- Blake West:
Everything was perfect. Or… it felt that way.
One moment, I was sitting across from Mom in the lounge at the private terminal. She was drinking her espresso, legs crossed like she owned the world, her smile bright enough to convince me she did. She'd just told me she'd booked a private jet for me and Aunt Lily. First-row seats to her concert in New York tonight.
"Front row, Blake," she said, grinning. "Finally. You'll get to see me shine. Like I promised. I can't wait to hear you cheering for me."
I nodded, like it was normal.
Because it was. My mother always delivered on her promises.
She reached across the table and squeezed my hand.
"I'll see you in a few hours, sweetheart. I love you more than anything in this world."
I watched her walk away.
Watched her step onto the helipad.
Watched her board her helicopter.
Watched her wave.
Watched her helicopter rise.
And then I watched it explode.
Right there. In the sky. Right in front of me.
People screamed.
I didn't.
I just stood there, waiting for someone to explain how this could possibly be real.
But nobody did.
Everything disappeared in one second.
Everything.
Three days later, I was sitting alone in the airport, waiting for someone—anyone—to come get me.
The funeral was over.
I didn't even remember it, not really. People cried around me, held me, gave me their condolences. I didn't cry. I didn't want their condolences, I wanted my mom.
Not until now.
Now, sitting in the airport after landing, staring at my suitcase like it held my whole life, I finally felt the tears burning behind my eyes.
And then I heard it.
A sound that didn't belong in a busy terminal.
A soft, broken sob.
I looked up.
"Aunt Lily…?"
She was running toward me.
Her bag slipped from her shoulder, but she didn't stop to pick it up. Her face was blotchy, her cheeks soaked with tears, her mouth trembling as she reached me. She barely slowed before collapsing into me, wrapping her arms around me so tightly I could barely breathe.
"Oh, Blake… baby, I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry… I tried… I tried to get there… I—"
I didn't cry.
I held her while she cried instead.
Because I had to. Because someone had to.
"I'm here now," she whispered, like she needed to convince herself. "I'm here. And I'm not leaving you. We're going home. You're coming with me."
I pulled back, blinking at her. "Home?"
"My home," she said softly. "I know it's not much, but I'll make it work. I'll figure it out. You'll have your own room. I'll—"
"But… the Collins—"
"They're not your family, Blake. I am." Before I could process that, a cold, firm voice cut through the air.
"Lily." Aunt Lily stiffened.
I turned.
Uncle Nathaniel Collins.
Zade's father.
His suit was immaculate as always—dark navy, perfectly pressed, gold cufflinks catching the light. His expression was unreadable as he walked toward us, but when his eyes met mine, something cracked.
"Blake."
I didn't move. He stepped forward and pulled me into a hug without asking.
I broke instantly.
I didn't even care who was watching. I sobbed against his chest like I was five years old again. His arms were strong. Steady. Like he could hold the whole world together if I needed him to.
"I've got you now," he whispered. Aunt Lily's voice trembled behind us. "Nathaniel… don't."
He looked up, keeping one hand protectively on my back. "He's coming with me."
"Like hell he is," Aunt Lily snapped, tears still streaking her face. "Don't you dare. Don't you dare take him from me. He is my nephew."
"It's not your choice."
"I'm his family."
"So am I."
"You're not blood."
"I was his father's best friend. His godfather. He is like one of my kids."
"You think that makes you better than me? His mother was my sister!"
Uncle Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "She named me his guardian, Lily. In her will. Legally. You know this."
Aunt Lily shook her head, her voice cracking. " Your wife hates him, why would you take him there. And my sister named you his guardian because she thought I couldn't afford him."
I flinched at that. Uncle Nathaniel said nothing. His silence was an answer.
"She was wrong," Aunt Lily whispered. "I would've figured it out. I would've made it work. I wanted him. I still want him to stay with him. I can take care of him."
Her voice broke.
"So do I," Nathaniel said quietly.
Silence.
Then Aunt Lily's voice turned pleading. "Blake. Tell him. Tell him you want to come with me."
I looked between them. I didn't know what I wanted. I wanted my mom. That's all.
When I didn't answer, Aunt Lily's face crumpled.
Uncle Nathaniel squeezed my shoulder gently. " I'm sorry Lily. You are always welcome to visit him. It's Blake's house after all. Come on, son."
I followed him. Not because I chose him over my aunt. But because I couldn't choose.
I slid into the passenger seat of his car, silent. My aunt didn't try to stop us.
------
The drive was quiet. The mansion felt wrong the moment we arrived. Too big. Too perfect. Too empty.
Uncle Nathaniel parked near the fountain, then turned to me.
"I'll pull the car around. Go inside, Blake. You remember the way." I nodded numbly. I walked.
Every step onto that property felt like walking backward in time. The marble steps. The stained glass windows. The smell of roses from the garden.
I used to be happy here. I used to be someone else. I stopped near the front entrance. Closed my eyes. Tried not to cry.
And then—
"Oh my God, who are you? Just RUN! MOVE!"
I spun around. That voice. I knew that voice.
"Zade…?"
And there he was. Charging straight toward me. Sweat-soaked. Breathless. Athletic as hell.
Behind him, three massive dogs tore across the property, barking, snarling, fangs flashing.
Zade locked eyes with me and shouted, "DON'T FREEZE! RUN!"
I didn't need to be told twice. I dropped my suitcase. And ran. Badly. Pathetically. Lungs burning. Legs wobbling. Heart trying to escape my chest.
Somehow, I found the energy to think:
Welcome home, Blake.