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“They’re good people who want me happy. I’m not gonna pretend it’ll be perfect. They’re confused, and they have a habit of saying what’s on their minds, but their love for me trumps anything else. That’s what family does.” Grady turned to him, and Deke’s eyes went wide. “Shit. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insinuate anything about yours.”
No, he knew Deacon would never do that. “I know, but it’s true. It’s one of the things that has me so worried.”
Deke reached over and put his hand on Grady’s thigh. Looking down, Grady studied it, loved how warm he was and seeing Deacon touch him so easily. It probably sounded silly, but it gave him strength, made him feel like everything would be okay when they had no way of knowing that.
“How are you?” he asked Deke. “This is a big deal. You’re bringing a man home for the first time.”
“I’m bringing anyone home for the first time. It was different with Patty. They knew her from around town. We grew up together. I’d be nervous even if you weren’t a man.”
“Yeah, but it does change things.” It had to. Pretending it didn’t wouldn’t do them any good.
“I guess it does to most people. It will to my family, in their own way. To people in the world. To me, all that has any bearing is how you make me feel.”
Grady couldn’t help smiling. Happiness and hope surged through his whole damn body. He didn’t know what to say when Deacon said things like that to him, didn’t know how in the world he’d gotten so lucky. How someone could be as good of a man as his was. “You’re awful good at sweet talk.”
Deacon darted a glance his way, waggling his brows. “Yeah? Who’da thought I’d be so good at flirting? Didn’t even have to practice.”
Grady chuckled, his nerves all but melting away. All that mattered was this—them. “It’s not fair, really. I was awkward as hell at first.”
“Was?” Deacon teased, making them both snicker before he sobered. “I’m nervous too,” he added softly.
Grady entwined his fingers with Deke’s and held on tight. “I know. I’m here for whatever you need. Always.”
Deacon didn’t reply, but he didn’t have to. Grady knew he felt the same.
They were quiet as Deacon finished the drive, as he pulled up on the street in front of a small, white house. There were thick bushes on each side of the porch that he figured grew flowers in the right season. A frog flowerpot sat on the stairs.
“Granny’s lived here my whole life. She raised my daddy in this house. My great-grandma lived here with her too. This is where we dug out her recipe books and where I made my first batch of ice cream.”
Grady turned, looked at him. “I like listening to your stories. You love so deep.” He lifted Deacon’s hand and kissed it. Deacon rolled his eyes, but Grady knew his words had meant something to him.
“You’re awful good at sweet talk,” Deke said.
“Stop copying me.”
“You gonna make me?” Deacon joked, the two of them stalling.
“I’m sorry that Patricia’s parents won’t be here.”
“You don’t have nothing to be sorry for. It was their choice.” Deacon took a deep breath. “You ready to do this?”
“Yep. They’re going to fucking love me. Just you wait and see.”
“Check you out, being all cocky.” Deacon grinned, and then they both looked up toward the house—and realized they weren’t alone. Granny stood on the porch with Deacon’s siblings and his mom.
“Can we go home now?” Grady teased, but he wasn’t sure he was being completely playful.
“No. We’re stuck. If we leave, they’ll come and find us.”
“The two of you comin’ or not? I don’t got all day!” Granny called out, and somehow, that helped.
“What you do is your choice, but I’m not leaving her waiting,” Grady said and got out of the car.
Deke grabbed the gifts they’d brought with them and Grady the container of ice cream for dessert. Deacon had chosen, and he’d brought Sticky Bourbon with them. Grady wasn’t gonna lie; it was both sweet and a little embarrassing.
They walked up to the house together, Grady lagging behind slightly when they got to the porch.
“Grady Dalton, you don’t get to hide back there. I’ve been waiting to see you again,” Granny said. Logically, he understood she was only trying to make him feel comfortable, but it still soothed some of his concern, made him feel wanted.
Deacon stepped out of the way, and Grady hugged her. “Good to see you, Elsie.”
She wrapped her skinny arms around him. She was wearing another dress, this one red with Christmas trees on it.
“Oh, I see how it is. Granny gets to meet him before the rest of us?” Deacon’s sister, Natasha, said. Deke had told him she mostly went by Tasha.
