Page 93 of Midlife Crisis

“I was just looking out for Mom,” he said, and I respect that in these boys.

“Of course, and that makes you a good man. Your heart belongs to your mama first.”

As soda cans empty and the pizza boxes clear, I realize I only have so much time before Midge gets home.

“I wanted to talk to you guys about something. Man to man,” I say, looking up at Elston. We’ve come to a silent agreement. He’s the man of the house. I don’t plan to encroach on that, at least not exactly. “You guys know I care about your mom.”

“Oh no, please don’t talk about Mom.” Elston refrains from using ew, knowing I don’t like it.

“But he’s got that gooey eye thing going,” Liam adds.

“What’s the gooey eye thing?” Elston questions, peering down at his younger brother.

“Where he goes all gooey eyed talking about Mom, like you do when you talk about Eliza,” Liam explains. I laugh. Elston reaches out to cuff his little brother. Eliza is Elston’s new girlfriend. I think having her gives him a little perspective on his mom and me.

“Okay, well, I more than like your mom. I love her,” I admit, holding my breath as I wait for that to sink in. “And I’d like to ask her a really important question, but I want your permission first. All three of you.”

“Oh, my God,” Ronin squeaks, covering his lips. A smile breaks out on his face, his bright blue bangs falling into his eyes.

“What?” Liam asks, looking at his older brother.

“Hank wants to ask Mom to marry him.” The oldest’s eyes focus on mine. His lips twist. He’s thinking.

“Typically, a guy goes to a girl’s pop for this, but as your grandparents are in Chicago, and you guys are a touch more important, I’d like your blessing.”

“What are we blessing you for?” Liam makes the sign of the cross at me like a priest. Elston grabs his hand to lower it.

“He means he wants us to give him our permission to marry Mom.”

“That’s cool,” Liam says, shrugging his shoulder. “Can we still live here?”

“Of course.” I pause. “Well, we need to talk to your mom about that, but I’d like for us to stay here. I’d like to move in here when the time is right.” I figure being honest is the best policy. “But let’s do one thing at a time.”

“I’m okay with it,” Ronin adds. Elston stands with his arms crossed, his head hanging.

“What does this mean for us?”

“Nothing changes. You’re still the man of the house.”

Liam snorts. “Mom’s the man of the house.” He makes a funny expression, and the boys laugh in agreement.

“I mean nothing should change for you. Respect your mom at all times, and we’ll have no problem.” I direct my gaze at Elston.

Elston nods slowly. His voice remains quiet as he says, “Okay.”

A weight I didn’t realize I was holding lifts off my shoulders, and I open the small brown bag on the counter.

“I have something for each of you to show I’m committed to you as much as your mother.” Reaching in, I pull out six bracelets. Three of them are woven leather with a silver clasp. The other three are bright blue beads with three brown ones. Liam’s eyes open wide as he stares at the loops. I pass one of each to each of them.

“When I was in the band, we received a silver band because we were named Chrome Teardrops, and silver is a strong metal, binding us together.” I point at another bracelet I found buried in my drawer and added to the collection on my wrist. “I’m giving you leather ones, like this”—I point at the original band I wear, the one symbolizing friendship between Tommy, Denton, and me—“because, well, you’re younger, and I thought leather would be easier to wear.” I slip a new woven leather from my pocket, matching the ones I’ve given them, and wrap it around my wrist as a symbol of my connection with them. “This has four leather straps as we are four men.” I pause.

“The second bracelet I wear, the one with brown beads, symbolize how a team needs more than one person and no one person is more important than another in a circle. I’m giving you each a similar one with blue beads to match Elston’s eyes.” His head whips up. “And I want you to remember no one will look out for you more than an older brother.” I think of Brut before adding, “There are three brown beads for Ronin, Liam, and your mom. You’re the family first, but I’d really like to be a part of it.”

I wait as the boys slip the bands on their wrists, then I add another one to mine. I can’t help the smile on my face as I look around at our matching accessories. My heart gallops. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so happy, but then Midge comes in the back door.

“Howdy, boys,” she teases, her eyes sweeping over the empty pizza boxes and cans of soda. I might have let Liam have one too many. He’s the first to speak, hopping off his stool and heading for his mom.

“Look what Hank gave us.” He takes a moment to explain the meaning, and Midge rubs his back while he speaks. Her head comes up after a quick kiss to his forehead.