“I’ll be inside. Luke, give Kyle a chance to explain.” Parker gave me a thumbs up and disappeared into the house.
Luke’s eyes fixed on mine, his pain clear despite trying so hard to hide it. I reached for his hand but he pulled away and stepped back.
“Can we sit down, babe?”
Luke shrugged, and when I sat in one of the chairs, he reluctantly sat in another.
“What do you want, Kyle?”
“A chance to explain.”
“Why? You made it perfectly clear I’m not worthy of your support.”
“Luke, that’s not true. You blindsided me and I panicked. All I could think about at the time was us being splashed across media and how my family would feel. I didn’t care about me, but I did care about how they’d feel. I needed time to figure out a way to be there for you without hurting them. I wanted to be there for you. You’re the most important person in my life and the most fucking stubborn.”
Luke chuckled.
“I thought about it all night and decided I wanted to take you down to my parents so we could share our great news about being together and let them know what was going to happen. I waited as long as I could and when you refused to see me, or take my calls, I went down on my own. One way or another I was determined to be in court on Friday.”
Luke appeared surprised. “You were going to be at the court even if I’d refused to see you today?”
“Yes. I love you, Luke. I just needed time to figure out how to tell mum and dad that our family name was about to be dragged through the mud. I needed to know they’d support me while I supported you. I’m sorry, I should have explained that when you first asked instead of saying no.”
“How did your parents respond?”
“As I expected, they support us 100%. Apparently I didn’t do a very good job of hiding the fact I’m gay. They’ve known for years as have most of my neighbors and the men. They were annoyed I hadn’t agreed to support you as soon as you’d asked but they understood why when I explained.”
“You’ll really be there with me?” A tear slid down Luke’s cheek. I kneeled down before him and gathered his hands in mine. This time he didn’t pull away.
“Of course I’ll be there with you, and when it’s over and your father is made to pay for what he did, I’ll hold your hand proudly as we leave the court. The media can take as many fucking pictures as they like, hell we might even give them a really good show by locking lips.”
Luke drew me into his arms and captured my mouth in a deep, emotional kiss. I felt like the world was back on its axis and everything was once again back in place.
***
Luke and I spent over an hour talking, and catching up, holding hands, and making out like a couple of love sick teenagers. When we spotted Mr Parker in a paddock forking hay, we knew it was time to get on with chores. Luke assured me he’d be over for dinner, but I held him in my arms and kissed him like we’d be apart for weeks instead of hours.
“It’s Wendy’s turn to cook so it’ll be takeout. Any preference?”
I didn’t miss the way Luke’s eyes narrowed and the frown which marred his gorgeous face.
“What’s wrong?”
“We need to talk about Wendy but not now.”
I was concerned, and worried, Luke appeared upset about Wendy for some reason. I decided not to press him on explaining until we had more time.
“Should I worry?”
Luke leaned forward and kissed me. “I honestly don’t know.”
Hmm, cryptic. “Okay. You didn’t say what you preferred for dinner.”
“Anything as long as it’s filling, I have a feeling I’m going to need the energy.”
I laughed and kissed the tip of his nose. “Depends on your ribs.”
“They can be a little achy but nothing to stop you from making love to me.”
“Will you move back in, I’ve missed you so damn much.”
“Yes, but I’ll leave Sally here until the weekend. Will we stay in Brisbane on Friday night? Maybe dinner and dancing to hopefully celebrate.”
“I’d love to, want me to book somewhere?”
“No, I have the perfect place in mind.”
I nodded, we embraced and kissed again before I stepped back. I stood for a moment, studying the man I loved and adored. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Luke looked confused.
“Giving us a second chance.”
He grinned. “I’m sure it will be me thanking you after tonight.”
I laughed, headed for my truck and slid into the driver’s seat. After firing up the engine and shifting into gear, I blew Luke a kiss and set off toward home, my heart feeling lighter.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
KYLE
I arrived home to find Wendy and the men sitting on the front porch drinking coffee and chatting. I figured they’d probably just finished lunch. I climbed from my truck, grabbed the overnight bag, and sauntered over to where they were seated.