Page 101 of His Boys to Protect

Charlie eyed him for a moment, then gave a littlechirpand went back to watching Skylar.

Vaughn sat down on the coffee table, looking from one face to another. “Jesus, Wolf. Are they evenreal? They're stunning.”

Ward couldn't help smiling a little at that.

“I mean,” Vaughn went on, “this is what it looks like, right?”

“It is,” Ward admitted.

“Is this what's been going on with you this whole past year?”

“Yeah. I mean–” Ward glanced at Skylar, who was still fast asleep, and Charlie, who was watching him. “It's a long story. It was just curiosity at first, but now…” He trailed off, eyeing his brother. “Is this weird?”

“Why? What do you mean?”

“You're not saying anything. Teasing or condemning or…”

Vaughn cocked his head to one side, eyeing the boys, then looked straight at Ward. “I just have one question.”

“Okay.” Ward braced himself.

“Are you happy?”

Ward smiled, all the tension vanishing from his body. “Yeah. Yeah, I am.”

“Then that's all that matters.” Vaughn's serious expression gave way to a smirk. “Just keep a close eye on them, okay? Because otherwise, the hubs and I might have to borrow them for a night.”

Ward narrowed his eyes.

“Kidding,” Vaughn said with a chuckle, holding up his hands. The mirth faded from his face. “Wolf, you know I'm kidding, right?”

Ward sighed. “Yeah, I know. Sorry.” He scrubbed a hand over his face, being careful not to jostle the boys. “Just don't ever say that when Sky can hear you, okay? I mean it. Promise me.”

Vaughn must have heard the underlying hint in his tone because he turned completely serious. He glanced at Skylar, and Ward could tell his brother understood enough without him having to spell it out. “Promise,” Vaughn swore.

Ward gave him a nod.

“Have you told Mom and Dad yet?” Vaughn asked. Before Ward could answer, Vaughn breathed a laugh. “No, you couldn't have. Mom would have been calling me two seconds later to pass on the gossip.”

Ward chuckled. “You're probably right.” His laughter faded. Their parents had been supportive when Vaughn came out as a teenager, but that was years ago. In the time since, they'd gotten used to seeing Ward date only women. Hell, they'd been heavily involved in planning the wedding with Kelly. What were they going to think if they found out both their sons were attracted to men? And, in this case, not just to one man, but two? Ward swallowed hard. “What do you think they'll say?”

Vaughn snorted. “Are you kidding?” He gestured at the three of them, then leaned back on his hands. “Two seconds afterthat—after Mom passes on the gossip to any and all extended familyand friends—she'll start planning your wedding, no matter how serious or not you guys are.”

Charlie lifted his head, a look of confusion on his face.Wedding?he signed.

“He's joking,” Ward assured him.

Charlie's expression turned wary.My Sky?

“Yeah, sweet boy,” Ward murmured, running a hand through Charlie's hair even as a pang hit him square in the chest. “Your Sky. You've got nothing to worry about. He's not going anywhere. I promise.”

Charlie's gaze wandered for a moment, then he seemed to accept Ward's answer because he put his head back down.

Vaughn cocked an eyebrow.

“He has autism,” Ward explained. “He's non-verbal, but he does sign when he wants to.”

“Oh.” Vaughn gave a nod. “That's cool.” He stood up. “Well, I should get out of your hair.”

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