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I nod as I start loading dishes into the dishwasher. “Yes, I believe they are.”
“I think I’ll go find a TV and watch the game,” Dylan announces to no one.
“You’ll find it downstairs,” I tell him. “The remote is on the coffee table.” I have absolutely no idea what game could possiblybe on right now, but in true man-fashion, he’ll find something, I’m sure.
He nods and leaves the kitchen quickly, and the dogs trot out with him. Apparently, we haven’t been accidentally dropping enough food on the floor for them to want to stick around.
“Was there any truth to what that young man said—the one who barged in and unsuccessfully tried to sweep you off your feet?”
I lurch upright and feel my hackles rising. “Ben is a complete idiot, so I hope you aren’t referring to his calling the guys… um… you know… a derogatory slur.”
“Petra, I am fully aware that Callum is bisexual. I’m his mother, and I wasn’t born yesterday. We all love him and accept who he is. I just don’t want to see him, or you for that matter, get hurt.”
I blink at her for a moment and answer softly, “Neither do I.”
“So there is something serious going on with the three of you?”
“I think you ought to be asking Callum that question. I’m feeling rather ambushed right now.”
“I’ve actually spoken to Callum, and I know he has strong feelings for youandWeston.” She looks at me kindly then. “You seem like a lovely person, though I know nothing of your background or much of anything beyond your writing career. I just think all three of you ought to be careful with each other’s feelings. It’s true we live in a more progressive world now, and alternative lifestyles are more acceptable than when Dylan and I were your age, but I can’t help but worry. I suppose it’s exciting to be fulfilling some kind of fantasy you all might have about a ménage or throuple or whatever it’s called today, but be careful. That’s all I want to say.”
I decide then to lay some truths out for Liv, so I take a deep breath and begin. “I pretty much grew up without anyoneto nurture me. I never had a father, and my mother preferred far-off, exotic destinations over caring for a daughter. I had a series of nannies and later boarding school—never any siblings or cousins, and that was it. I’ve made some colossally poor choices with men, as you so clearly saw when my ex showed up this evening. I met him through a dating app and lived with him for six months after he proposed, but I could never make myself settle on a wedding date. The fact was, he bored me to death, but I didn’t know any better. I thought maybe all men were like that. I was spoiled by reading and creating book boyfriends who are too good to be true, so I disparaged ever finding a man like that for myself. I was of what I considered marriageable age, so I accepted Ben’s ring and agreed to marry sometime in the not-too-near future… until I caught him in a series of lies, and his horrible friend virtually moved in with us and kept trying to convince me to hook up with him behind his best friend’s back. Ben accused me of making up stories when I told him about it, and that was the last straw. I also suspected that his friend dealt drugs, and I wanted to get as far away from that as possible.
“Eventually, I found my way to this house at practically the same exact moment Callum did, and we all clicked within minutes. Not one of ustriedto begin a relationship. We were all happy and obviously fond of each other, but we were also all super attracted to one another. I mean… look at them!” I laugh and Liv’s eyes crinkle with humor. She’s losing some of her Mama Bear attitude little by little, I think. “There was some harmless flirting and some couch snuggling for several weeks, and nothing more than that. And then we all just sort of caved in at the same time. I’m not sure what happened, but we each just chose not to fight it anymore.”
I make sure I’m looking right into Liv’s eyes when I admit, “This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. Those two men are both so considerate and generous with themselves. I’ve neverfelt so protected and cared for, and it’s a beautiful thing to see the affection they have for each other. I feel incredibly lucky.”
I reach into the refrigerator for a bottle of water and take a swig. “Is this serious between us? I would have to say it probably is in that I would never intentionally do something to disrupt our harmony or hurt either of their feelings. Do I want it to continue? You bet I do.”
“Well, I must say that I appreciate your candor, Petra. And I hope for everyone’s sake that you can maintain what you have started. I wish you all good luck.”
Grammy then adds, “If I hear that you’ve done anything to hurt Callum, I’ll personally come and steal that anti-vampire candle of yours and let them at you!” Then, laughing, she wraps her arms around me and gives me the kind of hug I always wanted—but never got—from my mom. How could I not fall in love with Callum? I’m already completely in love with his entire family.
Not too much later,the O’Malleys leave in a flurry of hugs, kisses, promises to talk soon, and thanks for everything.
“They’re really terrific,” Weston says as we wave at their departing car. “Thanks for inviting them over, Callum.” He puts his arm around both of our waists and asks, “Is anyone else as ready for bed as I am?” He wiggles his eyebrows and flashes those killer dimples at us.
“You bet,” Callum answers.
“Absolutely. I have to say too that they’re wonderful, Callum, and despite the grilling I got from your mother, I am crazy about all of them. Thank you for having them all come over tonight. It was honestly a real treat.”
“Sorry, she felt the need to grill you. I hope she didn’t overstep.”
“She’s a caring Mama Bear who’s looking out for her cubs. I love that about her. No harm in anything she said. You’re so lucky to have a mom like that.”
Twenty-Two
Callum
Petra sure is a good sport.I can imagine what my mom asked. After raising four kids, she has no boundaries. But I’m not getting any negative vibes from Petra, so I guess I ought to be thankful for that.
“I’m going to let the dogs out,” Weston says, “and I’ll meet you both upstairs as soon as they come back inside.” He gives us a wink.
I weigh our options and tell him, “If it’s okay with you, I think your bed is our best bet. It’s the largest. Petra and I will be ready for you when you get back.” I can’t help running my hand down her arm and love seeing the reaction she has to my touch. She presses into it like I’m giving her pleasure with the smallest caress. When I add, “I’ll bring some lube,” her cheeks flame with a rosy blush. “If I recall correctly, Petra had a request.”
She gives me a heated look and then winks at Weston.
“Okay, boys!” Weston calls to the dogs. There’s a little crack in his voice as he adds, “Let’s… ah… get this nighttime business done quickly! Last one back is a rotten dog bone.” He heads tothe back door, careful not to step on Dave, who’s twirling, and the retrievers whose tails are wagging at warp speed while they bounce up and down. Gus is panting and smiling, and Goliath is makingwoo-woonoises with curled lips. It’s a happy, somewhat chaotic sight. Dave spins around the other dogs and herds them through the door, yipping at them. The bigger dogs seem unfazed by his bossiness.
