Feel the Fire (Hotshots 3)

“I am? Feels like maybe I’d get in the way of that conversation.”

Tucker’s mouth pursed and his shoulders firmed up. “It’s family dinner. You’re family now or at least on your way to that status. I want you there.”

Luis had to inhale sharply. His deepest wish right there, Tucker wanting it too. It was almost too much. “You want me to be family?”

“More than anything.” This time Tucker’s kiss was long and lingering, and Luis believed him, could feel the strength of his conviction in his possessive grip and sweetly claiming lips.

“Me too.” Luis wasn’t ever letting this go, not even when it got hard. They would be a family. He was ready to make that happen.

* * *

Tucker was determined to not be nervous at family dinner on Wednesday, but somehow he couldn’t seem to stop the weird revving of his pulse. But at the same time, Luis by his side at the table simply felt right. Like he was supposed to be here. Like he truly was part of the family, exactly like Tucker had told him the night before. Even so, his heart rate kicked up again as the twins came barreling in, starving and full of apologies as they took their seats.

“Dude!” Wade gestured at Luis in between filling his plate with the salmon and potatoes Isaac had made. “You guys made up! I knew you’d get your heads out of your—”

“Language,” Tucker warned even as he had to fight back a laugh. Wade might put it far more colorfully, but they had been rather stubborn, him especially, and he had needed his eyes opened to the possibility of getting everything he wanted.

“I’m just saying I’m happy for you guys.” Wade beamed as he created a mountain of garlic mashed potatoes. “So happy that I’ll sleep here tonight.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Luis protested, sending Tucker a look. Tucker, however, wasn’t going to turn down more alone time. Sure, they could cuddle quietly if the boys came back with them, but privacy had its benefits too.

“It’s what...your last night together? I want it to be nice.” Wade shrugged.

“Thanks. And yeah, I’m going to drive the first part tomorrow after work if I can, then the rest in a long day Friday.” Luis was understandably eager to get back to help the ongoing fire situation his home office was dealing with. Tucker might want the extra night with him, but it wasn’t like parting was going to be easy either way.

“And how’s that going to work anyway?” Wade charged ahead into the question Tucker had been both anticipating and dreading. “If I go to Kansas, your frequent flier miles are going to be crazy high between that and California.”

“Yup. Lots of visits. And...” He took a breath to steady that tap-dancing pulse of his. At least Wade had saved him the trouble of figuring out how to bring this up on his own. “I might be job hunting.”

“You might be what?” Heidi’s fork clattered to the table, and her what was echoed by several other voices.

“Right on.” Wade was the only one at the table still beaming. “If you move, the graduation trip to Disneyland is gonna be lit.”

“Who said anything about Disneyland?” Somehow Tucker’s brain latched on to that detail rather than try to sort out all the other reactions happening.

“Who said anything about moving?” Heidi’s question was fast behind his, but Wade did a dismissive gesture.

“Dad did. Disney is going to be my price for being good with this news. That and maybe you can pick an apartment complex with a pool.”

“Whoa. Slow down.” Tucker wasn’t quite to the where-to-live part yet. Visits, then job hunting, then they could cross the question of cohabitation. Typical Wade though to jump right to what he wanted out of this, and while dizzying, at least he was enthusiastic, unlike the others.

“Yes, how about slowing down?” Heidi gave him a censuring look he knew well. She was peeved he hadn’t told her first, and he supposed that was valid. There was also a fair bit of “Tucker, be rational” in her expression and tone too.

Not enjoying being on the defensive, he held up a hand. “I didn’t say I was moving tomorrow or anything. Maybe eventually though. It’s on the horizon, something I want to seriously consider.”

Under the table, Luis patted his leg, a welcome reassurance that they were in this together. And they were. He had to trust that the rest of the family would come around.

“I sure hope you know what you’re doing.” Heidi’s drawn-out exhale said that she wasn’t quite there yet, but her tone was more resigned than angry.

“I do.” He knew better than to show doubts. He needed to be confident, not only for the kids and Heidi, but also for Luis, who needed to believe him that this was the path he wanted to take. “I’m not going to lie though, it would be easier if you guys were supportive.”