chambers. When they got out into the other room, they shared a group hug, and that’s when the tears really fell.
Barbara and Doug were waiting outside the chambers, and the moment the five of them came through the door, Barb let out a scream and rushed over to them, throwing a hug round Savanna and Gavin.
Doug was more calm and approached Sawyer, shaking his hand and then pullin
g Ford into a one-armed hug while rubbing Callum’s head.
Everything they had been through over the past year had led them here, and Ford wouldn’t change a thing.
Cynthia was behind bars and would be for six to ten years. In that time, she would have to undergo mandatory rehab. When Sawyer went to her informing her they were adopting the kids, she didn’t bat an eye, but he’d felt he needed to do it, and Ford supported him.
She hadn’t had to sign off her rights because the courts took care of that for her. The charges against her meant her rights could be terminated, and now, they were a true family, and no one could ever separate them again.
Larry was also in jail. It turned out that he had embezzlement charges and was wanted by the police both in Colorado and in another state for that. He could spend a good fifteen to twenty-five years in prison with the additional kidnapping charge. So, there was no way he would be coming after them.
The resort was a success, and in just the first six months, they had sold out every weekend. Ford had met people from around the world, learned about different cultures, and even people from all over the US.
They walked out to the car, and Ford put Callum in his seat, while Gavin and Savanna got in the back. He then joined Sawyer in the front, who had started the car, but. before they pulled out of the parking spot, Gavin spoke up. “You’re our dads now.”
Ford and Sawyer looked at one another. They both smiled, then looked over their shoulders to the kids in the backseat. “We are,” Sawyer said. “It’s signed, sealed, and delivered, which means no one can take you guys away.”
Gavin smiled. “Good!” He sat back in his seat. Ford looked over to Savanna and her eyes still glistened with tears, but she wore a huge smile. Like her older brother, Savie felt deeply but didn’t always show it.
“Let’s go for ice cream!” Ford said.
“Ice Cream.” Callum clapped.
“Awesome,” Gavin said.
“Cool.” Savie added.
Ford and Sawyer turned around and held hands as Sawyer backed out of the parking spot.
This was his life, his family.
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Hey Y’all,
Thanks so much for reading Forever With His Boss. This is the second book in my Amber Falls series. If you can’t already tell it’s a small town in Colorado. There’s going to be hot ranchers, sheriffs, doctors, bakers, all falling for each other and other people looking for a place to belong, just like Sawyer.
Interested in more Amber Falls? Keep reading for a sneak peek of Owen’s Story.
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Sneak Peek - Unedited
Holding On To His Manny
Prologue - Dean
Did it make him a horrible parent for not wanting to go home yet?
Dean zoned out, watch the cashier swipe items through the scanner, the repetitive motion soothing in its own way.
All he needed was some cereal… just cereal, but of course, the lines had been long since this was the only till still open. As much as he’d hated standing in line, he dreaded his turn coming up.
I can do this! I can do this! The words were like an alarm clock on snooze, even though quieted for a bit, it came back louder than before.
He pushed all his panic and fear down because his kids needed him. The last few months had been chaotic, and the move just added to it.
“Sir? Sir?” the cashier’s voice had him looking up.
Dean jerked and turned to face the woman. “Huh?”
“I’m ready for your payment,” she said. She pointed to the screen and he glanced at it.
“Oh right,” he mumbled. Dean fished out his wallet from his pocket and handed over some cash to pay for the box of cereal, milk and some fruit and the yogurt Kennedy his daughter liked. She put it into the cash register, then handed him his change.
He nodded. “Thanks!” Then stuffed the money back into his wallet, before shoving it back in his pocket.
“Have a good day.” He tried for a smile, but wasn’t quite sure he pulled it off.
“You too.” She went on to ring up the person behind him, and Dean left the store. He was just about to reach his car when he heard someone calling out.
“Sir! Sir!” The voice came up from behind him. He whirled around. A boy, he couldn’t be more than eighteen came running up behind him, a few bags in his hand. He stopped when he reached him. “You forgot this,” He held up the bag.
“Oh!” Dean shook his head and released a sigh, as he took the bag from the boy. “I guess I have more on my mind than I thought,” he said. “I apologize.”
