I slept on the floor outside of the boys’ room that night, unwilling to let them out of my sight for too long in case they got another bright idea to run. Ian had called, also in tears, and I think seeing all of us crying, and all of the emphatic threats by the police force, had solidified in their minds that running away was never the option. I wasn’t yet ready to take the chance, however. I tossed and turned in the too-small sleeping bag I had laid out, trying to relieve some of the pressure on my back. I had no idea why I once thought this was a fun way to sleep. I knew I would be sore for the next month, if I ever managed to get back up off of this floor at all. My phone buzzed softly beside me and I reached for it with a groan. I assumed Ian was texting again to ensure that the boys were safe in their bed. I had already video called with him once to reassure him that they were sleeping soundly. I was glad that I wasn’t the only one freaking out. Brooke had even left her door open to her bedroom tonight.

How are the boys? Troy’s text had me hesitating. I hadn’t gotten around yet to calling him, my entire focus being on my sons.

They’re scared out of their wits, happy to be home, and currently sound asleep in their beds.

I assume you’re in their room with them to ensure they’re where they should be. I could almost hear Troy’s dry voice.

That would be foolish and overprotective. I paused for a moment before sending the second message, a smile creeping over my lips. I’m in a sleeping bag outside their door.

Ouch.

Thank you for today. For stepping in like that to help find my sons. It means everything to me. I could feel the tears already welling up, but I fought them back down. I had cried more in the last three days than I had in years. I planned to call you in person, or come see you, but I just couldn’t leave the boys yet.

I understand. We all do. I miss you, Emmie. I lay back down, counting the swirl on the ceiling with the light from the cracked open bathroom door. My phone buzzed again and I snagged it, unsure of what to say. I wanted to talk to them about everything, about what Ian and had said, about the boys. I just wasn’t sure how to take that step. How did you ask people you had been dating for only a few months if they were willing to face scrutiny for possibly a year or more, or consider changing their career paths for a chance at dating you? It was hard enough to ask them if they were willing to date a woman with kids!

Can you come outside for a second? If the boys are asleep? Max's text was sweetly pleading, and I couldn't deny them—or myself. I slid from the sleeping bag as quietly as I could, trying my best to avoid the squeaky spots on the floor and prevent Brooke from hearing me and objecting to my nighttime excursion. I wasn't shocked to see all three of them waiting on my porch, rather than just Max.

“I really could just eat you up,” Max joked with a smirk, indicating my purple pjs covered in chocolate covered pretzels. Not exactly sex material, but considering they had all seen my naked butt and the swollen, snot covered mess of my face as I had sobbed this afternoon, I figured we were past the point of it mattering.

“How’re the boys?” Alex asked leaning forward to squeeze my shoulder in support. “I know you said they’re sleeping.”

“They’ll be all right. Thank you for just jumping in like that. You didn’t even seem to think about it.”

“Of course, we didn’t.” Max’s voice was nearly shocked that I would have suggested it. “It’s your kids. It wouldn't matter what we would have been doing. I don’t care if I was in court.” I wanted to leap into his arms and cuddle him. He was just so adorable, his hair up in spikes as though he’d been running his fingers through it. I stepped closer, realizing they all looked a little haggard, as though they had been as sleep deprived as I was.

“I just can’t say thank you enough. I don’t think saying it every day for the rest of my life would be enough.”

“It’s not your thanks we want, it’s you.” Troy’s words were gruff, his hands shoved into his pockets as he rocked on his heels, almost as if he was trying to reel the words back in.

“We don’t want to pressure you.” Alex jumped in, glaring at his friend. “We know why you made your choice. Your kids come first, the way they should. We’re not going to quit though. If we can only be your friends for now, until we can figure out a way to make this work, that’s what we’re going to do.”

“We don’t care what anyone says.” Max reached forward as if to pull me into his hold, before pulling his hand back again. “They can spread all the rumors they want. We’ll work through it.”

“You’re one of us now,” Troy added. “Whether things will work out in a romantic sense for us, I don’t know. We’re only at the three month mark. I don’t want to jump the gun and scare you off with talk of forever.” He continued to rock on his heels, his words slow and precise, as though he had maybe practiced them before coming over. “I will tell you that you belong in our group. You understand Max’s humor, you balance Alex’s gentleness, and you calm my temper.”

“You and your kids are incredible. We haven’t all gotten the chance to know them well, but I hope we eventually will. We’ve talked it over, Emily. We’re willing to wait for you. We’ll do what we can to ease any discomfort that may try and touch you and the kids. Troy’s going to handle the football team, and Max and I can threaten lawsuits if we have to. It’s not like we’d follow through, but threats are usually enough to stop the wagging tongues.”

I knew I was smiling at this point, unable to prevent it. Apparently, the rapid shift in my mood was confusing them. They continued their speech—I was sure at this point that they really had taken the time to practice it—though they seemed more on edge by my smile than if I would have started crying.

