“So,mi hijo,”Louisa said after the table had been cleared. “Have you given any more thought to what we’ve discussed?” They’d all enjoyed a huge Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the trimmings, and the adults were now settling in for some time together. Bernie’s kids had gone off to play video games and chat on the phone with friends.
“What do you mean, Mama?” Jon said innocently.
“Don’t play dumb with me. Grandchildren, Jon.” She stared at him. “You know I love Jacob and Sabrina,” she continued, referring to Bernie and Jeff’s two children, “but would it be so bad to give your mama a couple more?”
“The truth is,” Jon began, “Kyle and I have been trying like crazy, but neither one of us has managed to get pregnant yet!” Kyle nearly choked on his wine, and Bernie’s husband Jeff actually laughed out loud.
“Don’t be fresh,hijo.”
“Sorry, Mama.”
“Actually, Louisa, Jon and I haven’t really talked about it yet,” Kyle chimed in. “But I promise you that it’s something we’re going to discuss very soon. You must understand that we’ve only been living together for a few months and have stillbeen settling in. But I understand that it’s important to you. Jon and I will talk about how we want to move forward together.”
“That’s all I ask,” Louisa said quietly, a smile on her face. “Talk about when I can expect my next grandchild.”
Jon just shook his head. “I think I’ll have another glass of wine.”
Chapter 4
Jon
“Sweetheart, there’s something we need to talk about,” Jon said. They were enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning at home. It was early December, and things would be busy for the holidays, so they were taking advantage of some downtime.
“Uh-oh, that sounds ominous,” Kyle replied, pouring himself another cup of coffee. “Before you start, do you want more coffee?”
“No, I’m good. C’mere, sit with me.” Jon tapped the cushion beside him on the sofa. “It’s nothing bad.”
“Okay,” Kyle said, sitting next to his boyfriend. “What’s up?”
“We both know that my mom has been pushing for us to start a family, and we’ve joked a lot about putting babies into each other.” Jon grinned, then sipped at the brew in his mug.
“You really like that part, huh?” Kyle teased.
“Well, yeah, but the fact is, we really haven’t talked seriously about whether or not we actuallywanta family, have we?”
“No, I guess we haven’t,” admitted Kyle. “And frankly, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that since we got back from the cruise, but it seems like there’s always something else going on. If you remember, when we were in Phoenix for Thanksgiving, I even promised your mom we’d talk about it.”
“That’s right. But wait, you said you’ve been thinking about it since the cruise?”
“Yeah. One day on the ship I was sitting with Mike and Becky—and Wyatt, of course—and we were talking about this very topic. They asked how things were going between us, and that led to talk of kids. I told them it was something that you and I needed to discuss.” Kyle shrugged. “I’m sorry I didn’t bring it up earlier.”
“That’s okay, we’re talking about it now. So I guess the question is, do you want kids at some point?” Jon raised his index finger. “But before you say anything, just remember, there is no wrong answer.”
“I’ll tell you the same thing I told Mike and Becky—at first, I wasn’t sure, but after spending time with Wyatt on the cruise, Idowant kids eventually. He was great, and I loved hanging out with him. I know it’ll be a lot of work, but I also know we can do it.” Kyle smiled. “And I know you’ll be a great dad.” Jon’s heart filled at those words, and he smiled back. “And what about you?”
“Yeah, I guess I’ve always wanted to have a family. I’m sure a lot of that was how I was raised. I mean, you’ve met my mom!” Kyle chuckled, and Jon joined in.
“I sure have.”
“And I’ve seen how much joy kids have brought to Bernie and Jeff. I loved babysitting for Jake and Bree, but I never thought I’d actually settle down with someone and get to have kids of my own.” Jon sipped his coffee.
“So I guess we both want kids, huh?”
“Yeah. I mean, we don’t have to decide on anything right this minute, but I would love to have kids with you, Kyle.”
“Oh my God, your mom is going to be so happy!” Kyle laughed.
“She certainly is,” Jon agreed. “But maybe we don’t say anything just yet. You know that as soon as we tell her, she’ll start hounding us both. Perhaps we should talk to Mike and Becky about it, and if I can convince Bernie not to say a word to Mom, we could talk to her and Jeff too. You know, just to get a sense of what we’re in for.”
