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“You didn't cause trouble,” I replied at the same time as Ford.
He and I shared a quick, amused look before he added, “Hen, I don't want you to worry about being yourself around me. Say what you want to, call Amir whatever name you need to. I didn't ask you to leave for any bad reasons. I just needed to talk to your…Daddy alone for a minute.”
Henley gasped and I took his hand beneath the table to support him. “You…you know? And you're okay with it?”
“I've known for a while,” Ford answered with a kind smile. “And of course I'm okay with it. This is your life, and I want you to live it any way you're happy with. I'll always be here for you, and I'm thrilled that you've found a partner who cares for you.”
Henley dabbed at his misty eyes. “Thank you so much. And I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.”
“Don't worry about that. I'm just glad it's all out in the open. You never have to hide yourself from me.” Henley gave him a watery smile and a nod. “Now, your Daddy will salt your food, and your dad is telling you to eat before it gets cold.”
Henley chuckled and wiped away a stray tear that was rolling down his cheek. My own eyes prickled at the sweet interaction as I grabbed the salt shaker from across the table. This is the way family should be. It didn't have space for judgment or prejudice; only love.
I shook some seasoning over his noodles before feeling the underside of his plate to make sure it was still warm enough. I squeezed his hand before letting it go so he could eat, and smiled when he scooped a big bite into his mouth and hummed.
I turned my grin on Ford, who winked at me before diving into his own food. I couldn't ask for a better interaction or situation. My boy was surrounded by support from all sides. He had an accepting father, and a Daddy who loved him like crazy.
I hadn't said the words yet, but I knew them without a doubt, down into my soul. I would tell Henley when we were alone and he could feel how much I meant it.
We finished our delicious meal, including a pan of iced brownies for dessert. Once Henley's news was out, the nerves lifted from him. He didn't show his father his little side, but he appeared lighter and more carefree as he moved and spoke without his secret weighing him down.
He showed no sign of embarrassment; even when Ford took me into the living room and showed me all of Henley's pictures from when he was a baby to the present. My boy only laughed and told stories of growing up.
He said that he'd tried to trim his own hair one year in school, explaining the buzz cut he sported in a class photo. He proudly pointed out the captured moment of when he learned to ride a bike, and a picture of him wearing his favorite T-shirt, which was printed with race cars. Apparently he'd worn it so much that it literally fell apart. And suddenly I understood why he'd wanted me to order him a race car shirt.
Ford laughed along with his son and shared stories of his own. It was an incredible visit. I felt welcome and accepted right into the little family, and there was nowhere else I'd rather be.
When the evening grew late, we said our goodbyes, and Ford gave his son a big bear hug. Then he threw in another one for me, and he made us both promise to return the following week.
He gave us the address of his buddy's mechanic friend, and I climbed into my car to lead the way as Henley followed behind in his SUV. I couldn't wait to drop off his vehicle and get him alone. I had so much to tell him, and so much love to give.
Chapter Eight
Amir
Once Henley was in my car, he became animated all over again. He beamed from ear to ear as he talked about how much he enjoyed dinner, how happy he was that his father and I got along so well, and that he was relieved his dad knew about our lifestyle. I don’t think my sweet man even took a breath until we pulled into the parking lot of his apartment complex.
And just like that, Henley’s demeanor changed. His shoulders sagged, his rambling stopped, and he let out a long sigh.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, reaching across the console to settle my hand on his thigh.
“I guess I’m just not ready to be home.”
“Is there somewhere else you need to go? I’m happy to take you.”
“No, it’s nothing like that.” He gave me a sweet, shy smile and added, “I just know you’ll have to leave soon.”
