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“I’m amazing, Lake. That was incredible.”
He’s not wrong. I’ve never experienced anything like that before. He’s contemplative before finally adding, “Maybe the idea of fated mates isn’t so crazy after all.”
I frown, considering that. I haven’t actively discounted that theory since River met Cooper. It’s obvious there’s something special there. But is Evander implying that Logan, he, and I are fated mates? I wonder if that thought should concern me. But instead, it just leaves me with a feeling of warmth and belonging. A feeling of hope. A feeling of family.
TWENTY-TWO
EVANDER
My heart is pounding as I help chop vegetables with my dad. Today’s the day of the big family dinner where everyone is going to meet. And I have to say, I’m nervous as fuck. The situation is weird. I don’t usually meet the dad of the person I’m seeing before we even officially become a couple.
But, obviously, these aren’t normal circumstances, and nothing has been typical. I wonder if Lake even told his dad about us yet. I should probably ask him. I don’t want to act all coupley around him before Lake’s ready for that.
My dad took it in stride, just like he does everything else. He not only didn’t bat an eye that Logan and I are suddenly more than friends, but also when I said the three of us were all seeing each other. “I’m not going to pretend I completely understand how a relationship between three men will work, but then, I guess it’s a good thing I’m not in that kind of relationship. You know all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy, Ev, and if this is what makes you happy, then you know I’m all for it.” And then he continued to season his steaks like nothing happened.
I love my dad for that. It’s a pretty similar response to the one I got when I told him I was bi as a teenager. Back then, I was almost annoyed. I spent so much time thinking about my speech and what I would tell him, and he was just like, “That’s nice, son. As long as he or she treats you well, that’s all that matters. Can you get the milk out of the fridge? I’m going to make French toast for breakfast.” And that was it. So I guess I shouldn’t be surprised he reacted exactly the same to this news.
It’s also crazy how much I miss both men. I haven’t seen either of them since yesterday morning after our amazing mutual blow job experience. I’m dying to return the favor and get my hands and mouth on both of them. My gods, how did I get so lucky to get two men so blessed in that department?
And let me tell you, while I’m not overly surprised Logan has a huge dick, Lake took me aback. I don’t know why exactly, if it’s his size or because he’s an Omega, but I never expected that monster on him. I’m not gonna lie. I’m a little jealous Logan got the first taste.
After that experience, we all spent a few minutes talking to each other and checking in, but then both my men had to get to work. Lake’s been swamped with whatever the emergency is. Logan and I got a couple of quick texts letting us know he’s ok, that he’s having no second thoughts, and that he ate both lunch and dinner last night. I texted him earlier to confirm he’s coming tonight and got a simple,yes.I’m anxious to see him. Not only do I miss him, which is nuts since it’s only been a day, but I just want to make sure he’s ok. I know he said he’s had a couple blow jobs in the past, but something special passed between us last night, and I hope he’s dealing alright.
I also haven’t seen Logan. He caught a case yesterday and has been working nonstop. He assured me he’ll be here tonight, though he might be a little late. I also tried to check on him, it was his first sexual activity with a guy, after all, but Logan assured me he was fine. I guess we’ll see tonight.
It’s a little too cold to eat outdoors, so Dad cleaned off his big dining table for the first time in recent memory. I know he’s nervous too. Not only is he meeting the family of the kid who’s been so important to his change of life, but now he’s also meeting the family of his son’s boyfriend—or whatever he is to me.
When Dad gets nervous, he cooks. So tonight is going to be a full-on feast. I know Logan is going to be excited. He loves when my dad cooks like this. I still remember the first Thanksgiving he spent at our house. He actually cried when he saw the feast. I think that’s when I realized just how bad his home life was.
A couple of hours later, my dad and I have made enough food to feed a small country, and people start arriving. Both Lake and Logan text that they’re running late, leaving me with Lake’s family without him as a buffer. At least he said that his dad knows we’re seeing each other, so I don’t have to worry about hiding that.
I wonder what he’ll think of me, or the whole situation, and I find that I really want him to approve. I never cared much what my partner’s parents thought of me. I know what I look like, and I’ve gotten a lot of judgment before they ever got to know me, but it’s never bothered me before. This will be the first time I’m hoping a parent looks past my looks to see the person I am underneath. I hope Luke Simmons can see how deeply I care about his son, and how I can easily see myself spending the rest of my life with him.
* * *
“So, Ev, tell me about yourself. I’m not sure if Lake mentioned what you do for a living.”
I swallow a drink of water, trying to gather my thoughts, which is dumb. I clearly know what my job is, but everything about Luke Simmons has me rattled. The man has been nothing but a gentleman since he got here, and he and my dad have been getting along like gangbusters. He even chastised his daughter and asked her to back off when she was giving me the third degree. There has been absolutely no indication that he’s remotely upset about his son and me.
And yet, I kind of feel like a teenager on his first date being interrogated by his girlfriend’s dad while the girl finishes getting dressed. I can’t help checking my phone. Still no Logan or Lake.
“I’m an editor for a publishing company. I’ve actually recently switched from young adult to adult fantasy.”
Essie’s face lights up. “Oh really? That’s so cool. I love fantasy novels. I wonder if you’ve edited anything I’ve read?”
The conversation switches to that, thankfully, and Essie and I go back and forth for a while with her naming books and me telling her if I had any part in their editing process.
I have to say, I love Lake’s family. Despite my nerves and desire to impress him, I can tell Luke Simmons is a great man. It’s clear how much he loves his kids, and how much they all love him. If I didn’t know the story, I would have no idea he wasn’t Lake and River’s biological father. He treats them no differently than his biological daughter. Even in his fifties, he’s still good-looking, a real silver fox, though there’s enough dark brown peeking through the silver in his thick curls to tell what his natural color is. I know that there is no relation, obviously, but his build and demeanor remind me a lot of Logan, way more so than Lake. He has broad shoulders and a strong chest, and I have to imagine that Logan’s going to look similar in twenty-five years since their body types are so similar and Logan stays extremely active, just with different and lighter features.
And Essie is such a breath of fresh air. She’s outgoing and sweet and says what she’s thinking. She’s a spitfire wrapped in a 5’2” package, and she has a combination of looks between her brothers and her dad.
Despite my nerves, I’m so happy to meet them, and Dad is thrilled. Nothing makes him happier than having a huge group of people to feed and fill his house with conversation and love.
Miri is sitting on Cooper’s lap, happily sucking on a crust of bread. She’s teething, apparently, and will gladly take anything she can get her hands on and shove it into her mouth. Her dads definitely have their hands full.
River shows us some pictures from when he was pregnant, and it makes me wonder what Lake will be like when he’s expecting. As scared as I am regarding the possible risk for him, I love the idea of watching him grow large with child and being there during the entire process. Maybe one day, that will be our child in there.
Mr. Simmons leans back in his chair, a smile on his face. “I really appreciate you having all of us here, Eric. Next time, I’ll host. My house is awfully quiet now that the kids are grown. It would be nice to fill it up again.”
