AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Keith led the way through the tables to where his mom rose as they approached, her arms outstretched. She hugged him.
“How long has this been going on?” she asked as she released him.
Keith coughed. “That depends on what ‘this’ refers to. Michael and I have been boyfriends for nearly two years.” It was a relief to finally say the words out loud.
Her eyes were huge, and then she frowned. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“We had our reasons.”
She studied him for a moment. “Are you... are you being careful?”
Keith took her hand in his. “And that right there is one of the reasons. Don’t worry, Mom. We’re not stupid.”
Dad shook his head. “I don’t suppose it’s that much of a shock. You two have been joined at the hip since you were little.” He smiled. “And if you’re going to fall for anyone, your best friend seems like a good choice.”
Keith hugged him. “Thanks, Dad.”
Dad regarded Michael warmly. “Welcoming you to the family hardly seems appropriate. You’ve been part of it for years.” But he gave Michael a hug. “Still gonna say it though. Welcome.”
Keith knew how much that meant to Michael. His dad couldn’t replace Michael’s, but as substitutes went, he was pretty good.
“Michael, do your parents know?” Mom asked.
“No, Mrs. Braxton.”
She rolled her eyes. “Jean. You can call me Jean, all right? And it’s not Mr. Braxton either, it’s Marshall.” She grinned. “He might even let you call him Marsh.”
Michael blushed, and it was an adorable sight. “Thank you... Jean.” He glanced toward the center of the room. “Speaking of my parents...”
Mom smiled. “I guess this will be a double celebration. They get married, and then they discover their son is in love.”
Keith couldn’t have wished for better parents.
He threw his arms around her. “In case I haven’t told you lately, you’re awesome.” He looked at his dad. “Both of you.”
Dad coughed. “But some things will have to change.” Keith frowned, and Dad sighed. “Next time Michael stays over, he’ll be in the guest bedroom. No more sharing a bed.”
“Dad!”
He held a hand up. “I’ll be saying the same thing to Heidi when she gets a boyfriend.”
“Marshall,” Mom interjected softly. “They’re nineteen. They’re almost full-grown men.”
“You wouldn’t be saying that if you’d been the one to walk into that hotel room,” he argued, raising his glass to his lips.
“And how different is that to my mom walking in on us that first Christmas when you stayed with us? Hm?” Her eyes sparkled.
Dad’s cheeks were scarlet as he spluttered champagne over the table.
Keith tried not to laugh. “Don’t worry, Dad. We won’t embarrass you again.”
“Who was embarrassed? I just didn’t expect to get a lesson in how guys... you know.”
Mom laughed, and it wasn’t long before Dad had joined in.
Keith tugged on Michael’s sleeve. “Come on. Let’s go do this.”
They weaved a path through the tables to where his mom and Bill were sitting. Isabelle’s face lit up when she saw them.
