Chapter 12

“I told you, that will happen,” Richard replied. “One step at a time. I’m not giving up on you, on us, no matter what. Got that?”

“Got it,” Mick said with a small smile, as if he believed what he’d said, or so Richard thought.

A ding from the washing machine in the basement let them know Shorty’s clothes were ready to go into the dryer.

When he went down to take care of it, Richard said, “You’re lucky he found you. If it had been anyone else, well, who knows if they’d have done anything?”

“I know. He’s a good man. You’re okay with his staying here?”

“Mick, it’s your house. Not that it makes a difference. I’m fine with it.”

“Our house, from what you said, so you have an equal say in it.”

Richard grinned. “Remember that when I want to paint the walls a bright blue.” It was something he’d teased about a couple of times after he’d moved in with Mick.

“Pale blue, maybe,” Mick retorted. He smiled suddenly. “That’s what I’d say when you threatened to do that.”