Theo And Reed's Wedding Bells : Book 2

Chapter Fourteen

" Adopting" their human stray Winnie was a welcome relief to Theo who had always wanted a son. He got a sudden rush of energy in him as he changed the bed linen in the guest room and pulled out an old cookbook he had purchased ages ago to find hearty recipes to put meat on Winnie's bony bones. It made Reed happy to see Theo more like his old self.

Theo flipped through the cookbook and Winnie amused him with tales from Sweet Flower like how the town was still discussing Todd Deets getting an extra two years on his ten year sentence for attacking a prison guard. The town was also all a twitter about Sheriff Deputy Ryan Livingston trying to find love online.

   While they were occupied Reed took the chance to go in the bedroom and tend to some unpleasant business. He sat on their bed , holding Theo's hypo allergenic pillow that smelled like him , looking at the gold framed picture of them at the reunion prom last year that sat on the dresser top. They were so happy. Smiling and holding each other.

   Finally he pulled out his phone and dialed a number in Sweet Flower. This was too important for a text or email. The cool voice of Grace answered tersely," Tell Theo we are having beautiful white doves at the wedding so he can get over himself! The wedding is being paid for by our parents so all you and he need to do is show up dressed appropriately at the right time. He's such a drama queen. "

Reed sighed. He didn't want to say the words. Grace paused on her end, sensing something was not right. " Reed ? Is anything wrong? "

Tears blurred his vision. He held the pillow tightly. " No. It's not alright. We need to postpone the wedding. "

" Postpone the wedding? Over the doves ! He really is overly sensitive. "

" He's not being sensitive. He's sick . " He stopped talking for a long second. " Theo has cancer. He's sick. He's starting treatment tomorrow. The doctor said it would take a year. So we're waiting. "

Grace was quiet so long that he thought she hung up. Then he heard what sounded like crying.

" I'm coming to D.C. as soon as I get my classes covered. "

Oh Lord that was the last thing Theo needed. Especially with Winnie already there. Grace meant well but her love could be overwhelming at times. Theo was best taking care of Winnie instead of being bossed by Grace. " No , Grace. Please stay in Texas. Your parents too. He's going to be busy with treatment. And the doctor said he shouldn't be around a lot of people right now. Germs and his immune system and all. He needs rest. "

Grace didn't like it but she accepted it. " Keep me posted, Reed. Don't hold anything back. Please. "

" I will. "

" Take care of him. Tell him we all love him. Tell him we need him. "

" I will. "

" And take care of yourself too. You're my brother now too. I love you too. "

Reed smiled bitterly. He wasn't important now. All that mattered was Theo right now.

" Thank you. Appreciate that. "

When they both hung up he braced himself for another call. Charles.