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“Enough,” Nan snaps. “Eian stop being a git before I resume my old parenting practices.” Both Eian and Harrison cringe. Nan smiles, satisfied. Turning to the rest of us she half-whispers, “I used to tie their ears together for an hour if they wouldn’t stop fighting” and I can’t hold it in anymore.
I burst out laughing until tears start streaming down my face. “This is the most ridiculous conversation I’ve ever witnessed,” I tell them. “And I once saw Samantha Sawyer trying to explain to Hawk Storm why he should sleep with his mouth taped shut.”
“Ooooh you’re such a name-dropper,” Iris teases me, but I can see it’s in good fun.
“You’re amazing,” Theo tells Iris. “I’m very proud of you and I’m sorry our immediate reaction wasn’t congratulations.”
“Me, too,” Harrison tells her, his voice rough. “So proud of you sweetheart.”
“I like this,” Bran says, pointing his fork from Iris to Harrison. “And this.” He directs the same fork to his plate. “I’m glad you all know I exist now.”
“Aww, I’m sorry you didn’t have the pleasure of our company for all these years,” Iris tells him.
“You’re ruining it.” Bran talks to her like… like they’re cousins. And isn’t that a wonder? This family may be insane, it may have more secrets than Area 51, but they’re loving and funny and loyal and damn… I want to be part of it. I lean my head on Harrison’s shoulder as I watch the scene, yeah, I want to be part of this family and be with this man. Forever.
EPILOGUE
Harrison
Friday, January 10th
Everyone always says turningfifty turns people into maniacs, and some could say that did happen to me if you consider I fell in love with the smartest, kindest, most loyal, and gorgeous man on the planet in less than a week.
I regret nothing.
And isn’t that what most of us want? To regret nothing?
I mean, of course I havesomeregrets: how I handled my marriage to Mary, my emotional distance during Theo's childhood, and the way the divorce came to be.
But I could never regret anything else because my life is pretty much perfect. Sure I have good days and bad, like anyone else, but I end most of them with Tris in my arms so I really can’t complain.
We’ve talked about moving in together and, honestly, we’re both stalling. I’ve got no idea how Iris would take it and since she’s leaving in four months to go live in another fucking state—still working on accepting that one—I don’t want to change much until she’s left the coop.
Tris thinks it’s too soon—and it is, I know that—and we don’t have any reason to rush it. He still comes to sleep at the house most days, though, so my guess is he’s mostly trying to convince himself.
The important thing is I’m confident we’ll get there. I’ll also marry the hell out of that man andmeanthe vows this time.
Speaking of, “Hi, baby.” I wrap an arm around his waist and let my gaze roam all over him. He looks damn good tonight and it’s all for me.
“Hey, birthday boy. How are you liking the party?” he asks.
“I love it.” My children organized it for me, and they did a great job. Tonight’s not actually my birthday, that was six days ago and we had a very low-key celebration at home with Eian and Bran in attendance.
I know they delayed the big party because Theo wanted to propose on their official anniversary—the day after my birthday—right after the Kings’ game—which they won and said it was for me, but I know it was to clinch the number one spot in the conference. When he asked if I minded, I told him of course I didn’t.
Tristan’s parents come up to us and after hugs of congratulations his father says, “This is one hell of a party.” He looks around the big room in the penthouse I always use for parties.
“Yes, Theo and Iris did an amazing job. I’m glad you could come.” Right as I finish the sentence, I see Adam Darnell—the Kings’ star quarterback—and Sebas walk up to us.
“Happy birthday, Harry.” He stretches a hand out to me and I take it gratefully. “We’re happy to celebrate with you.” He wraps an arm around his husband.
“Thank you.” I chuckle because he’s still so damn polite around me. “I’m glad you could come. Let me introduce you,” I think to say because this will be a fucking treat for my future father-in-law. “These are Tristan’s parents, Phil and Eleanor.”
Adam greets them with a huge and genuine smile, and I see the moment Phil’s brain short-circuits.
We leave them talking about the season, about Adam’s father and grandfather, and how great they were when they played in the NFL. “Thank you for that, he’s going to be reliving it for the rest of his days.”
I shrug because it cost me nothing and I knew how much joy it would bring the man.
