Page 31 of Second Chance At Love

“I talked to him and Gerrit was angry, but I never thought he would do something like this,” murmured Henry, feeling guiltcourse through him.

“He chose to do this. I’m sure the lawyers were very clear on the consequences,” responded Noah.

Henry looked at his cousin sharply. “Gerrit is a drug addict who is just getting sober. He shouldn’t be able to make these decisions yet.”

“Maybe the lawyers are hoping they can bring that argument into the sentencing hearing,” softly stated Max. “It might help him with whatever he is up against. I’m sure you made sure he has the best lawyers already.”

“I’m just thankful that all of us are no longer under threat from the FBI,” mentioned Dillion as he took a two month old Jackson from his wife Kelly, holding the baby.

Conversation flowed around him as everyone chatted about the new developments.

“Hey, you did everything you could for Gerrit. He made a choice of his own free will,” Max quietly told Henry.

“He made a choice in anger after I spoke to him,” Henry grimly stated. He handed the plate of food to Max, not hungry. “I told him about his exclusion from the company. We went over some other things as well. Gerrit is hurting. He should never have made any major decisions. This is my fault.”

“It isn’t anyone’s fault. We don’t know the extent of what he has done. Bree is trying to talk to Kepler but so far he hasn’t been very cooperative. Even so, you can’t blame yourself,” Max tried to reassure him.

Yet he did blame himself, decided Henry. Gerrit had reacted badly and Henry, perhaps if he were stronger and in better health, might have handled the situation more delicately. He might have been able to turn the conversation around and perhaps not be left with a brother who was seemingly exiling himself to prison without any support.

“I know it’s not good news about Gerrit so I’m giving you Adam to cheer you up a little.”

Henry looked up to see Cora watching him with sympathy. She carefully held out the baby to him.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to make him sick,” mildly protested Henry as the tiny baby was put in his arms.

“The doctors cleared both of you. It’s fine and you’re a natural at holding him. Tell someone to get me if Adam grows fussy,” she gently ordered him before heading back to a group of ladies.

“Babies make everything better,” declared Max as he took hold of Adam’s tiny hand in his. “That is why I keep stealing Michael and Ann’s toddlers. Plus, it helps them to keep their sanity. Since I like my older brother and his wife, I figure it’s the least I can do.”

“Be a baby stealer?” Henry was amused despite his worry over Gerrit. Somehow, Max always seemed to make the people around him feel better. Usually distracting people from their worries through sheer silliness, but he did make Henry feel better.

“It’s one of my specialties. Like matchmaking. I’m good at that too,” said Max with a smile and a speculative look in his eyes.

“Don’t even think about it. I’m not exactly dating material,” warned Henry. “Half dead and being on a heart transplant list aren’t catchy profile lines.”

“Hey, you never know who might be interested with those smooth words,” grinned Max. “A man looking for his heart. I bet there is someone out there who would love that catch phrase.”

Henry just rolled his eyes and looked down at Adam. The baby was peacefully sleeping, ignoring the noise around him as people chatted. Cora had him in a blue sleeper with little astronauts on it. Or maybe cartoon whales. Henry supposed it didn’t matter. With the tiny hat, Adam looked cute.

“I think Cora is going to keep you around for the babysitting,” mentioned Max as he gave Henry’s shoulder asmall bump. “Brownie? Jake made them so you know they are good.”

“Are you babysitting me, Max?” mildly asked Henry as he carefully shifted so he wouldn’t disturb Adam before taking the offered brownie.

“Maybe a little,” admitted Max. “We worry about you.”

Henry had a half smile at that. “I sometimes worry myself.”

“Just so you know, I’m planning on you living,” confided Max.

“Oh? And what exactly are you planning?” wondered Henry as he looked at his cousin who had a grin on his happy face.

“I’m thinking of resurrecting the Fandoozle Races,” said Max. “I need your input since you were the main organizer previously.”

Henry laughed. “You are not starting the Fandoozle’s again. We almost killed you the last time. As I recall there were three broken bones on that day, all of them yours..”

“That was back in college. I am older and wiser. There will be new rules. Plus, I figure it’s mostly a kids sport,” revealed Max philosophically.

“Just don’t tell the moms what happened when we put you in the hospital. Otherwise they will veto it really quickly,” warned Henry.