Clark parked in front of his sister’s suburban home and for a moment just stared at it. He wanted a home of his own, sure. Who didn’t? But having the house with the picket fence hadn’t kept his sister from having a crummy marriage.
“You okay?” Thomas asked him from the passenger seat.
He forced a smile. After all, he had a lot to be happy about. Not the least of which earlier that day Thomas had said he loved him. It was during s*x, so Clark couldn’t be sure he’d meant it, but still he’d loved hearing the words. Even if he hadn’t responded in kind.
“Yes, fine. Let’s go.”
They got out and approached his sister’s house. The door opened just before they reached it to reveal his twelve-year-old niece.
“Uncle Clark!” Brittany launched herself at him, throwing her arms so hard around his ne
