Page 180 of His Boys to Protect

“Sky,” Ward murmured, gently grabbing him by the chin. “I'd take an eternity of this.”

The boy's lower lip trembled.

Ward kissed him. “Come on. I don't want to miss a second.”

Skylar grinned and jumped out of bed. Ward pulled his clothes back on, and they went downstairs, hand in hand. They found Charlie in the tasting room, setting down two mugs of coffee on one of the breakfast tables. Charlie disappeared again, returning a few minutes later with plates of scrambled eggs. The boy went to retrieve another cup of coffee for himself, and the three of them sat together in companionable silence.

It was utterly perfect.

The rest of the household found them there just after they finished eating. Ward felt vaguely self-conscious, dressed in yesterday's clothes, his teeth not brushed, his hair mussed from sleep as he faced Charlie's parents, promising them that he'd take care of their son for the rest of his life. In the end, they happily welcomed him to the family and invited him to stay for Thanksgiving dinner.

“Actually,” Ward said, “I was hoping I could take Sky and Charlie with me.” He looked at Skylar as he said, “I'd like to introduce them to my family.”

Skylar's eyes went wide. “Are you sure?”

Ward grabbed his hands. “I told you. As much or as little as you want to share, I'll stand behind your decision. Yes, I'm sure. I don't want to hide you. Not ever. I'm proud to call you mine. Both of you. But we don't have to go if you're not ready.”

Skylar shook his head. “I'm gonna have to meet them eventually, right? If we're getting married…”

“We are,” Ward assured him just as Charlie signed,No if!

Skylar laughed, but he still looked nervous as he said, “Okay. Yeah. Let's do it.” He glanced down at himself. “Just maybe not in my pajamas.”

Ward grinned.

He took the boys back to his apartment and jumped into the shower while they unpacked. When he got out, he found the closet stuffed full again. He couldn't help smiling at the sight. It was so cramped and crowded, but he couldn't imagine anything better.

They got dressed, and Ward drove them across town to his parents' house. Vaughn's truck was already there. Ward pulled in beside it, his heart racing as he shut off the engine. He wondered if this was how his brother felt when coming out to their parents, all those years ago.

Ward squared his shoulders, took his boys by the hand, and led them into the house.

“Knock-knock,” he called out, pushing the door shut behind them.

“Oh, you're so late!” his mother replied. She appeared from the direction of the kitchen and hurried towards them, arms outstretched. “I was getting so worried.” She eyed the boys with a polite smile, then grabbed Ward and gave him a hug first. “How's my baby?”

Ward laughed. “I'm good. How are you?”

“Oh, a mess, apparently,” Mom said, looking down at herself, her apron dusted with flour.

“There he is!” Dad called, coming out to join them. Behind Dad were Vaughn and Vaughn's husband, holding hands and laughing over something.

Charlie covered his ears.

“Easy, little mouse,” Ward murmured. “It's okay.” He turned to give his dad a hug, then grabbed his boys' hands again.

“And who do we have here?” Mom asked, beaming politely at all of them.

Ward took a deep breath.Here goes. “Mom, Dad. I'd like you to meet Charlie and Skylar,” he said, nodding at each boyin turn. His heart beat erratically against his ribs. “We're getting married.”

A stunned silence greeted him for half a heartbeat.

Then everyone exclaimed all at once.

“What? When did this happen?”

“How were you seeing someone and you never even told your mother?”

“It's so nice to meet you both!”

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