“You are more than I could have ever dreamed of.”
They hugged, and Bernard gave him another kiss.
*
SARAH, JOHN, ANDKelly arrived at noon with little Mikey waddling along.
“You made it.” Bernard jogged up and took the casserole dish from Sarah’s hands.
“Why would we miss your birthday party?” Sarah wrapped an arm around Bernard.
“Besides, Kelly hasn’t had your dad’s food yet,” John said. “He’s in for a treat.”
“They go on about it,” Kelly said. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have some.”
Once everyone was present, the air around the grill filled with the scent of burgers, hotdogs, buns, vegetables, and the spice of his father’s secret sauce.
“Uncle Rory.” Bernard’s twin nephews came running, followed by two girls around the same age.
“Did they call me uncle?”
“Yes, they call any adult who is part of the family and is not their dad, mom, or grandparent uncle and aunt,” Bernard said. “I forgot. You weren’t around for that part.”
“They think of me as part of the family?”
“Well, they know you’re my boyfriend, so they don’t see it as any different.”
Rory smiled. Bernard loved his smile.
“I always wondered why you had so many aunts and uncles.”
“Yup, pretty much any adult around us is an aunt or uncle.”
“What’s up, boys?” Rory knelt.
Bernard loved how Rory treated everyone, even children, with respect and gave them his full attention.
“Cousin Melissa and Mandy said you couldn’t find all of us if you tried. But we think you can.” Duarte spoke breathlessly. The two girls who followed nodded.
“I think I can. You all go hide, and I’ll come to find you,” he said. “One. Two.” The kids screamed and scattered.
“I’ll be back.” His smile and wink warmed Bernard.
Bernard watched Rory play with the kids. They hid while he sought them out. The children were talented at hiding.
“So, how are things going with Rory?” Emilio slid onto the bench next to him.
“It’s been amazing,” Bernard said. “I’ve never been happier. Sarah said I fell in love with him years ago.”
“And did you? Fall in love, I mean.”
“Yes, I actually told him I loved him.”
“He’s great with the kids. They’re having a blast with him.”
“He really is a sweet man.”
“Do you want children someday?”
