Page 107

The homesickness hits hard as we all start to eat, making me sad. I don’t feel like my usual self here—like I’m walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Ryann fills my plate first, piling on pasta and veggies before serving himself. When there’s one steak left, Dad frowns.

“Not feeling like steak today, son?”

My first instinct is to lie, tell him I’m just not hungry like I’ve always done. But Ryann brushes his fingers down my arm reassuringly, and I lick my lips before shaking my head.

“I, uh, don’t really like meat.”

There. It’s done. Wasn’t so hard.

Dad blinks, his frown deepening. “Since when?”

“Since forever.”

He studies me, a multitude of emotions crossing his features before he huffs and tears into his food. “Wish ya would have said something, but I’ll never say no to two steaks.”

That’s it. That’s all he says. No lecture about men needing protein or how I need to bulk up. He just accepts it and moves on, which is…surprising. And not at all what I was expecting.

Mom smiles, nudging my leg under the table. “Shilo and Ryann are dating. Did they tell you?”

Dad grunts, shaking his head around his food. “No, but I figured it out.”

A beat of silence passes as we all eat.

“And…?” My mom prompts, elbowing him in the side. “What do you have to say?”

“Christ’s sake, Sheila, can we at least get through the meal?” Dad reaches up to rub the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable but not upset. He’s never been good at expressing emotions, but thankfully, I always had Mom and Paige for that.

“It’s okay,” I say quickly, squirming in my seat. “You don’t have to say anything.”

“No, it’s not okay. Your mother’s right, I have things to tell you. Just let me get my words together.” He stares off toward Mom’s lilac bushes, gathering his thoughts. “The day you were born, Shilo, I was so proud to have a son. So excited. Your grandfather raised us with a firm hand, and all I could think was ‘man, I can’t wait to give this kid everything I never had.’”

“You did,” I rush out, not wanting him to think I’m ungrateful.

“But there’s more to being a parent than just giving you things,” he continues, swinging his gaze to mine, and I’m shocked to find it glistening. “I got so stuck on who I thought you should be that I didn’t give you the choice to be who you are. The words I said to you were inexcusable, and I’m sorry, son.”

“Dad, no.” My eyes water before I know it, and I leave my seat to give him a hug. “You were a good dad, the best.”

Call me weak, but no kid wants to see their parents cry. And now that we’re both crying, Mom joins in, making this situation ten times worse.

“I’m the man of this family, and I was supposed to protect you,” Dad says, wiping his eyes. “I failed you, kid. Will you give your old man a chance to do better?”

With a nod and sniffle, I back up until Ryann pulls me onto his lap. “I only ever wanted you to be proud of me. To accept the fact that I’m not like you.”

My dad huffs. “No, you’re not, and thank God for that. You took after your mother. It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re still my son.” Pausing, his face twists thoughtfully. “Or, uh…daughter, you know, if that’s what you decide.”

I choke on my spit as Mom smacks him on the shoulder in outrage. “Mark, he’s gay, not trans!”

“Christ almighty, I’m trying here, woman!”

Despite how offensive that comment was, a laugh bubbles out of me. It was such a Dad thing to say.

As long as he’s willing to try, actually try, then I don’t mind correcting him when he gets it wrong. Because, let’s be honest, he probably will. A lot. But if he can listen and change, accept me for who I am, that’s all I can ask for.

Ryann holds me close while my parents bicker, his lips brushing my hair. “You alright?”

Master Splinter nibbles on my hair, drawing my attention, and I reach up to pet him with a smile. “Yeah. I’m fine.”