Page 42 of Now and Forever

“When did Malcolm say he’d be back?” Deb was artfully arranging the cracker boxes amidst the jams.

“He said he’d be back this afternoon, so pretty soon. I know he wants to take you to that little seafood place we told you about. It’s our favorite.”

She glanced up from her project. “The Dungeness crab one?”

Seth nodded as he checked off a line of items he’d already input. “It is. There’s also this unbelievable chocolate dessert they have. It’s like part cake and part pie with a fudge coating and chocolate ganache between the cake wedges.”

“Goodness. I think I gained five pounds just thinking about it.”

Seth rolled his eyes. She didn’t seem to gain an ounce, no matter how much she ate. He sure wishedhehad that problem.

The sound of voices drawing closer made Seth glance up and he broke into a wide grin. Then his jaw dropped.

“Oh my God, Nate and Tina!”

Seth rushed from behind the counter to grab the door for them. The rain hadn’t let up all day, and they all looked as though they were getting soaked.

“Da—Malcolm!” He pressed his lips together as he regarded Nate and Tina. ”I’m so happy to see you guys. Are you coming to dinner with us?”

It was like a party. Seth held the door wide as they all scurried inside. Daddy gave him a quick kiss as he tugged off his gloves. “You’re among friends here, baby. You don’t have to use my name.”

Seth helped Daddy with his scarf and jacket. They shook everything out then hung them on the wall rack by the door. Carrying an umbrella on the coast was an exercise in frustration. The wind either turned them inside out or it would rain sideways—so there wasn’t much point in using one.

“I’m practicing. It’ll probably take me the next few weeks to get the hang of it.”

Daddy brushed Seth’s bangs back from his forehead. “Is it upsetting you at all?”

Seth wrinkled his nose. “Maybe? But I think I’d be more upset if people were freaked out or made fun of us because they knew.”

“I understand. I wouldn’t like that either.” He pressed a kiss to Seth’s temple. “But it’s nice knowing that those closest to us don’t mind.”

Seth laced his fingers with Daddy’s. “And that we can just be ourselves when we’re alone.”

“Hey, lovebirds. VIP guest over here.”

They both turned at the sound of Nate’s voice. He and Tina had been greeting Deb.

Daddy piped up, “Guest? I was about to call security.”

“Secure this.” Nate rubbed his hands together like he was rolling Playdoh snakes. “I heard rumors you brought some wine with you?”

“Nate!” Tina gave him a disapproving glare.

Nate slapped a hand to his mouth. “Sorry, Deb. Malcolm and I…” He shrugged. “You know how we are.”

Daddy arched his eyebrows. “We?”

Deb patted Nate on the back. “We’re all adults here. Don’t worry about me.”

Daddy snorted. “I demand a recount regarding the status of Nate’s maturity.”

Deb crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at Daddy. “Malcolm. That wasn’t an invitation to be rude.” She returned her attention to Nate and Tina. “And thank you so much for coming here this weekend to help.” Deb jerked her thumb over her shoulder. “Despite his uncalled-for behavior.”

“Well, I never.”

Daddy slapped a hand to his chest as if he’d been greatly insulted. Deb turned to face him, smirking.

“You certainly have.” Deb shook her head. “I’ve never understood why you two are at each other all the time.”

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