Series: Fever Falls Series by Riley Hart
Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Jesus, my heart broke for him. “I’m sorry. I know how hard that is. My parents walked away from me and left me with my aunt. I had to start over, but you have a dad who loves you, who would do anything for you. No matter what happens, you’re strong and you’ll be okay.”
I sat on the edge of the bed and hugged him. I didn’t want to lose him either. Everything Trey had said, I wanted for him. I wanted him to meet my friends and get involved with the center. I wanted to see him grow and evolve and become comfortable with who he was.
“We’ll figure it out, okay?” I told him.
Tyson came back into the room then. Trey sat up straight and plastered on a fake smile I knew was for his dad’s benefit. He didn’t want his father to feel bad.
We hung out for a little while longer before we had to go.
“I’ll be right back, Trey,” Tyson said. “I’m going to walk out with Lincoln and Rush.”
We were in the hallway heading toward the doors when he stopped. “Thank you both for coming to see him. I know I’ve said this to Lincoln before, but I can’t tell you how much it means to me. With his mama leaving and cancer and…being gay…he’s been through so much. Feels good to see him happy. I’m sure he told you we might have to move. If there was something I could do…I know he doesn’t want to go.”
“Hey. You’re doing the best you can. You’re an incredible father. Better one than I ever had. No matter what happens, Trey will be okay because he has you.” I placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
“Can I ask what kind of work you do?” Rush asked.
“I can do anything with my hands. I’m damn good with them. Done mostly construction, though,” Tyson replied.
“We have a buddy who owns a construction company—Camden’s Construction. You should check it out,” Rush told him. God, he was a genius.
“I don’t want any handouts,” Tyson replied.
“Oh, it wouldn’t be. We’ll put in a good word for you, but Cam’s not going to hire someone he doesn’t think can do the work. He’s a tough sonofabitch, but fair. I know he’s looking to start a new crew…will be looking for someone to lead it.” Rush shrugged. “Couldn’t hurt.”
Tyson nodded. “Thanks, man. I’ll look into it.”
I thought the conversation would be over then, but Rush continued. “Your son…he’s something special. All the kids here are. I know you don’t want handouts, and I respect the hell out of you for it, but…after being here today, I want to help. We can put together a fundraiser. Ashton Carmichael is a good friend of ours, and—”
“Holy shit. You guys know Ashton Carmichael too?” Tyson asked.
“We do,” I replied, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Rush. He was my goddamned world. The best man I had ever known. What he was doing was…incredible.
“People do fundraisers like this all the time. I know my mom would love to help arrange it. Ash would help out. You’ve worked hard. You’re a great dad, and you’ve been through a lot too. You deserve a little help. You and Trey both do.”
Tyson dropped his head forward, a few stray tears rolling down his cheeks. “I…” He looked at me. “You’ve changed my boy’s life. You’ve helped him in ways I never could.” Then he looked at Rush. “And this… I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes,” I told him.
“Thank you,” Tyson replied before hugging us both. “And yes. Trey deserves this.”
“You both do,” I replied.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Rush
I remember one time, Rush saying it was important to stand up for what’s right. I’ll never forget that.
Linc and I headed back to my place after we finished at the hospital. When we pulled into my driveway, he killed the engine, turned, crawled over the center console and onto my lap.
“You’re pretty fucking incredible, do you know that?” he asked, and I shrugged. I didn’t feel incredible. The only thing I felt like was me. He, on the other hand… It was Linc who had taken the time to befriend Trey in the first place. Linc had given him a gift better than money.
“It’s not a big deal. It’ll take some time, and that’s it. He deserves more—both of them do. Trey is so fucking brave. He’s an amazing kid, and Tyson…man, he loves his son.”
Linc nodded. “Sometimes the best people have the worst luck. The world is funny that way, but…well, now they met you, and because you care, things will change.”
“They met me because you cared first, Linc. Don’t ever forget that.” Lincoln could appear the most confident person in the world in some ways, and he was confident, but I didn’t think he truly saw his worth. He didn’t see how good a man he was and the special things he did.