“What a life,” Paige sighs dreamily. “When I get my first patent, I’m going to buy a boat with it.”
“You absolutely should,” Dally encourages. “How is your latest invention?”
The two voices trail off as they get farther away. I watch my two girls walk down the terraced steps to the eating area set up near the pool where the rest of my family is settled. There’s the two sets of twins. My aunt, the Mad Chef, watches as her daughter serves up the barbecue that has been smoking for hours. The Mad Chef’s husband, the now-retired, former captain of the police department, pours red wine into everyone’s glasses and makes a joke that has
Uncle Cullen
throwing his head back in laughter.
“You can come out, son,” I call. “The danger is gone.”
My six foot four inch seventeen-year-old sidles out from behind the stairs. “I’m trying to retain my innocence for as long as possible.”
“I found three empty condom boxes just last week so unless you’re using them to make water balloons, I’m thinking your innocence was taken long before today.”
He makes a face. “Paige is right, Dad. You and Mom act like newlyweds. Half my friends’ parents are divorced and you two are making out like you just met. At this stage, you’re supposed to be sleeping in separate beds and scowling at each other over oatmeal in the morning.”
“Sounds fake to me.” I grab the two pies that Auntie MJ made and shove them into Porter’s hands. “If you ever think the person you’re dating isn’t someone you want to spend the rest of your life loving, then you should break up immediately because that’s not the one for you. Don’t waste her time or yours.”
Porter nods. “Yessir.”
I ruffle his hair even though he’s an inch taller than me because he’s still my son even though in a year he’ll be an adult and at college. “You’ll be a good partner,” I assure him. “Whoever you pick.”
His cheeks turn a light pink. “I’m not ready for any of that.”
“I know but when you meet the right person, you will be.” My hand drops to his shoulder.
“It might not be someone you would approve of.” His eyes meet mine, slightly anxious but straight on, as if he’s prepared to defend his beliefs.
My heart squeezes at the man he’s becoming. I’m proud of him. Proud of Paige, too. Dally’s been a great mom and I haven’t fucked up too badly. “I trust your judgment so whoever you bring home, I’m gonna love.”
“Even if it’s not someone like Paige?”
“Even if it’s not a girl,” I say because I know that’s his worry.
He swallows hard and then tightens his jaw because he doesn’t want to tear up–not today with all the family around.
“Go take the pies to the table,” a soft voice interrupts.
We both look up to see Dally at the door, a tender expression on her face. She comes over and tugs her son’s head down so she can give him a kiss on the cheek. “Go on, now. Your grandfather is asking for you.”
Porter doesn’t need to be told twice. He’s not big on talking about his feelings so he appreciates the out Dally is giving him.
My wife comes and tucks herself next to my side. “Did he finally confess?”
“Sort of?” I scratch the side of my nose. “Not in so many words, I guess, but we came to an understanding.”
“He doesn’t want to lose your respect.”
“That could never happen. Not with how you raised him.” I drop a kiss on the top of her head. “I guess we didn’t do too bad with our kids, huh?”
“They’re two of the very best humans ever to be created,” she agrees.
“Probably because they have the best mom.”
“Maisie and Star would disagree,” Dally says.
“Those two would be wrong like they always are,” I reply. Dally giggles and it sends a vibration of arousal down my spine. “Wanna sneak off?” I suggest. I can never stop wanting her, nor do I want to stop.
“We shouldn’t.”
“That doesn’t sound like a no.”
“It’s not.”
That’s all I need to hear. I reach down and lift her into my arms and make my way to our bedroom.
She curls her arms around my neck. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Not in the last hour.” I brush my lips against her cheek.
“Well, I do love you more than there is water in the ocean and grass on the ground.” Her fingers comb through the back of my hair. I shudder with excitement.
“Darling, I love you as much today as I did when I first laid eyes on you. Thank you for loving me in return.”
“How could I not?” She tugs my face down to meet hers. Against my lips, she declares, “You are my only one.”
I kiss her as hard and as passionately as the first time our mouths touched, for she is my only one, too.
* * *