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I managed it somehow and hid the bags along with the others. It was a challenge, but I was proud of my loot. I even found really cool waterproof headphones for Justin for when he was swimming, some super soft high-quality beanies for Paxon, and a Da Vinci Code mini lockbox for Bryan where he had to solve a puzzle to open it. I’d have to go shopping by myself for more presents, but these were things I saw and knew I had to get.
By the time we got back to Seth’s, I was exhausted. I hid my bags in the room I stole and then went back downstairs, smiling as I listened to them bicker with each other as they organized everything. The living room was overflowing. The back of Seth’s truck had been packed with bags by the time we were done. Bryan’s car too. I almost thought I should have driven my car as well, but they managed to make it all fit.
“So how many toy drives?” I asked.
“We have the rec center,” Seth said. “The sponsorship and the toy drive there.”
“I do a toy drive for the hospital,” Toby said, his voice dropping as he focused a little too hard on an oversized truck. “For the help they gave my brother.”
“Are you doing Santa this year there?” Paxon asked.
“Yeah.” Toby kept playing with the truck. “I was thinking of taking Austin with me. I think he’d like to go back to see everyone there.”
Glances were exchanged by everyone else, the worry bouncing around. Something really was going on with Toby, but my time with Justin told me to give him time. If he wanted our help, he’d let us know.
“That’s a great idea. Your brother will love it,” Bryan finally said.
Toby gave him a tight smile and went back to separating out the bags.
By the time everything was separated, we had enough to donate a nice chunk to four toy drives, to adopt four children in different ranges from the rec center, and give to multiple food drives. It was rather insane.
“We’ll wrap them later,” Seth said. “I need a break.”
“Same.”
Agreement filled the room and we carefully put everything away. Once we were done, I plopped down on the couch and sighed, leaning my head back. Tiredness pulled at my body, and I was ready to doze off right then and there.
Then I felt it.
All eyes on me.
I peeked my right eye open to see everyone watching me.
Smiling, I sat up straight. “What?” I asked.
“I realized this is the first time we are all together as your boyfriend,” Seth finally said.
I stiffened and sat up straighter, looking at everyone. All five of them.
And it hit me. They were all my boyfriends. I did it, I talked with them all. But talking was one thing.
Seth cleared his throat, clearly wanting to bring something up. “I want to be the first to reiterate that I am in.” He looked around at everyone, smiling. “Even as I look at all of you, I’m still in. I care for Cadence deeply. I want her in my life. I want to be in a position to make sure she’s taken care of. I’m in and my mind hasn’t changed.”
My eyes widened as I realized what was going on. I swallowed hard.
“Me too,” Justin said without hesitation. “I haven’t changed my mind. I know this is…different. And it’s going to be hard. But Cadence is important to me. I’m happy that I get to call her my girlfriend.”
Toby flashed me a smile. “Same. I’m still in even as I look at all your ugly mugs.” That got some chuckles. “Usually girls are over me after like the first week. Cadence still likes me. And I still like her. I just don’t want to hear about the shit she gets up to with you.” He shuddered. “I don’t need to know.”
“I know we always shared everything,” Bryan said. “I never thought it’d go this far. But I don’t fucking know. It makes sense to me. My parents aren’t going to like this once they find out. I’d rather they don’t know.” He gave me an apologetic smile. “Just not right now, when they still have so much influence in my life. But I don’t want to give you up either. And someone has to make sure your security remains the best so you stay safe, and none of these idiots know how to work a deadbolt, let alone what you need to be safe.”
“I know how to use a deadbolt,” Toby muttered.
I nervously laughed at that, glad to have their reassurances.
“I haven’t changed my mind either,” Paxon said. “It’s not traditional. I come from traditional. But I also heard a lot about Seth’s aunt.” He swallowed hard. “And I know things are different. Relationships can be different. And that different can be good. I’ll admit, I’m scared though. I need to take things slow.”
“I do too,” I said, giving him a warm smile, blinking hard. “This is…It feels so much like a dream. I went from never really having a family for so long to having so many to rely on. I have so much to learn and truthfully, I’m scared shitless.” I swallowed. “But I’m excited too. I care about all of you so much. I see so much hope in all of you. So much love. And stability. And excitement.” I smiled wider. “I’m in too.”
