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More than he knows.
I’ve fought them almost every step of the way in their process of making me theirs. I made sure I got my own bedroom, I put Wes through the wringer, and I never hesitate to put the guys in their place if they piss me off too much.
But whatreallymakes the difference for me is my plan. Kellan is right—Iamstrong. Two years ago, there’s no way I would’ve followed through on this. I didn’t have it in me back then.
Now, though? Now I’m ready to wreck their lives the way they wrecked mine. The best part is that they really, truly have no clue what’s coming.
. . .
In the morning, my mom is already working on the turkey when I come downstairs. She doesn’t have to do all the cooking, but she loves it—it’s why my parents never hired anyone to help with meals.
“Hi, hon,” she says. “There are bagels on the counter and cream cheese in the fridge.”
“Thanks. Need help?”
“Only if you want to,” she says as I hug her from behind. “I don’t want to make you, not when you only have a couple days to relax.”
“Is there anything… I dunno, easy to do?”
She laughs. “Why don’t you focus on eating first? Then maybe you can cut and slice apples for pie. I meant to make them yesterday, but I ran out of time.”
“Got it.”
After I eat, I grab the apples. Of course I don’t want to work on break, and normally I detest cooking and baking, but this feels different. I’ve always loved hanging out with my mom in the kitchen while we work on a new recipe together.
“So tell me about these boys,” Mom says. “You’ve barely mentioned them in our calls.”
“I… wasn’t sure how you’d react. You know, since there’s three of them.”
She laughs. “All the more power to you, honey. I was a bit taken aback, but that’s because I thought maybe you were dating Haven.”
“Oh! No, I love her, but not like that.”
Years ago, I told my mom I was bi, but I honestly thought she forgot. She and my dad didn’t react poorly, but they’ve never brought it up. In a way, it was nice—my coming out didn’t have to be a big deal. It was just another part of who I was.
“Wait,” I say. “Did you think the two of us have been dating this whole time?”
“Honestly, I didn’t know. You and I don’t talk as much—which is fine, honey, I’m not trying to guilt trip you or anything. So I thought maybe you were and you just didn’t want to tell us yet? You haven’t brought a boy home since high school.”
“I guess that’s true.” My bagel threatens to make a second appearance at the reminder ofwhyI didn’t. Before I can think on it too much, my dad shuffles into the kitchen.
“Hey, sweetie.” He pulls me into a side hug and kisses the top of my head.
“Morning.” I grip the knife in my hand harder than I need to. I’ve been waiting for this moment. Even if I’m not planning on actually staying with the guys, there’s no getting around hearing my parents’ first impressions. “Well?”
My dad chuckles. “It’s just like you to want to dive right in. I like them, Thelia. No worries there.”
“And you?” I turn to Mom.
“They seem nice, honey. I like how interested they were in hearing about your childhood. Shows they care.”
“I’d like to get to know them more,” my dad says, which I expected. “Cal was so tired I don’t know if he’ll even remember me when he gets up. Kellan seems like he’ll fit right in with the family.”
“And Wes?” I ask.
“He was a little quiet, wasn’t he?”
“Probably just adjusting to the new environment,” I say, surprising myself with how quickly I jump to his defense.
