Chapter 26

“Are you angry at me?” Frank asked.

Liam shook his head side to side.

“Am I angry with you?”

Liam nodded.

“No, Liam.” Frank heaved. “My gosh, no.” He kept his unsteady voice as soft as he could make it. “I could never be. Never. If I was able to hug you for real, I might never stop. Come.” Frank sat back down. “Sit with me. Hold Barry Bear’s hand. Pretend it’s mine.” When Liam sat, Frank set the bear between them, and each held onto one paw. It was less than six feet, though the big bear did have quite the wingspan, so to speak. “This is nice,” Frank said. “And Frank’s not angry. I promise.”

Liam smiled. Then he wiped his runny nose with the back of his hand.

“Would you like some orange now?” Frank held up the fruit and motioned between them.

Liam nodded.

“Thatta boy.”

“You must remember he is every bit a man.”

If only Frank could forget. He broke off a segment of fruit and held it out. “Here.”

Liam came toward it with his mouth open. Then he backed off and snickered.