“He has a home, Cole. He has a permanent home in my heart.”

“Cole has a background that required him to fight like an animal,” Blake said, seeming to choose his words carefully. “His dedication to the Church comes partly from what he endured as a child.”

“Sometime later, Cole entered the situation. Beckett wasn’t sure if Blake had confided in Cole or if Cole just stumbled upon the ritual, but one night he joined Blake and Beckett. And then there were three.”

“Livia removed her hand from Blake’s to take his ring from Cole’s palm. She kissed the ring and prepared to place it in its permanent home on his finger.”

“He was serious. He didn’t want her to hold him close. He didn’t want to pretend she was his mother. He didn’t want to imagine going home in her car to pet her black labs. He didn’t want to dream about sitting down to a home-cooked spaghetti dinner at her kitchen table with her family. Those things would never be his. He watched her eyes switch from hazel to green.”

“Cole tilted her chin so he could look deeply into her eyes. “Kyle, you are my heaven. Will you come with me?”“I will.” Kyle snuggled deeper into his chest, gently tracing his Sorry tattoo.Cole’s heart beat like the pounding of an angel’s wings.”

“I think I need to get home and talk to my dad. He’ll be worried if he doesn’t see us. Would you like to meet him?”“I’d be honored,” Blake said with a nod.”