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Garrett

Dylan was a beast at basketball.

Garrett had not seen a game since joining the FBI, so Dylan and his teammates impressed him. The boys won after defeating Evan, the opposing team's main defender. A small but significant victory.

He knew Imani was uncomfortable with him being there because of the community and their gossip routine, but it reminded him of playing basketball, so he was glad he came. He sat alone in the stands to watch the game after parking his truck. If he sat with Imani, hoping she would allow it, everyone would gossip about their relationship. She had opened up to him and moved on from their turbulent past, but their relationship was still vulnerable, and he didn't want to ruin it.

Garrett grew tired of the audience staring at him in the center's main foyer. He approached a large glass display case honoring his younger brother, Gavin. Gavin's massive photo collection, which began at four years old, expanded with a framed basketball picture.

He smiled. During his childhood, his brothers lived in this center. Sweets, crisps, and cleaning scents lingered.

"You're here!"

Garrett turned and saw Dylan with his gym bag and a basketball a few feet away.

"I didn't see you anywhere."

"That's because I was watching from the top, my man." Garrett gently placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "You boys did fantastic."

Dylan dropped his stuff and looked in the display case. Garrett acknowledged the realization. It was simple not to miss it. "You have to be kidding me!" the boy exclaimed, staring wide.

"What?" Garrett asked, smirking, knowing what he was looking at.

"That can't be..." Dylan looked priceless as he pointed to the pictures, mouth open. "That's Gavin Beaumont."

"Indeed. We're brothers."

"Wow! That must be so cool!" He almost bounced. "Mom never said anything." Dylan's mouth opened. "My mom is dating my favorite athlete's brother. Holy smokes!"

Garrett chuckled as he noticed Imani chatting with a few people near the water fountain. She nodded at Dylan and continued her conversation without looking at Garrett. She didn't make eye contact, but he didn't let that bother him.

"Gavin Beaumont is incredible. He's like a superhero who takes down the bad guys on the court." Dylan stood in awe of Garrett. "And that's your brother! Wow!"

Garrett turned to look at the photo. "You could call him a legend. My brother is a huge fan of hockey, basketball, and tennis. He even enjoys swimming."

A sharp sensation slithered down Garrett's spine. An unrelenting, merciless force. Gavin's photos brought back everything he had lost. Garrett grew up in a close-knit family but later drifted apart from his brothers, reflecting on his father's decision to isolate himself from society out of shame and pain, as well as their mother's tragically short life. Their grandfather raised the three boys his way. They once were a family until their secrets tore them apart.

At his age, Garrett saw only failure when others saw success. He was distant from his family, and he had no wife or children. Did he enjoy his job, even though he was excellent at it?

That was his old point of view. He had always been pleased to catch bad guys and keep innocent people safe. That might have been enough for him. But now? He was no longer sure.

"Do you know?"

Garrett looked down at Dylan in confusion. "Sorry?"

"Do you know when your brother will be back? Can I meet him around Christmas?"

Garrett breathed deeply. What Dylan wanted was clear to him, but right now wasn't the time for the kid to meet his role model. Gavin not only despised the town, but he also focused on his career. Coming home for the holidays was simply not an option.

"I don't think so. These days, Gavin rarely comes home. His schedule keeps him busy."

"Oh." Sadness covered Dylan's expression.

"I'm sorry," Garrett whispered. "But I can guarantee that you'll meet him. Not only do I know your mother, but Gavin does, too. Imani tutored him when he had trouble with his classes."

The kid smiled.

"Dylan?"

Dylan and Garrett both turned to look at Imani as she came closer. Her natural beauty once again captivated Garrett. Her carefully curved cheeks, gentle swell of lips, and attractive eyes convey all of her beauty. His favorite look on her was a simple, pulled-back braid with light makeup. Wearing sneakers, jeans, and a big ivory cardigan made her look younger.

She focused on her son and sighed, brushing his head. "Dylan, we must go. It's three now, and the library closes at four."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot," Dylan replied, looking up at his mother. He smiled wider at Garrett's gaze. "But I don't have to go anymore. Why don't we hang out with Garrett?"

She gazed down at her son and said, "He can't right now, baby. Garrett is visiting with Mr. Eugene. Remember?"

He nodded, narrowing his eyes. "All of us could go see him."

"Not today, but soon. Okay?"

Dylan frowned and slightly nodded.

"Hey. Cheer up. We'll see each other again," Garrett said, looking at him. "After all, your mother and I are great friends."

"Yeah, Dylan." Imani cleared her throat. "I'll organize a relaxing activity for both of you. What do you say?"

"Really?"

Imani smiled gently at her son and nodded. "That's right. I'll arrange something for the three of us."

"Yay!" Her son then extended both arms and wrapped them around the two adults, bringing them closer together. "Where can we go? What about the science museum? They have the best dinosaur cakes in the café."

Garrett grinned at Imani and Dylan. "That sounds fun. I'm looking forward to going there with both of you."

As she watched them, Imani bit her lip. "Okay, now. It's time for us to leave. If Garrett wants, he can join us for dinner later this week."

"Please, Garrett? Say you'll come over. I've got to show you all the puzzles I've been putting together," Dylan said, his tone higher than usual. Garrett could tell it was bothering him as several parents looked over at their small group. She remained calm as the three of them talked.

