Chapter 77

DRAKE Ipress my lips to the top of my nephew’s downy-soft head and inhale his unique scent. I had no idea how magical he would be or how the smell of tiny human plus baby powder would combine to turn me to mush. I’ve never had any interest in kids, either in producing my own or fawning over anybody else’s, but I would give my last breath to make this chunky little guy laugh. He curls his fingers in my beard and grins at me, a globule of drool rolling down his chin. I swipe it away with the tip of my thumb, and he squeals with delight. Maybe that’s part of it—it’s so damn easy to make them laugh, to make them happy. It’s sad to think that he’ll eventually be as fucked up as the rest of us. Or maybe not, I think, as my sister-in-law walks over. Maybe he’ll be the perfect blend of Melanie’s selfless and sunny disposition and my older brother’s drive and ambition. “Let me take him from you, Drake. He needs his nap,” Mel says, giving me a warm smile. Her cheeks are flushed pink, her hair sl