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“Can’t blame you, babe. But we’ve got this. We can do this.”
We can. I hope. Thing is, nobody knows about our relationship except Theo. It’s too delicate and sensitive and scandalous for us to risk telling anyone else. But given how far Isaac has come in the political aisle, he is actually considering a run for State Senate next year, which means we have to close ranks and be even more careful—this means finally telling his parents about us. Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick only know that Isaac and I are an item, that he has adopted my children and that we have a child of our own.
To their credit, they have been equally loving grandparents to all three, and they have been nothing but kind to me. I’d feared they would never accept me as a part of their family, but I was wrong. They welcomed me with arms wide open and warm smiles on their faces, which is why the guys and I have recently begun talking about telling them the whole truth.
“So, how was Paris?” I ask the Kendricks, hoping one of the guys will segue into the sensitive subject we’ve been angling toward all evening.
“Oh, it wasn’t our first time,” Mrs. Kendrick replies. “Granted, every other time we went there, it was for business purposes, so it was nice to actually have the whole city to ourselves.”
“There is plenty to see and enjoy when you’re not rushing from one meeting to another,” Mr. Kendrick adds. “I swear, I should’ve retired earlier.”
“Well, you’ve got good men taking over,” I say with a warm smile as I look to Noah and Isaac.
“Are you ready for your campaign kickoff in spring?” Mr. Kendrick asks Isaac.
“Straight to the point, then,” Isaac chuckles dryly and takes a long sip of his wine. “I am, actually. But there is something I’ve wanted to discuss with both of you before I start setting interviews with my future campaign staff.”
Here it goes. I take a deep breath and hang on for the ride. Theo gives me a reassuring smile, while Levi buries his face in the crème-fraiche-based dessert. Noah is so nervous, I can see droplets of sweat blooming along his temples. Beau is quiet, lips glued to his wine glass and eyes bouncing between Isaac and his parents. We did vote that he should be the one to tell them.
Mr. Kendrick frowns slightly. Mrs. Kendrick doesn’t seem worried about whatever their son wishes to address. For a moment, I imagine myself bolting away from the table and running for my life. But whatever happens, we’ve made an oath to one another—the five of us, that is. We will stick together through thick and thin. No matter what.
“As you already know, Stella and I are a solid item. We have a child together, and we’re also raising Lucas and Ava. We’re happy here. Really happy,” Isaac says, his voice trembling slightly.
“Yeah, newsflash,” Mrs. Kendrick quips, half-smiling.
“The happiest I’ve ever been, anyway,” Isaac continues, taking my hand in his. I can tell from his grip that he is scared yet determined. I find a strange sense of comfort in his gesture. “Thing is… it’s not just the two of us. It’s me, Noah, Beau, Levi, and Stella. We’re in a polyamorous relationship. We’re living together, and we are the best versions of ourselves when we’re together.”
Theo nearly snorts the wine out through her nose when Mr. Kendrick starts laughing. Mrs. Kendrick is quick to join him, while the rest of us stare at them, confused and honestly terrified. It’s not the reaction we were expecting, and I’m not sure laughter is a healthy coping mechanism in these circumstances.
“I’m serious. The four of us are living with Stella, and we’re raising our family together. Only those present know about this, and we intend to keep it that way,” Isaac adds, looking from one parent to another. “I wanted you two to know because of my political future. I’m ready to give it up if anyone even thinks about putting an end to our personal arrangement. I’m ready to give everything up if it means I get to be with Stella, with my brother and best friends, and our children.”
“Did you actually think we wouldn’t have figured it out on our own?” Mr. Kendrick takes a break from laughing, wiping the tears from his eyes.
“Wait, what?” I manage.
Mrs. Kendrick looks at me, her gaze soft and warm. “Oh, honey. We’re both old reptiles of American politics. We do our due diligence on everyone and everything, including our own children. It’s the only way to protect our name and family.”
“We’ve known about you for almost three years,” Mr. Kendrick says. “Son, I figured what you and Noah were up to from the moment you bought this house and having plenty of knowledge regarding your previous exploits. I realized it was serious business when you moved Stella here.”
“So, you’ve known all along,” Isaac mumbles, his eyes wide with shock.
“And you didn’t say a word,” Noah adds.
Mrs. Kendrick giggles. “Love is love, honey. Who are we to judge? We may be old-fashioned ourselves, but we’ve had our share of kinky business over the years, too.”
“Ew, no, stop,” Noah squirms.
“The truth is, your mother and I know we raised two decent men, two honorable and loyal and loving men,” Mr. Kendrick says on a more serious note, his gaze moving around the table to meet each of us. “I understand that whatever it is you folks have, it’s precious and beautiful enough for you to take these chances and actually live together. As long as you are careful, as long as nobody else knows, you’ll be fine. You’ve done wonderfully so far.”
Whoa.I didn’t expect this. I didn’t even imagine this scenario. Hell, I imagined screaming and shouting. Threats. But not this. This is way better, though. Infinitely better. It means we have their full support, and that will go a long way for Isaac in his political endeavors, too. I can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief as Mr. Kendrick looks at me.
“Stella, you are a part of our family. And so are your children. Beau and Levi have long been Kendrick extensions as well,” he says. “I’ll make sure to keep as much of the press’s attention away from your home and family going forward, and I trust the five of you will watch your backs.” He turns to Theo. “I don’t know you well enough, Theo, but if my sons trust you, I have no choice but to trust you, too.”
“You don’t have to worry about me, Mr. Kendrick,” Theo replies. “I’m here for my friends, now and forever. Like Mrs. Kendrick just said, love is love. Who are we to judge, especially when it’s the most important people in our lives?”
A heavy silence falls across the table. Relief makes our shoulders drop slightly as we exchange amused glances. Isaac then takes out a small, black velvet box from his jacket pocket. “Well, then, I might as well take it to the next level,” he says, looking at me.
“What are you doing?” I whisper.
