Page 10 of For the Love of a Boy

Malcolm strolled into the dining room. “Hey, baby. That’s my Mom on the phone, and she’d love to say hello.”

Seth’s jaw went slack. “She does?”

“You don’t have to sweetheart.”

Seth drew his eyebrows together, gazing down as he appeared to contemplate the situation. He looked up and his handwringing didn’t escape Malcolm’s attention.

“I kind of want to.”

Malcolm kept his expression impassive. He didn’t want to influence Seth’s decision one or the other. “Kind of? I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Well, I’m super nervous because I really want her to like me, and I’m worried I’ll say something stupid. But I’m also excited because your mom is interested in talking to me.” He inclined his head. “It’s still so strange to me. You know, that your mom and dad don’t mind that you have a boyfriend you’re living with.”

“Someday, it won’t seem strange at all.” Malcolm grinned. “Won’t that be a marvelous thing?”

Seth grinned back. “Yeah. It will.” He wiped his palms on his sweats, then rose from the table. “Okay, I’ll say hello.”

Malcolm jerked his head toward the kitchen. “I left my phone on the counter. Would you rather I stay in here?”

Seth shook his head vigorously. “No. I need you there in case I start stumbling over my words. Then you can rescue me.”

Malcolm slipped his arm around Seth’s waist. “I’ll always rescue you, baby.”

Seth’s features brightened, a smile tugging at his lips. “I know you will, Daddy.”

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