“Me too,” he says before ducking down and stealing a quick kiss. “Sorry, I just wanted one little kiss before we get inside.”
“You can have as many as you’d like.”
“Big words when we’re about to be in front of your teenage son.”
I groan, pulling back all the way and walking deeper into the house. Rodney chuckles behind me. “Don’t remind me. I’ve been nervous about this meeting all day.”
“Oh yeah? Good thing I’m great with kids,” Rodney says, puffing out his chest. When we get into the living room, he waves at Calloway. “Hello, fellow youngin!”
Calloway stares at him for a long moment before looking over at me. “I take back what I said. He’s exactly how he acts on stream. I’m leaving.”
Rodney cracks up, laughing so hard he’s holding onto the back of the couch for support. “I’m sorry, but I had to! Kei bet me to say that and Rin said I didn’t have the balls to embarrass myself in front of you. My pride was on the line!”
“You still think you have pride left?”
Rodney clutches his chest. “Oh my gods. You can never meet Kei. The two of you would destroy the world with your sass.”
I take Rodney’s backpack, bringing it to my bedroom while he chats with Calloway. Something inside of me flits into place, like the last piece of a puzzle, creating a beautiful picture now that it’s all together.
Calloway is my favorite person ever. Sure, he’s my kid and it’s my job to think he farts rainbows but there’s more than that.He’s a good person. He’s smart and kind and funny. I love being his parent. I love that I get to take care of him. It feels like a privilege.
Watching Calloway get along with Rodney is making me want to lie down and cry with joy. They get along. All the worries of the day wash away, leaving behind a rightness I didn’t dare hope for.
Gods. I like Rodneyso much. It’s like a wave, getting ready to crest. It’s building higher and higher and eventually, I know it’ll all come down around me. It won’t just be like, it’ll be love. I don’t know if I’m ready but love waits for no man. All I can do is brace for impact.
When I get back into the living room, Rodney has already pulled blankets out of the closet, showing Calloway all the best ways to roll them up and where best to place what. Calloway explains how scent is super important and Rodney takes that into consideration as they construct a nest together in the living room.
My chest feels like it may actually split open with how many emotions I’m feeling right now. Calloway needed this. He needed someone who understands nesting, to show him the ropes, to encourage this side of him. I love that Rodney can be that person.
As they work on sorting that, I go into the kitchen and start making a couple plates of loaded nachos. This all feels so domestic in the most wonderful way. I’m so overwhelmed by how happy I am.
Arms wrap around my middle from behind and I barely contain a yelp of surprise. Lips touch the back of my neck and I sink against Rodney’s chest.
“Hi,” he whispers against my skin.
“Hi,” I say back, pouring melted cheese over the chips. “Is the nest ready?”
Rodney hums, the sound vibrating against my back. I tilt my head slightly and I can feel Rodney smile against my skin before he’s peppering the exposed area with barely there kisses. My skin pebbles with goosebumps, my stomach warming with affection.
“What do you want on your nachos?”
“I wish I could say you,” he says with a pout. I shake my head, bumping my elbow against his stomach. “I guess I’ll take cheese, meat, sour cream, and tomatoes.”
I fill up his plate before handing it over. Rodney takes the plate and trades it for a little kiss.
I could get used to this.
I fill up a plate for Calloway and myself before heading into the living room. I hand it over, sitting where he directs me.
The nest is nice! It’s not exactly like the one Rodney made for just the two of us. I can see all the places Calloway put himself into it. There are clothes from all three of us present along the sides, the mix of scents doing something to my insides.
“This is lovely,” I tell them both. “Thank you.”
Calloway’s cheeks turn pink but Rodney just looks up at me with a grin. I have one of them on each side of me. Their scents mix with my own in the nest until we smell like a family unit. I like this more than words could ever say.
“This is delicious,” Rodney says, digging into his nachos. “Thank you for cooking, Gayle.”
“You’re welcome.”