The boy shrugged. “No worries.”
Dean felt the weight of the world on his shoulders, like he was about to break. He bubbled over, all of the anxiety inside of him, letting loose. “I have a three and a eight-year-old at home,” He pinched the bridge of his nose, but Dean could already feel the headache coming on. “They haven’t stopped crying and my head is just spinning. We just moved here, after losing their mother in the line of duty.” Dean’s hand went to his chest, not that it helped. Every time he thought of his wife, it felt like someone reached into his chest and squeezed. “My oldest child won’t stop yelling for cereal, and the youngest, well, he’s not stopped crying for his mama. I don’t know what to do. What do I do?”
Dean didn’t know why he was sharing his life story with the boy, but he felt the tears ready to fall. If they started, he couldn’t stop them. “I’m sorry,” he swiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “I guess I needed to just vent to someone.”
“I understand,” the boy said. “Sometimes you can’t help falling apart. It’s only human nature, especially when we keep pushing it down, after a while… boom.”
The young man smiled, and Dean couldn’t help returning, maybe it was the boom or maybe there was something to spilling your guts to a stranger.
“Uhh, soo listen…” The kid sounded unsure now, “So I’m a babysitter and a good one at that, CPR certified and all, my name is Owen.”
His hand went into a bag slung over his chest Dean had missed initially, and he pulled out a notebook he put it in his mouth and rummaged around for a pen. Dean watched as the kid scribbled something down then ripped the page out and handed it to him. “It’s my number, since you’re new to the area, if you ever need any help, please don’t hesitate to call me. I’d be glad to help you.” His smile was genuine and Dean gladly took the piece of paper. He looked down at it and slipped it into his pocket.”
“Thank you,” Dean said, and meant it.
The boy nodded. “Anytime, but, even if you never call… take care.” Owen waved as he walked away from Dean.
Dean turned to his vehicle and walked over to his door, unlocking it with his key fob. He got inside and tossed the bag onto the passenger seat, then started the car and backed out of the parking spot.
Maybe there was something to letting it out, It didn’t take the weight off, but he didn’t feel like he was five seconds from losing his mind. Being a mother and a father to his two kids was something he never thought he’d have to face. He wasn’t sure how he was going to deal with it all on his own.
You’ll do what you have to do. And that was all he could do, but still, he worried that he would have more meltdowns, just like the one he had in the parking lot back there. God he hoped not, for his kids’ sake, he would be strong.
Dean pulled into the driveway and put the car in park, He looked in the rearview mirror, he didn’t want anyone else to know he’d cried. Dean wiped his face for good measure and plastered on a smile.
“As good as I’ll get,” he muttered. He shrugged and grabbed the bag before getting out of the car. H
e had just made it to the porch when he heard the screaming coming from inside the house. He stopped on the porch, and groaned. Man he’d really hoped they would have cried themselves out by now.
Dean sighed as he opened the front door, he dropped the bag with the groceries on the table in the foyer and headed to the living room.
“Daddy’s back,” he said. His three-year-old son was bawling in his mother-in-law’s arms, while the eight-year-old daughter was in front of the t.v.
Dean knew he should limit her screen time, but right now it was more than he had energy for.
“I hope he didn’t cry the whole time I was gone,” Dean said, lifting the toddler from his mother-in-law’s arms. She looked like she had taken a beating.
She shook her head and smiled, although it was frayed around the edges. “Not at all,” she said. “He just wanted his daddy. That’s all.”
And mommy was what neither of them could bring themselves to admit.
Dean looked down at Asher. His little boy was almost four, but he knew something was wrong. He knew his mom was gone. As he shifted him from one hip to the other, he thought about Owen.
It was possible he would need to make that call sooner rather than later because he might just need to find someone that could help him out. Sadly, he wasn’t able to do it all on his own and his in-laws were also grieving the loss of their only child. Dean needed help, and maybe Owen was his savior.
Also by Rheland Richmond
Stories Of Us Series
A Family For Keeps
His Instant Family
Christmas For Keeps - A Stories Of Us Christmas
The Family We Make: A Stories Of Us Valentine
A Family Of His Own
Amber Falls
Forever With His Boss Page 32