Page 83 of Ethan

"He means a lot to you, doesn't he?"

I focused on my breathing. "I love him."

"Oh, wow. So soon?" Silence. "Have you told him?"

"Not yet. I'm waiting for the right time."

"How is he going to react?"

"I don't honestly know, but we've become so close, I can't imagine being with anyone else."

"I'm so happy for you, Dad. Your joy means everything to me." He laughed. "I owe Michael twenty dollars. He was adamant you were going to fall in love with Ethan."

"You didn't think I would?"

"I thought you might have some experimenting to get out of your system first."

I laughed. "Oh, we experiment plenty, let me tell you."

Derek coughed and made a gagging sound. "Please don't tell me."

"I suppose I need to get your mom up to speed about him."

"If you're in love … I think it's time."

I nodded. "Okay, I'm going to go and do that."

"You going to head over there?"

"She deserves to hear it in person."

"Good luck. Love you, Dad."

"Love you too."

I ended the call and texted my ex-wife, asking if I could come over. I told her I had news I wanted to share with her. She responded that she and her fiancé, Mark, were finishing dinner and I was welcome to join them for an evening drink.

Sweat trickled down my back as I rang the doorbell. Partly because the temperature was finally at summer heat levels. Partly because I was nervous.

Delores swung open the door. "Daniel! So nice to see you." She stepped back. "Come in. Mark and I are on the back patio. I've made slushy margaritas. Can I get you one?"

"That sounds perfect. I'll meet you out there."

I wandered through a home I knew well. We had raised our kids in this house. The patio I stepped out on had taken me six weekends to complete.

Mark rose to his feet and shook my hand. "Daniel."

"Hey, Mark. How have you been?"

"Enjoying retirement. You?"

"Not as busy as I was last month. I've been able to take some time off."

Mark nodded. "Tax season over?"

"The bulk of our clients are done."

Delores emerged from the house and set a frosty glass on the table for me. I took a seat.

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