Gage gave Jarek and his brothers some space over the next few days to reconnect and find out if they were there for the right reasons or not. Besides, he had to balance trying to rest while still going to work. Gage hoped that Jarek's brothers would prove him wrong about this all being disingenuous, but only time would tell.
Addison sent a message to Gage to tell him that they were making a quick trip but she would message him soon to come see him. He didn't know what that meant, but was trying not to let himself worry. He was coming to hate these cryptic messages from family members. He realized now it left him feeling anxious and scared that he would have his entire world rocked again in just a few days. Rather than keep it inside though, he told Jarek later that night that while he appreciated everything Addison and them were doing, the cryptic "we'll be back" message made him freaked out.
Jarek considered that and responded that Gage didn't owe his family contact whenever they wanted. He suggested going no contact with the more problematic family members and letting the less difficult people know what his boundaries are. Gage thought that over for a while and agreed with him, so he sent Addison a message saying he'd like her to at least let him know she's okay because Craig's last messages to him were cryptic and he had some trauma with that.
Addison told him that she would be happy to do so, and kept him updated on their travel. From what he could tell, they were going back to Utah for a little bit, but then coming right back, though he couldn't think why they would need to. Jarek's brothers shared that they were only in town for a little over a week and then they had to get back to Texas but they hoped to reopen communication with him. They came over each day and didn't say too much that was problematic, though they never did convince him to go to church with them.
It was a week later, on a Saturday, that Addison told Gage they were back and wanted to come over in the afternoon. Once Gage checked with Jarek and Tate, he gave them the okay to come over. Jarek's brothers were leaving the next day so they were coming over later in the evening.
When Addison, Brett, and Marina showed up, they came with one of Brett's brothers and a uhaul truck. Gage wasn't sure what they were up to, but they backed up into the driveway and then Brett and his brother came around to open up the back of the truck. Gage's mouth dropped when he saw what they had done. Inside the back of the truck were all of Gage's dirt bikes and gear for them. This was all equipment that Gage had saved up for with Craig in order to be able to buy for himself.
There were some boxes in the back, as well, though Gage couldn't tell right off hand what they were holding. He was too focused on a bike that was sleek and painted in black and purple.
"Dad will kill you for this," Gage said as he shook his head. "My bikes are one thing, but Craig's?"
Brett brought that particular bike down and stopped next to Gage. "It has your name on it."
Gage gave him a surprised look and then came over to run his hand over the metal surface of the frame, looking at the "Gage Belford" that had been written there in silver lettering. It was Craig's handwriting. Gage swallowed hard as he processed that, tears stinging his eyes.
Jarek arrived home to see the moving truck in the driveway and panicked, thinking Gage's family had convinced him to move out. He came charging around the edge of the truck like a man possessed, anger evident on his face, and stopped short when he saw the bike. "Gage," he said, a little shakily, "however much candy they offered you, do NOT get into the van, ok?"
Gage looked over at Jarek, and now Jarek could see the tears in his bright green eyes. He took in what Jarek had said and then started laughing. "No candy being offered. Addison and Brett went to get a bunch of my things apparently. Including this. It was Craig's pride and joy. I think he loved this bike more than he loved us." Gage's voice broke on the last few words.
Jarek looked appreciatively at the bike, "I can see why. She's fancy. What is all this?"
"Most of it is Gage's bikes and gear for that, but we packed up some of his clothes, his yearbooks, and personal mementos that I know matter to him," Addison explained. "I thought it was best to grab them before mom and dad went back to Utah."
"If you don't have the room for it, then we can get a storage unit," Brett added. "But Gage deserves to not lose everything he worked hard to get."
Jarek had been living a fairly Spartan lifestyle up until he had found himself with roommates, so his garage was pretty empty. He opened the door and started organizing the few articles that had found their way into the garage over his time living there. With all of them working on it, it was quick work to get the bikes and boxes into the garage. Gage sat down to go through some of the boxes, sending the clothing inside the house.
There was a smaller box filled with things that came from Craig's room. A few books, an old pocket watch that was well taken care of, a journal, some trophies, and the little bit of jewelry that Craig wore constantly. While they looked through it, Gage told Jarek some stories of his brother, like how the pocket watch used to be their grandpa's, and about some of the games the trophies came from. There were photos of the two brothers in hockey and soccer gear that came along with the trophies. Gage always looked so young and excited in the photos while Craig had on his game face.
There was also a photo of Gage and all of his siblings where Gage had on his missionary uniform. It was clearly taken at some sort of party to see Gage off, as balloons were around and behind them. Jarek could see the resemblance between them all, especially the two brothers. Craig was just a little taller than Gage, with dark brown hair and brown eyes, but he had a similar build and his face looked like the two could have been twins.
Before long, Gage's family needed to return the now-empty moving truck and head back to the airbnb but as they were preparing to leave, the Phillips Brothers arrived. Addison watched as the whole gaggle of men got out of the car, and she whispered to Gage, "It's good Kayla isn't here. She'd already be flirting."
"The brothers could do better," Marina commented.
"You don't even know what they're like," Gage pointed out.
"Unless they're like Stalin, they could do better," Marina said firmly, and then she turned her attention to Jarek's brothers. "We were just finishing up here before we take the truck back and go to the Airbnb. I'm Marina, Gage's most amazing and wonderful cousin, and this is Addison, his sister, and her fiancé Brett. That there is Brett's brother, Cody." Marina smiled at Tate when he chuckled at her words.
"Pleasure to meet y'all, ma'am," Robert responded, actually tipping his hat. "I'm Robert, this is Alec, and they're Noah and Elijah. Even they don't know which is which."
"Nice to meet you," Marina replied back, then she turned to Jarek. "Wait, does this mean my cousin is dating a cowboy?"
