Free Loco's Love [Brac Pack 9] by Lynn Hagen

knowledge?

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    Lynn Hagen
    “What is this?” he asked, looking down at the box then up at his mom.
    “Open it.”
    He opened the lid.
    He felt a bottomless peace and happiness wash over him as he stared at the content. Tangee sank to his knees as unchecked tears ran down his face. There was a photo sitting right on top, and Tangee knew in his heart that is was his father.
    The man he had longed to have knowledge of was staring up at him.
    His hands trembled as he dug through the pictures and poems lining the small cardboard safe-keeper. His father was handsome, strong, and proud looking. He had his dad’s eyes, as well as his hair color. His strong jaw was passed on to Tangee as well. “What was his name?” he asked in a strained voice.
    “Sky. He was part of the Eastern Pack.” She wiped her eyes, her hands fluttering to her breasts as they fisted the tissue she was holding.
    “Sky,” Tangee repeated the name, feeling close to the man he had never met just by saying his name. He ran a finger over his father’s face, wishing he had known him.
    What would it have been like to be raised by this strong and powerful looking man?
    He swallowed a few times past the lump in his throat as he absorbed every feature in the face, committing it to memory.
    “I can make arrangements for you to meet the pack,” Loco offered as he rubbed Tangee’s arms.
    Tangee just nodded as he stared at the picture. He wanted to explore the other items in the box but decided he would indulge this in private, in his room at home.
    He wiped his eyes and looked up his mother. “I came by to tell you that I moved. I live with Loco now. I’ll still help you and Melonee. As a matter of fact, I would like her over for a weekend if Loco’s Love
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    that’s okay.”
    “I think she would like that.” His mom held her arms out.
    Shocked, Tangee fell into them. So much had happened to him recently that he would probably crumble at any more revelations. This emotional stuff was draining.
    They both cried for a moment, and then he straightened and grabbed his little sister into his arms.
    “Would you like that, Melonee?” He kissed her forehead, thanking his lucky stars for the little gift in his arms.
    She nodded her head quickly as she wrapped her arms around him.
    “I’m gonna go now.” He set his sister on her feet, messing up her beautiful hair.
    Loco smiled at his mom and sister then took his hand, promising to have him back for another visit. Tangee pulled his hand free and handed an envelope to his mom. “Love you.”
    “You, too, baby.” She caressed his cheek as he and Loco walked out.

    * * * *
    Loco walked out with Tangee, watching him clutch the shoebox so tightly to his chest it was as if he were trying to make it become a part of him.
    He buckled his mate in. Tangee held his arms up but never released the box. Loco placed a knuckle under his chin, turning his head for a peck on the lips.
    Tangee had been through a lot lately. He didn’t know what he would do in a situation like this.
    Maybe he could take the five-by-seven photo and have it blown up to an eight-by-ten and frame it to put on his mate’s dresser so Tangee could see his father all the time.
    The yellowing papers in the box that he assumed were letters 64
    Lynn Hagen
    would need to be preserved. He was sure he could find a place that would do that sort of thing.
    Right now it wouldn’t be possible. That box held Tangee’s own private little world that he wasn’t allowing anyone else into.

    * * * *
    “You okay?”
    “No,” Tangee answered honestly. His mind was scattered, his emotions were in a whirl, and he didn’t know what to think. He finally had answers to lifelong questions, but now he had even more questions.
    Tangee nodded, watching the forest pass them by as Loco drove.
    It wasn’t like the last trip where he chatted excitedly. This trip home was more of a reflective time for him.
    Tangee cradled the precious box in his arms as he climbed the