Garrett inhaled sharply and nodded to avoid unwanted attention. "Sure. I'll ask your mom when she thinks it's a good time for me to stop by."

"Or don't. Just come over and surprise her," the boy said, causing Imani to drop her jaw. Her son knew how to get her riled up.

"I don't know, man. If I do that, Imani will not be happy, and it might land me in trouble," Garrett replied while gently running his fingers through Dylan's curls. "That isn't what I want."

Dylan chuckled and hugged him. "Thank you for watching me play."

"Of course. You completely dominated that court. Congratulations on your big win!"

"Thank you, Garrett."

"Dylan, we must hurry to beat the traffic," Imani reminded him before turning her attention to Garrett. She moved closer, placed her hand on his shoulder, and said, "Thank you for being here. It means a lot to both of us."

"Mani, you don't have to thank me. Like I said before, I care about you guys. I am always here for you."

Imani smiled while running a finger along his scruffy cheek. She breathed deeply and turned to Dylan as a few ladies behind them began giggling and staring at them.

"All right. It's nearly three twenty, and we need to go." Imani quickly glanced back at Garrett. "I'll text you later." She leaned closer to his ear and whispered, "I love you."

He smiled as his heart pounded; his gaze never left her. He then replied, "I love you, Mani."

Imani and Dylan waved goodbye as they walked through the crowd near the entrance. Garrett felt like his life was finally making sense for the first time since he returned home. He knew he wanted to stay with them, wherever they lived. It felt beneficial to come tonight.

Garrett felt as if he had found a family because they were all in each other's lives. He knew he needed to wait and make sure he and Imani were both ready for a serious commitment in order to avoid doing anything she didn't want. That's why he refrained from uttering those three words out loud, as they hadn't yet had the crucial conversation. Perhaps it was also because they were out in public or Dylan was present, which could have confused him.

Patience is key. Ramon's words stuck with him. Garrett followed that advice.

He left through the front door in a positive mood, only nodding to those he recognized. Zoe left a voicemail asking him to come in for a medical consultation about Eugene, so he didn't have time to speak with anyone.

Autumn leaves fluttered in the wind as he approached Holden General Hospital. Garrett smiled as he reflected on how quickly the seasons changed, with leaves falling on his hood and windshield. It was perfect weather, and he knew that Imani enjoyed this time of year. With his shoulders bent against the wind, he entered the lobby. He followed his usual path to his grandfather's room, passing by the nurses, security guards, and employees he noticed.

He then spotted Zoe at the nurses' station. She nodded as she spoke on the phone, signaling that she would meet him in his grandfather's room. Garrett walked into the room and noticed Eugene was sound asleep, with Regina by her brother's side, holding his hand.

He hurried across the room, concerned.

"Embrace what lies ahead. Sometimes people need to express what's on their mind and stop dwelling on the past. Let go of grudges."

Garrett suppressed any surprise at recalling Eugene's words of encouragement. He refused to absolve his grandfather of responsibility, looking down on the man who had shaped his identity and led him to this point in his life.

Garrett buried his anger, anguish, and guilt.

He then realized that the past had shaped and controlled people. People deal with their past daily.

Saying "Fuck the past" was never realistic to him. It was important to take it all in, enjoy the ride into the future, admit responsibility, learn from mistakes, and move forward.

"That's taking the easy way out."

"But you'll grow," his grandfather replied, flashing a delicate, melancholy grin. "You need to have responsibility, son."

Garrett reflected on his memories with Eugene while standing by his bed. They had casual conversations before Eugene's illness worsened. Regina sat in the chair with her eyes closed, and he didn't bother her.

However, the door suddenly opened, and a cheerful nurse entered. Her scrubs, which included skeletons and ghosts and alluded to the upcoming holiday, complemented her look. "Time for some lab work, Mr. Beaumont. I apologize for waking you."

Garrett stepped back. He looked at his grandfather, who had his eyes closed, and said casually, "I'll go to the cafeteria. What time will he finish his tests?"

As she looked down at the chart, the nurse blinked. "Probably within thirty minutes. I can arrange for Dr. Sinclair to contact you once he returns to his room. Or I could have Regina contact you. Did she have your contact information?"

Garrett nodded.

"Very well. It shouldn't take too long."

"Thank you. I have some business calls to catch up on while I'm here."

"All righty. We'll be back soon," she finished.

As Garrett entered the hallway, he watched the nurse adjust Eugene's IV and other medical equipment. His grandfather opened his eyes and flexed his fingers.

He signaled her to grab his phone, and Garrett waited silently, curious about his grandfather's plans.

"I need to make a call," Eugene said, gripping his phone.

"You have one second before we head to the first floor," the nurse replied. "Make it quick."

Eugene muttered, coughing, while moving in the bed, "Now that my grandson has left, I can fix things."

Garrett's brows rose.

A soft voice said, "Hello," as he put the phone on speaker. The voice was clear, and Eugene's worn face shone with joy.

He called Imani.

"Mr.Beaumont?" She lowered her tone. "Are you okay? Did something happen?"

"I'm all right, dear," his grandfather replied. "Can we talk for a minute?"

A pause.

"Y-yeah. What about?"

Eugene leaned back and said, "About you and my grandson embracing what lies ahead."

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