Bernard thought about it. He’d wanted children for so long, but never found himself in a stable place to have children. Adopting was difficult for a single man, and impossible for a gay couple in California. He wished there was a way.
“I’d love children,” Bernard said, “but there’s no way for us to adopt. The state won’t allow it.”
“You never know what the future holds.”
“True, we both want children. I hope it’s something we can do. I know he’d make a wonderful father.”
“You’d be a wonderful father too.”
Would he be a good father? He’d wanted children but couldn’t raise a child alone. With Rory in his life, they could raise a child together. They’d be great parents.
“Thank you.”
“I’ve never seen you so happy, brother.”
“Thank you,” Bernard said, “it’s just…”
“Nope, you’re not doing this.” Emilio cut him off. “You’re not going into self-doubt mode right now.”
“What do you mean?”
“You feel you’re not worthy of love, but you are. That man over there is perfect for you. You love him and he clearly loves you. So, don’t screw it up.”
Bernard watched Rory chase Adão around a tire swing. He bent over to grab at him. Once in his arms, he tickled him. Adão screamed and giggled.
“Okay.” Bernard held up his hands. “I surrender. I won’t screw it up.”
Emilio hugged him. “I know you’re scared, brother. I know your past. You are a caring, loving, wonderful person who deserves to have someone who loves you.”
Bernard squeezed his brother. “I know Rory is the right match. I have to get used to being loved.”
“I understand.”
Bernard continued to watch Rory with the kids. The twins avoided strangers but took to Rory. Something about him made them comfortable.
“Come eat,” Bernard’s father called out.
Everyone grabbed a plate, sat around on the benches, and conversation ensued.
“Rory, it’s so nice to see you again,” Aunt Antonia said.
“It’s good to see you too, Antonia.”
She smiled at him. Antonia always liked Rory. She even said he was one of Bernard’s friends who mattered. He was grateful to have a family who accepted him, when Rory didn’t. He wanted Rory to be surrounded by the love he deserved. He hoped one day Rory’s family would accept him for the wonderful person he was.
Everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a wonderful afternoon. Bernard took in the scent of his father’s cooking. It never ceased to amaze him how wonderful of a griller his dad was.
After everyone had their fill, they brought out the gifts.
Bernard sat on a bench. Gifts piled up in front of him.
His dad got himFinal Fantasy Tactics—a strategy video game where you control a small army of soldiers on a chessboard-like battlefield against enemy armies. It took cunning, patience, and dedication to play.
“Thanks, Dad.” He hugged his father.
“I know you like those games, so I went to the store, and this is the one the clerk said you might like. I didn’t know if you had it.”
“I don’t, thank you.”
