Read Online Garrett's Choice by A.J. Jarrett - Free Book Online Page B

back then.”
    “Still doesn’t make it right,” Josh whispered. “Why can’t they just love us for who we are and not hate us for what we aren’t?”
    Lachlan wasn’t sure if Josh wanted him to answer. And truth be told he didn’t have an easy answer to give. Parents should love their children no matter what and stand by them through good times and bad. But after his experience and what he just witnessed between Josh and his father, those family ties didn’t always exist no matter the day and age they were in.
     
    Garrett’s Choice
    59
    “I think they do in their own way.” Lachlan tried to explain. “But other people’s expectations and approval cloud their judgment.”
    “That’s bullshit. They’re just weak.” Josh’s skin became flushed with anger. “It shouldn’t matter who we’re friends with, where we live, or if we’re gay. A parent’s love should be unconditional.”
    Lachlan wholeheartedly agreed with that statement, and if one day he was blessed with kids of his own, he’d be a supportive parent no matter what. “You’re right, Josh. It should be, but you can’t let the faults of your father bring you down.” Lachlan wrapped an arm around Josh’s shoulders and walked with the man toward the entrance of the woods where he had entered.
    “How can you be so nice to me?” Josh asked.
    “Because”—Lachlan blew out a heavy sigh—“I see a lot of myself in you. You didn’t have the ideal home life, you’ve lost someone you loved dearly, and you’re having issues with your sexuality.” Josh stepped away from Lachlan so fast, Lachlan’s arm banged into his side.
    “I’m not gay,” Josh stammered out.
    “Oh.” Lachlan rammed his hands into his pockets. After their conversation he was for sure Josh was gay, but maybe he had misunderstood. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
    “Why? Do I act gay?” Josh looked down his body as if he were trying to see if there was some sort of sign that he was gay.
    “No. I just thought.” Lachlan stopped himself. He’d come a long way with Josh and didn’t want to strain the newfound friendship.
    “Never mind. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you’re happy.”
    Josh nodded his head. “So you don’t wish I’d leave? I mean all the stuff I’ve done to you, no one would blame you if you didn’t want me around anymore.”
    “Lucky for you I’m not like everyone else. You’re part of this pack, and that makes you part of our family.”
    “I agree.” Lachlan and Josh both looked toward the clearing where the boisterous voice came from. Garrett stood leaning against a 60
    AJ Jarrett
    tree watching them. Garrett lazily pushed off from the tree and strode in their direction. “Lachlan is right. You’re family, Josh, and I would never turn my back on you. I do think you owe Lachlan an apology for the way you’ve treated him.” Garrett glanced over at Lachlan. “I think it’s safe to say Lachlan and I agree that the shit you’ve pulled is strictly because you’re young and dumb.”
    “Garrett,” Lachlan chastised him.
    “It’s true. We’ve all been there,” Garrett defended. “But if you learn from your mistakes is what matters.” Garrett pinned Josh down with his stare. “Have you learned your lesson, Josh?”
    “Yes, sir,” Josh answered easily. “I’m sorry, Lachlan. I haven’t been fair to you, but after today”—a smile spread across the young man’s face—“all that will change. Thanks for coming to my rescue today and listening to me.”
    “Don’t sweat it. What are friends for?”
    Josh said a quick good-bye as he left the woods. He looked like he walked a little lighter. Lachlan had to think letting go of all that hatred had to be a relief.
    “That was very kind of you.”
    “It was nothing really.” Lachlan raised his arm in the direction Josh had just left. “His father was extremely out of line. The way he was treating Josh it’s no wonder the kid acts like an