I'm Grant Ward

Chapter 59: A Family Reunion

The afternoon sun broke through the clouds, casting a soft glow over the road as Grant Ward drove toward the boarding school where his younger brother, Thomas, attended. Maria Hill sat beside him, watching the landscape change as they left the city behind. The air in the car was calm, but there was an anticipation in the air.

Maria had heard many stories about Thomas, but she had never met him in person. For Grant, this was an important moment. He was finally at a point in his life where he could feel confident sharing more of his personal story, and Maria, as the person closest to him, deserved to know a crucial part of his life.

"Thomas will be glad to meet you," Grant said, breaking the silence, his eyes still fixed on the road.

Maria smiled, turning her attention back to him.

"I'm excited. It seems he was lucky to have you as a brother," she said, trying to ease some of the tension she felt from Grant.

Grant sighed, remembering the hard times of his youth, and how he had done everything he could to make sure Thomas wouldn't have to go through the same experiences.

"I did what I could," he said, his voice low. "It wasn't easy. When I was in the Navy and got more tenure, the first thing I did was get Thomas out of the house. He was stuck in that toxic environment and he didn't deserve it. I got him into a good boarding school, and he's been doing great ever since."

Maria nodded, understanding the weight of Grant's words. She knew how hard it was for him to talk about his childhood, but she also knew that he had done everything he could to protect his younger brother.

"It must be good to see he's doing well now," Maria said.

"Yeah," Grant agreed. "Thomas has made a lot of friends there. He's settled in well and seems... happy. That's all I ever wanted for him."

As the car drove down the road, the comfortable silence returned. Maria could sense how important this reunion was to Grant and was determined to be as supportive as possible.

Finally, after a few hours of traveling, they arrived at the boarding school. It was a large, well-kept school, with vast green fields all around and buildings with traditional architecture. Grant parked the car and they both got out, walking towards the main gate.

Thomas Ward was waiting near the gate, his face lit up with a bright smile when he saw his older brother. He had grown since the last time Grant had seen him in person, now a young man with a confident posture and a twinkle in his eyes.

"Grant!" Thomas shouted, running to hug his brother.

Grant smiled broadly, feeling a comforting warmth at seeing his brother so happy. He opened his arms and hugged Thomas tightly, as if he didn't want to let go.

"Hey, kid! How are you?" Grant asked, his voice full of affection.

"I'm great!" Thomas replied, still smiling. "And you? It's been a long time!"

Grant patted Thomas on the back before pulling back a little to get a good look at his brother. He was proud to see how Thomas had grown into such a confident young man.

"I'm fine. I've been busy with work, but I'm here now," Grant said.

It was then that Thomas noticed Maria, who was standing next to Grant, watching the interaction with a gentle smile.

"And who's this?" Thomas asked curiously.

Grant put his hand on Maria's shoulder and introduced her with a smile on his face.

"This is Maria Hill. She's... well, she's my girlfriend," he said, a little hesitantly, but proudly.

Maria extended her hand to Thomas, smiling warmly.