Royal

When we pull up in front of Nash’s parents’ house I turn in my seat so I can make sure Liam’s ready for the family get-together we’re about to endure.

“Don’t worry about Nash’s parents, they’ll be cool. They’re looking forward to meeting you. But, remember, Nash isn’t out yet so don’t say anything about the three of us.”

Liam rolls his eyes.

“This is the third time you’ve reminded me. I think I can remember not to announce to a bunch of strangers that Nash loves to be the meat in your sandwich.”

Zade laughs as Liam’s analogy and I can’t help but crack a smile as well.

“Fair enough,” I agree.

“One quick kiss before we go in?” I ask Nash.

He looks around to make sure his mom isn’t lurking outside and then leans over the center console for a peck on the lips.

“I love you,” I remind him.

“Love you, too.” He gives my hand a squeeze and then we all get out of the car.

I reach for Zade’s hand as soon as we’re all outside, but feel completely off balance to only have one hand in mine.

“I don’t like pretending he’s not ours, either. We can’t push him though,” Zade whispers in my ear, no doubt having felt my discomfort.

I nod in agreement and then put on a brave face as we all head up to the house.

Betty flings open the door and greets us enthusiastically.

“I’m so happy to have my boys here,” she declares pulling Nash and then me into a hug. “And, this must be Liam.”

Liam blushes and gives Betty a shy wave, but she’s not having any of that. She steps forward and pulls my brother into a bone crushing hug.

“Welcome to the family.”

“Um, thanks?”

Zade chuckles behind me, clearly enjoying Liam’s discomfort.

“So good to see you again, Zade.”

“You too, Betty.”

With greetings out of the way we’re ushered inside and met with hordes of aunts, uncles, and cousins spilling out into the backyard where the real festivities are being held.

“Want a soda?” I offer Liam.

He nods so I put a hand on his shoulder and steer him through the house toward the backyard, in search of the cooler. I grab three beers and a soda for Liam and then we set about greeting people and introducing them to Liam.

He gets a few interesting looks from some of the more conservative distant relatives, but then again, so do I.

We play horseshoes and volleyball until we’re all feeling like we’re about to melt in the heat of the July afternoon.

I never realized how difficult it would be to not touch Nash. I’ve spent twenty-four years not touching him, how hard could one afternoon be? It’s not like I want to mount him in front of his relatives or anything. I just want to steal a kiss here or there, maybe hold his hand.

I think Zade’s feeling the same way because he’s touching me more than usual, not that I’m complaining.

“You guys want some water?” Nash offers. “I can run in and grab the ones I put in the freezer for us.”

We agree and Nash jogs off toward the house.

 

Nash

When I step into the kitchen my mom is there chopping vegetables.

“Need any help?” I offer.

“No thanks, sweetie,” she says with a smile. “I’m surprised Royal is still seeing Zane.”

“Zade,” I correct.

“Right.”

“Why are you surprised?” I ask. From where I’m sitting Royal and Zade are a perfect match, I don’t see what could be surprising about it.

“I know Royal likes to have his wild fun with men. I just wish he'd realize how much that girl needs a woman's influence in her life, and finally get serious settling down with a nice girl.”

“What are you talking about?” I bristle.

My mom sighs.

“You know I'm okay with Royal messing around and having fun. But he needs to put his sister first now.”

“His brother,” I correct through gritted teeth.

“Of course,” my mom waves off my correction.

“And he's not just 'having wild fun’ or 'playing around’ with Zade. They're in love. And, Zade is amazing with Liam.”

As if on cue Zade and Royal walk through the back door into the kitchen hand in hand.

“And there's something I need to tell you.” I glance back at my men and see the support written all over their faces. “Royal and Zade are my partners.”

“Partners in what, dear?” My mom smiles and cocks her head in innocent confusion

“Uh...In life. They're my boyfriends.” I struggle to explain. Zade and Royal are no help as they chuckle at my obvious discomfort.

“I'm not sure I understand.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. Then, I reach behind me and take each man's hand.

“Royal is my boyfriend.” I hold up our conjoined hands to demonstrate my point. “Zade is my boyfriend.” I hold up Zade and my joined hands. Then, I let go of both men and put their hands together. “And, Royal and Zade are boyfriends.”

“Oh,” my mother puts on an awkward smile and looks between all three of us. “I didn’t even know you were gay.”

“I’m bi,” I correct.

“So you might go back to women?” she asks hopefully.

“I really doubt it. I don’t see myself without Royal and Zade, they’re everything to me.”

“And this makes you happy?”

“Extremely happy,” I confirm. “I love them.”

I feel the presence of both my men at my back and I smile.

“Well, if you’re happy there’s not much I can say against it.”

Relief floods my chest. Part of me was sure she’d make a big deal out of this revelation. Then she gathers up the veggie tray she’d been putting together and heads out to the backyard without another word.

I sag back in relief, sure one of my men will catch me. It’s Zade’s strong arms I feel around me, without hesitation.

“You okay?” Royal asks.

“Yeah, it feels good to have it out there. No hiding or lying.”

“I love you,” Zade whispers against the side of my neck as his hands trail over my stomach.

“You do?” My voice wavers with the effort to sound neutral. I hadn’t realized until this moment how afraid I was that maybe I was falling in love with Zade and he would only ever love Royal.

“Of course I do,” Zade turns me around and looks into my eyes like he’s searching for something. “You really didn’t know?”

I shake my head and hold his gaze.

“Oh, baby, come here.”

He pulls me in and brushes his lips to mine in an achingly sweet kiss. Our tongues mingle in a slow, sensual dance and his arms around me feel like they’re keeping me tethered to the Earth.

“I love how kind and thoughtful you are. I love that you’re comfortable with yourself. I love that you take care of Royal and me, and that you jumped in with both feet to take care of Liam. You’re amazing, sexy, sweet, and absolutely perfect. How could I not love you?”

“I love you, too,” I manage, even though his words have left me nearly breathless.

Royal’s arms wrap around me from behind and he buries his face between my shoulder blades.

“Dude, I thought your love of the D was supposed to be a secret?” Liam asks, stepping into the kitchen.

“Not anymore, I fessed up to my mom, and I don’t care how everyone else finds out.”

“Cool,” Liam says with a smile.

Finally, the three of us part, but I reach for their hands immediately.

“I’m starving, let’s go see how the food’s coming along,” Royal suggests.

This time when we head into the backyard I have my men on either side of me, hand in hand...in hand. And, it feels damn good.