Page 20 of The Greatest Gift

Their laughter is infectious, but it also leaves me feeling exposed. I like Judd—there’s no denying that. But it’s complicated. I lean forward, blurting out the thought that’s been sitting heavy in my chest. “I’m not gay. That’s why this is so confusing.”

The laughter dies down as Athena gives me a thoughtful look. “Who says you have to be? Love isn’t about labels, Nakul. It’s about connection.”

Jess agrees immediately. “Exactly. You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Just take it one step at a time.”

Their words sit with me as I turn back to the blueprint, trying to refocus. But my thoughts keep drifting and before I know it, I’ve pulled out my phone. My fingers hover over the screen for a moment before I type out a text:

Dinner again soon?

It seems to be our code question, one that ends up forming whatever kind of evening we choose it to be. The response comes almost immediately:

Yes. When?

A smile overtakes my lips as I text back:

Thursday?

Perfect

My chest tightens again—this time with anticipation. I’ve never had dates this close together before but I know better. Deep down, I know what this is. I have feelings for Judd and they’re only growing stronger.

Jess’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “You texting my brother?”

I look up, startled, forgetting that the sisters were there. “Yeah,” I admit, my voice quieter.

She smirks. “Good. Don’t overthink it, Nakul. Just let it happen.”

Easier said than done. But as I glance down at Judd’s reply, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this doesn’t have to be so complicated after all.

Judd

I’m pacing the living room when Athena and Lars show up, Stevie bouncing excitedly behind me. She’s been chattering about “movie night” and “marshmallows” since lunchtime and her energy is infectious—even if my own nerves are working overtime.

Athena strides in first, her usual air of authority softened by the way she immediately scoops Stevie up, laughing as my daughter squeals with delight. Lars follows behind her, easygoing as ever, his hands stuffed into his pockets and a lazy grin on his face.

“Uncle Lars! Auntie Thee-na!” Stevie wiggles in Athena’s arms before Lars takes her, tossing her lightly into the air. I hold my breath until she safely returns to Lars’ arms even if I know he won’t drop her. Her giggles ring out like bells, a smile taking over my face.

“Movie night!” Stevie proclaims, her little fists pumping in the air. “And marshmallows!” Her r’s and l’s get all twisted but we all know what she wants.

Athena raises an eyebrow at me as she sets down a tote bag filled with who-knows-what. “Marshmallows, huh?”

“Just not too many,” I say, trying to sound firm, though my grin probably undermines the whole thing. “And bedtime is strictly 8 p.m., okay?”

“Of course,” Athena says, far too innocently. She shoots a glance at Lars, who shrugs and mutters, “We’ll see.”

I give them both a look, but Lars just laughs, setting Stevie down so she can dart toward her toy chest. Then he turns to me, his grin widening.

“So,” Lars says, drawing out the word like he’s about to share the world’s biggest secret. “You’re dating Nakul now, huh?”

I sputter, my face heating up immediately. “What? No. We’re just—we’re doing dinner. That’s it. To see where it goes.”

Lars looks unconvinced. “Sure, sure. Dinner. That’s how it starts, my man. Didn’t think you’d snag one of the popular boys, though. Everyone wanted to be with one of them back in the day.”

“Lars,” Athena says sharply, though there’s a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “Don’t embarrass him.”

Lars raises his hands in surrender, still grinning. “I’m just saying! Besides,princess—,” He jokes, calling Athena by his nickname for her. “You were one of those that had eyes for some of the—” Athena cuts him off with a light jab to his shoulder, all three of us bursting out in laughter.

I get ready to leave, trying to grab Stevie’s attention but she’s always one-track-minded when it comes to sweets. Stevie runs back over, tugging on Athena’s hand. “Movie and marshmallows! You promised!”

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