After a little while longer at the beach they all walked back to Rafael and Olivia's house, Rafael got lunch started, Liv and Tyler sat in the living room playing with Rafa so Rafi could see his grandson. Tyler smiled at Raf and asked Liv quietly,
"How is he really doing?"
"Okay. I mean, he can function, as long as he gets out of bed. I have to go in every morning and get him up. if I don't he just lays there staring."
"Noah and I took the whole summer off, so we can stay with you guys if you'd like?" Tyler smiled and sat on the sofa.
"Thank you, Fiu."
"No problem, we both needed to get away from New York, anyway"
"Everything okay between you two?" Liv asked worriedly.
"Yeah, just you know, some normal stress, I guess." Tyler grinned and picked up a magazine, not really looking at anything in particular.
"I'm glad the three of you are here."
"We are too, Liv."
"Lunch is ready!" Raf called.
Liv picked up Jr. taking him into the kitchen. Tyler and Noah joined them at the bar, Rafael took Rafael Jr into his arms, sitting beside Noah. They ate in silence, everyone sneaking glances at Rafael. Rafael knew everyone worried about him, he was very grateful for all of them. The rest of the day was uneventful just lying on the beach or hanging out at the house. A few hours later It was getting near Rafa's bedtime when he came running down the stairs, still damp from his bath.
"Abuelo?"
"Yes, Nieto?"
"Will you tuck me in and read me a story?" Rafa asked.
Raf smiled.
"You sure? You don't want Papi or daddy to read to you?" He said getting up.
"No, Abuelo. Please?!" Rafa pleaded.
"Okay." Raf grabbed Rafa and threw him over his shoulder.
"Abuelo!"
Rafa giggled as Rafi carried him to bed. Noah nodded at Tyler after his father and son were out of the room. Liv was getting ready for bed. Noah dialed Brook's phone.
"Hey Noah."
"Hi, sis. Why haven't you called or texted Papi?"
Brook sighed.
"I don't know. I really don't know what to say to him."
"Say to him? Tell him you're sorry and share the pain of losing our brother."
"I don't want to talk about Zach, it was too much to have to watch Papi at his funeral."
Noah sighed.
"I know, I hated seeing him like that. He's doing better, he just wants all his familia home right now and that includes you Brook." Noah said.
Brook had been lying on her bed during the conversation, but now she got up and threw her legs over the bed when Noah had said her Papi wanted his family home.
"Okay, I'll be there by the time you get up tomorrow, just don't wake me up for a while."
After his Nieto was down for the night, Rafa walked into his and Liv 's bedroom.
"Hola." He whispered as he climbed into the bed he shared with Liv, snuggling in behind her.
"Hi." Liv whispered back.
Rafa snuggled in closer, spooning her backside, placing both hands around her waist.
"How are you doing, honey?"
Rafa sighed and tightened his hold on her.
"A little better now that Noah, Tyler, and little Rafi are here, and of course, being in this position with you doesn't hurt either.."
"Noah told me earlier that Brook was on her way." Liv turned toward him and smiled for what felt like the first time all day...
"Really?" Raf couldn't believe it.
"Yes, Mi Amor."
"Uh... Why is she coming?"
"Noah talked to her. Why does it matter? You need to have a heart to heart with her. You know that?"
"I know….. So by tomorrow evening almost all Mi Familia will be home." Raf whispered as he let go curling in on himself.
"Rafi everyone is here, Zach will always be here with us."
Raf sniffled.
"I know. I mean...I guess...I just...I...I just miss him so much."
Liv smiled.
"I miss him too." Her tears glisten in the moonlight.
She wrapped him up in a hug and kissed his head.
"You know you don't always have to be the strong one Liv."
"I know." Liv sniffled.
Raf looked at her, she had tears running down her face.
"Mi Amor." Raf wiped her tears, kissing her, bringing her into his arms, holding her tight.
"Rafa?"
"Hmm?" He looked up.
Liv kissed his lips in a soft tender kiss and smirked as he kissed her back, hard.
"I love you, Rafa."
"Te Amo Siempre, too."