“You’re worth waiting for. We may not know everything about you yet, but we want the chance to. We want the chance to try and make a future with you, be that as friends or partners, we can determine that as we go. All we ask is let us prove that we can make this work, that we’re stronger than the rumors and the whispers. We want to take care of you, and of your kids.” Max’s voice was emphatic, leaning towards me as he used his hands to illustrate his words.

“Can you give us that, Emmie?” Troy asked, stepping forward as if no longer able to resist as he tangled his fingers into my hair. “Just a chance. I know it’s hard, and I know it puts you into an awkward position with your children. We believe we can work through it though, if you’ll let us try, let us show you that we can be there for you even through all of this.”

“I’ve been thinking about it.” I reached out, stroking a hand down Alex’s cheek, then Max’s, while I arched my hand into Troy’s touch. “Ian and I talked for a long time today. That’s what I was doing this morning when everything…” I trailed off for a second, residual fear still tingling up my spine. “I was so scared that he’d try to take the kids away.”

Troy swore, glancing at Max and Alex. “We won’t let him.” His words were hard as ice. “We’ll fight. You’ve got two amazing attorneys here.” My eyes pricked with tears, and I fought them back as my smile brightened.

“You really are such a sweetie underneath all that gruff barking.” He snorted and shook his head, though didn’t actively deny the comment, not that he could. “Don’t worry, he’s not going to. He told Brooke that she’s definitely staying here, and he agreed with my grounding. He pointed out to me that he’s been through nearly the same issues.” All three blinked, as though trying to process what I was saying. “Being gay, he’s been the butt of wicked prejudice. He’s apparently experienced almost everything we have, from the CPS threats to the potential threats of losing his job. He said that he doesn’t think I’m selfish in the slightest. We had a very long talk. He encouraged me to work on things between us, if that’s really what I wanted.”

“Really?” Alex’s voice was full of awe, his bright eyes full of hope in stark contrast to the deeply dug lines and dark shadow.

“He told me to be prepared for how hard it was going to be, but that like everything else in life, it was a choice we had to make. If you all wanted to take the risk with your careers, then that was your choice to make.” I wanted to burrow into all three of them, take comfort in their arms. I was watching the exhaustion and stress fall from their shoulders as they listened to me, their eyes brightening and smiles taking over their faces as they listened. “There was a bunch more, but the gist was he trusted my decisions. He knows I’ll always put the kids first, but it doesn’t mean that I have to put myself last. If you all want to try, if you’re willing to take the risk, then so am I.”

“We’re willing, Emmie.”

“We’re more than willing. Eager. Desperate. Debating sending your ex a fruit basket.” Max’s voice cracked, belying the emotions he was feeling.

Alex didn’t bother to speak, simply pulling me into him and crushing my mouth against his in an emphatic kiss. I wanted nothing more than to pull all three of them inside to my bedroom, but I still had a little bit of my rationality remaining.

“I need to get back to the kids.” I was breathless, fisting my hands together to keep me from jumping on the three of them and tearing off their clothes.

“I know. Maybe Jenna could watch them next week?” Alex’s voice was soft but urgent. “I know you won’t want to leave the boys for an extended period anytime soon. I just wanted to steal our girlfriend away for a few hours and enjoy her.”

“I agree. I definitely like that plan. It’s been far too long since I’ve touched my girlfriend.” Max’s lips quirked as he teased me.

“You know I want you.” Troy’s deep voice was nearly smoky as he cupped my chin. “It’s been too long since we’ve had you, my Emmie. I want to show you how much I’ve missed you the past few days, and what you have to look forward to in the future.” A murmur of need slipped from my lips and he grinned, the lightning of his smile stoking the flames burning inside of me even higher.

“Sleep well, Emily.” Alex brushed another kiss over my lips. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Dream of me,” Max whispered in my ear, then he was the next to kiss me goodnight.

“We’ll be right next door if you need anything at all.” Troy pulled me into a tight hug. “We’re here through everything, Emmie. You’re stuck with us. You may have gotten that stain out of my shirt, but you’ve gotten under my skin, and I don’t think there’s ever going to be any removing you.” He brushed a kiss over my hair, before following his friends next door.

I shut the door behind them, leaning against it, my body sagging in relief. My children were upstairs safe, whole, and loved. I had three incredible men who were willing to take a chance at a very unusual future, who felt that I was worth the cost. My life was progressing in a way I may never have expected, but at the moment, I didn’t think I'd ever want it any other way. I headed for the stairs, my phone tight in my hand, and a foolish grin playing over my lips. I was definitely going to dream of my men and the future we could have. It was finally time for good dreams, and I was more than ready for them. Things may never be easy for us, but it was going to be worth the challenge. All I could do in life was try, and continue to move forward rewriting my story as I needed to, and that was exactly what I planned to do.