Stevens-Journey [Brac Pack 20] by Lynn Hagen Read Free Book Online Page B

their eyes met. Steven opted to sit opposite him instead of sitting next to him. To be honest, the idea of Roman being a shifter didn’t freak him out as much as the lifetime commitment he wanted.
    Steven sat next to Chauncey. The man may be large, but he was friendly and funny, and wasn’t trying to get a commitment out of Steven. He picked his glass of iced tea up, watching Roman from over the rim as he took a sip.
    “How’d it go in town today, Steven?” Mr. Lakeland asked.
    Steven nodded as he swallowed and set his cup down. “It went real well. My counseling went fine.”
    “That’s good to hear. I don’t believe in all that psychobabble, but if it works for you, then good.”
    Chauncey looked down at Steven, his eyes darting all over Steven’s head. “Your head don’t look any smaller for being shrunk.” He howled as his hand hit the table. “I crack myself up.”
    “Then you’re the only one,” his dad said and then chuckled.
    “Okay, it was funny.”

    46
    Lynn Hagen
    Steven smiled as he chewed his food. The more he got to know the Lakelands, the more he liked them. They were down to earth and comical at times.
    “If I had a tomato, I’d throw it at you,” Bryce added with a lift to his eyebrow.
    Steven laughed as he set his fork down. It was funny to see such large men tease each other. From what he learned, the brothers were very close. “Only if you want me to kick your ass.”
    “Boys,” Mr. Lakeland warned.
    “Sorry, Pa,” Chauncey and Bryce said.
    “This is a very good dinner, Mr. Lakeland,” Steven complimented. He hadn’t gotten back in time to cook, but Mr.
    Lakeland’s culinary skills were excellent.
    “Call me Pa. Mr. Lakeland was my father,” Mr. Lakeland said.
    Steven liked that. It made him feel like he had a father again.
    Although no one could replace his real father, Mr. Lakeland reminded Steven of his dad. He had wished he had siblings growing up. Maybe he could get to know the Lakeland men a little better. They did treat him as one of theirs.
    “How’s work coming along?” Pa asked Roman.
    This made Steven look across the table at the bear. “It’s coming along.” Roman smiled.
    “That’s good to hear,” Pa said as he stood. “Now for dessert.” Steven noticed these men loved their sweets. It seemed there were more sweets served than food. Pa laid a large plate of sticky buns and an apple pie on the table. “Steven gets his first before you boys devour it.”
    Chauncey reached over and laid a bun on Steven’s plate. He wasn’t even finished with his food yet, but it looked like the brothers couldn’t wait. Steven held his hand up when Chauncey grabbed the pie. “I don’t like apples.”
    The entire table stared at him like he was an alien. “How the hell did that happen?” Bryce asked.

    Steven’s Journey
    47
    Steven stole a glance at Roman. “I don’t know. I just never acquired the taste.”
    Roman winked at him as he grabbed the apple pie. “I’d love some.”
    The men around the table began to clear the dishes when they had eaten all the sticky buns and devoured the pie. Steven grabbed his plate, but Chauncey took it from him. “Why don’t you go relax on the porch? It’s beautiful out here at night. It’s something you have to see for yourself.”
    “Okay.” Steven let Chauncey take his plate as he walked through the house, opening the screen door, walking out into the night. He inhaled the country air, listening to the crickets chirp as he sat on the swing. Steven removed his shoes and then kicked his toe out, making the swing go into action, starting a slow back-and-forth motion.
    He tossed his arm onto the back of the swing, laying his head against the chain as he stared out into the darkening night. It was beautiful here. If he had to start his life over, this town was the perfect place.
    Steven heard the screen door open and knew who it was. Roman crossed in front of him, taking a seat next to him on the swing. They swung in