Chapter Text
Carlos lingered by his father's grave for a moment longer, the warm Texas breeze brushing against him as if Gabriel himself was offering a quiet blessing. His heart felt heavy, but lighter somehow—grief mingling with a sense of justice finally served. He exhaled shakily, whispered a final, "I love you, Dad," and turned to leave. When he lifted his head, TK stood waiting a few feet away, hands tucked into his pockets. The sun had begun to set, casting golden hues around him, and for a second, Carlos forgot how to breathe. TK's soft, comforting smile—the same smile that had grounded him for years—was steady and certain. Carlos offered a small smile back as he approached, the distance between them melting away.
When Carlos reached him, he took TK's hands gently, squeezing them. His thumb traced soft circles over TK's knuckles as though memorizing their warmth. Carlos leaned in, but his cowboy hat got in the way, bumping TK's forehead. "Damn hat," Carlos muttered with a quiet laugh as he pulled it off, holding it loosely at his side. This time, there was nothing in the way as he pressed a soft kiss to TK's cheek. The kiss lingered—gentle, grounding—and when Carlos pulled back, he wrapped his arms around TK's waist. TK sighed, his arms finding their place over Carlos' shoulders, holding on as though he'd been waiting for this all day.
They didn't speak, but the silence between them felt full. Their foreheads pressed together, Carlos closing his eyes as TK's hands traveled up to cradle the back of his neck. "Let's go to the ranch," Carlos whispered. TK nodded, and they walked back to Carlos' truck, still holding hands.
The drive to the Reyes ranch was quiet but comforting. Carlos rested his hand on TK's thigh, his thumb occasionally tapping against the fabric of TK's jeans as though he needed the reminder that TK was there. TK placed his hand over Carlos', fingers brushing over his knuckles rhythmically. His gaze stayed fixed on the window, but his mind spiraled with thoughts. "When I have to choose between my husband and my brother, I will choose my brother." The words he'd said to Tommy and Nancy echoed in his head like a vow. Jonah couldn't be sent away to a boarding school thousands of miles away. Not when he had TK. Jonah was the last tangible piece of his mom, and TK couldn't lose him—not this time. If Carlos wasn't ready, TK wouldn't push him, but he'd do it alone. That thought terrified him, but the alternative? Losing Jonah? That wasn't an option. Never will be an option.
When they reached the Reyes ranch, Andrea was already waiting on the porch. The moment Carlos stepped out of the truck, her expression shifted to one of deep concern. She didn't need to ask; the answer was written in her son's tired eyes. Carlos held her tightly when she embraced him, burying his face in her shoulder. "Chief Bridges," he started, voice steady but hoarse. "He was the one, Má. He killed Dad. He... covered his tracks for years, but we got him."
Andrea gasped, tears welling in her eyes as her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, Carlitos..." she breathed, her voice breaking. "Mi hijo..." She wrapped her arms around him again, sobbing quietly. "You gave your father justice. You gave us peace. Do you know how proud I am of you?" She pulled back to look at him, brushing tears from his cheeks with trembling hands. "And do you know how proud he would be of you?"
Carlos' voice cracked. "I just wanted to do right by him, Má. That's all I wanted."
Andrea smiled softly through her tears, cupping his face. "You did. More than anyone else could. Your father is smiling down on you right now, Carlos. I know it." She kissed his forehead softly before pulling TK into the embrace as well. "And you," she said, squeezing TK tightly. "You are family, too. Thank you for standing beside him."
Dinner that night was light and full of love. Andrea spoiled her two sons, doting on them with food, stories, and laughter. TK felt lighter than he had in months. Carlos seemed more like himself—like the man he fell in love with—and it warmed TK to see Andrea's soft smile every time Carlos reached for TK's hand or refilled his plate. For the first time in a long time, TK felt like his family was whole again.
The next morning, Carlos left early to give his statement. TK stayed back at the loft, the quiet gnawing at him. He wandered aimlessly through the apartment, picking up things and putting them back down without thought. His mind spun in circles, replaying the quiet moments of their marriage. He found himself staring at their wedding photo on the shelf—the two of them smiling like nothing could ever go wrong. He traced the edges of the frame with his thumb. When they promised forever, it felt unshakable. But now, with Jonah's adoption looming and Carlos still hesitating, forever didn't feel so certain anymore.
At half past three, his phone buzzed. A message lit up the screen:
Babe ❤:
Mi amor, meet me at Café Josie at 6pm. Let's have a date night! 😍
TK froze. A date night. How long had it been? He almost cried as the weight of it hit him. He missed Carlos so much. For a moment, hope flickered in his chest, but then reality came crashing down again. What if tonight was the end?
He spent the next hour preparing, pulling out his best shirt and pacing in front of the mirror. He practiced the words he dreaded saying—the ones that sat like lead in his chest. "Carlos, I can start the divorce papers. The adoption procedure starts next month, and I... I can't let Jonah go." The words stuck, choked by the tears he couldn't hold back. "I love you, but I can't lose him," he whispered to his reflection, tears rolling down his cheeks.
By the time he arrived at Café Josie, he was composed but fragile. Carlos was already waiting, standing when he saw TK and smiling the way he always did—as if TK was the only thing in the world.
Their dinner started light. Carlos asked about Tommy, complimented Nancy's leadership. TK asked how Campbell was doing. Carlos took one bite of his food and answered, "He was discharged today. He's actually bugging me to introduce you." Then Carlos chuckled, "Can you believe he has four kids?"
TK tensed, the elephant in the room now fully present.
When their plates were nearly empty, Carlos set his fork down and looked at him, his expression soft but serious. "Okay, TK, let's do this."
TK blinked. "Do what?"
Carlos smiled, his eyes shimmering. "Let's proceed with Jonah's adoption."
TK froze, his breath caught somewhere in his chest. "What?"
Carlos stood, moving to TK's side and kneeling beside him. He took TK's hand, his voice steady but tender. "I'm still scared, TK. The idea of raising a child terrifies me. But I think I'm ready. My dad's case is solved now. I can be present—for you, for Jonah. I already love him. And I can't let him go. I know what he means to you, and I get it now. He's your connection to your mom, and you need this. I can't lose you, TK. I won't."
Tears streamed down TK's face as he choked on a sob. Carlos pulled him into his arms, holding him close. "I'm sorry for everything," Carlos whispered. "For shutting you out. For being a terrible husband. Thank you for being so patient with me."
TK shook his head, his voice breaking. "I missed you so much, Carlos. I almost lost my mind today, thinking I was going to lose you."
Carlos cupped TK's face, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You don't have to thank me for this. I love you. We're doing this together."
TK clung to him, crying softly against his chest. "I love you, too," he whispered. "Thank you for coming back to me."
Carlos smiled, holding him tighter. "Forever, TK. I promised you forever."