Chapter 135

“Cody, was I too much?” James's voice was raspy, heavy with fatigue. Cody hesitated. He knew the answer, but couldn’t bring himself to say it. Instead, he changed the subject. “When’s Ethan supposed to come again?” “This Friday, two days from now.” Cody’s face lit up. “I picked up the toys already—the seller swore kids love ’em. I can’t wait to see Ethan’s face when he sees them. If Ella could come too, that’d just be perfect.” Thinking of the two little ones, James’s mood lightened a bit, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. “Yeah… I’m looking forward to it too.” When they arrived at Blooming Vista, Cody headed up with James. He’d already sent James pictures after setting everything up, but honestly, his photo skills were next to useless—they didn’t do the place justice at all. This apartment felt much cozier than where James currently lived. He looked at the couch and imagined Ethan snuggled up, watching cartoons. Then at the toy room, picturing Ethan playing happily surrounded