It was simple enough to give lip service to the idea that it wouldn’t be easy. Having a kid who’d adored him shoot visual daggers in his direction brought home the reality of what he truly faced.

He fisted his hands at his sides and forced a deep breath. He’d told himself that nothing would stop him from fighting for Angi and Drew. If he gave up so easily, what would that say about him?

Andrew continued to glare, and Gabe could hear the boy’s panting breaths like he was having trouble controlling his upset. Gabe knew about that, and he understood using temper and emotional distance as a shield because those were less scary than fear of rejection and vulnerability.

And Andrew had plenty to be scared about, as much as Gabe had at that age. But the boy kept at it, and Gabe almost smiled realizing that Drew had already mastered a skill Gabe was still struggling to learn.

“Nice assist on that goal,” he said, hoping to distract Andrew long enough to figure out how to make this better. If nothing else came from his return, Gabe wanted Andrew to know that he would be there for him no matter what.

“Thanks,” the kid muttered because his mother had raised him with good manners. “Why are you here?” he asked.

“Because I screwed up, and I want to make it better.” Gabe ran a hand through his hair and hoped Andrew hadn’t heard the catch in his voice. “I’m sorry I hurt your mom and I’m sorry I hurt you, Drew. I was selfish and stupid.”

“You didn’t even say goodbye.”

“I know.” Gabe crouched down in front of the boy. “It’s because I didn’t really want to leave Magnolia. I love it here. I love you and your mom very much, and it killed me to drive away from the two of you.”

“But you did,” Andrew reminded him.

“Yeah, I was scared, buddy. Terrified of admitting how much you both mean to me.” He bit out a harsh laugh. “In my experience, when someone knows I love them, it makes me weak. It makes them able to hurt me.”

“My mom wouldn’t hurt you. She’s nice.”

“More than nice.” Gabe nodded. Nice was wholly inadequate to describe all the amazing things about Angi, but he could tell that to the boy it was high praise.

“Johnny’s dad isn’t coming back,” Andrew said, as if the situations were the same. “He’s gonna stay in Florida, but Johnny’ll get to visit him for spring break.”

“I’m not moving,” Gabe said simply. “No matter what happens, Magnolia is my home.”

“Even if Mom doesn’t want to be your friend anymore?”

Friends. Gabe sighed. Angi was his best friend, and he had no idea what the hell he’d do if she refused to give him another chance.

At least he knew what wouldn’t happen. He wouldn’t run away again.

“Even if,” Gabe confirmed. “Although I hope I can convince her to try.” He flashed a tentative smile. “I hope I can convince you, as well. I’m sorry I messed up so badly, Drew. I missed you a ton while I was away, and I’d like to earn a place as your friend again.”