Bad Ideas (First & Forever 4)

Lark asked, “What’s happening?”

Seth explained, “Nana is an amazing woman. She has several gay grandsons and great-grandsons, and she loves the LGBTQ community with all her heart. In addition to her biological family, she’s also built a wonderful found family, and as of right now, all of you are a part of it.”

Lark looked stunned as he murmured, “We are?”

Nana grabbed the phone and exclaimed, “Damn right you are, you little cutie. Now, sit tight. We’ll be there in just a few minutes.” Then she yelled to her great-grandson, “Grab some fruitcake, Joshie! Be sure to get one that’s been soaking in booze!”

Seth told me, “We’re on our way, too. George stopped by for a visit while his wife’s at the hair salon, so Eden and I are bringing him along.”

I grinned and said, “I’ll go make some hot chocolate.” Then I handed the phone to Kel, who looked confused, and smiled at him before heading to the kitchen.

Around noon, JoJo and Yolanda got home from their romantic getaway at the B and B and found an impromptu party happening in the living room. Christmas music was playing, everyone was on their third round of hot chocolate and eggnog, and Nana’s husband had just shown up with a big deli tray.

The couple looked surprised, and after I made some quick introductions, I glanced at JoJo’s left hand. There was a sparkling ruby ring on it, so I knew it was safe to ask, “Do you two have any news you’d like to share?”

JoJo raised her hand to show off the ring and shouted, “We’re engaged!” Everyone cheered and applauded.

I was the first to grab the couple in an embrace, and I told them, “I’m so happy for both of you.”

While everyone swarmed them to offer their congratulations, I went out into the foyer and sat on the bench by the door. I sent Theo a text asking what he was doing, and he replied right away with: I’m in my office, taking a lunch break. And yes, I’m actually eating something, in case you’re about to ask. How are you, Casey?

I replied that I was doing great, and when I asked if he wanted to do a video call, my phone rang in my hand. As soon as he appeared on the screen, a huge smile spread across my face, and I said, “Hello, beautiful.”

He grinned at me and said, “Hi, handsome. Why does it sound like you’re at a party?”

“Because I am. It was all very spur-of-the-moment. I came home to find two of my housemates suffering from a bad case of the holiday blues, so I called my brother. He knows some amazing people, and they all rushed right over to spread some cheer.”

“Wow, that’s a lot for a Friday morning. Well, afternoon now.”

“Yeah. It’s pretty great, actually.”

“Why are you on the phone? You should be enjoying yourself,” he said.

“I miss you, Theo. I really wish you were here.”

Just then, Eliot returned from the kitchen holding a huge pitcher and yelled, “Who wants a refill of coquito?” Everyone cheered, and I glanced into the living room and grinned. Eliot had been a little shy about meeting our guests when he’d wandered downstairs in his pajamas, but he was really warming up to them.

“I don’t know what coquito is,” Theo said, “but it sounds like you shouldn’t miss out on that.”

“It’s a delicious Puerto Rican eggnog made with coconut and a lot of rum. Since I have to work this afternoon, I’ll need to pass. But I’ll make some for us this weekend if you want me to.”

“I’d love that.”

When I noticed Seth glancing at me curiously from the living room, I asked, “Do you think you might want to say hi to my brother? I know you’ve been nervous about meeting my family, but this might be a good way to ease into it.”

He thought about it for a moment, and then he surprised me by saying, “I’d actually love to meet Seth, and it doesn’t get easier than a video call, does it?”

I smiled at Theo, and then I signaled to my brother. When he came over, I slid to one side of the bench and indicated the seat beside me as I said, “I want to introduce you to my boyfriend.”

My brother took a seat, and I held the phone out so we both could see the screen. “Theodore Koenig, meet Seth Lassiter. Seth, Theo.”

Seth beamed at Theo as he exclaimed, “It’s a huge pleasure!”

Theo looked nervous, but he pulled up a smile as he said, “It’s nice to meet you. Sorry it took me a while.”

We all chatted for a few minutes, until Theo told us he needed to get back to work. “It was great to meet you,” Seth said. “I hope we can all get together soon. There’s one more thing, too—I want to thank you for making my brother so happy.”