Page 30 of Now and Forever

A server attended to them immediately, offering them menus and taking their drink orders.

Daddy eyed him with a grin. “I think you’ll enjoy the Riesling. This particular one has some delicate peach notes and a light sweetness.”

Seth might be living with a man who owned a vineyard, but he was still pretty lost when it came to understanding the difference between each type of wine. Never mind what foods they should be paired with. But Daddy knew what he liked.

Seth studied his menu and held back a comment regarding the prices. He’d finally come to embrace the concept that Daddy enjoyed taking him to nice places and going on trips together. And as Daddy was always quick to remind Seth, he knew best.

“Ooh, they have crab cakes as a starter, sweetheart.”

Daddy knew those were Seth’s favorite. “Did you want to share?”

“Sure.” Daddy smiled. “That way, we’ll have more room for dessert.”

Half the time when they went out, they ended up taking the dessert home anyway. He glanced over the main courses. There weren’t many to choose from, but as he’d come to expect from the fancier restaurants they patronized, there were ingredients and sauces that came with the dishes that he’d never heard of before.

Seth also marveled how his tastes had changed. Or maybe it was another way he wanted to separate himself from his old life. While he still enjoyed the occasional hamburger or steak, he loved seafood more than anything.

“What’s a sturgeon?”

Daddy glanced up from his menu. “It’s a local fish, caught in the Columbia River. It’s similar to halibut, but not quite as dry and has a richer flavor.”

“Hmm.” Seth considered how bold he felt. “It’s not fishy fish, is it?”

Daddy chuckled. “I don’t think so, no.”

“What are you getting?”

“The razor clams. They’ll go excellent with the Riesling.”

So far, the big, chewy local clams had been one of his least favorites of the local seafood he’d tried so far. If he didn’t care for the sturgeon, he wouldn’t even be able to trade with Daddy.

“I think I’ll go with the Chinook salmon.”

“Mmm. Another of your favorites.” Daddy nodded as if in approval. “That’s excellent. You should have the best for such a special night.”

Seth tilted his head. “Because we’re in Cannon Beach?”

“Uh…” Daddy coughed into his fist. “Yes. Cannon Beach. Very special.”

“Here are your drinks, gentlemen. Can I start you off with some crab cakes or oyster shots?”

Daddy gave the waiter their order, but he still seemed distracted and off. Seth narrowed his eyes as he tried to comprehend what had made his Daddy so nervous all evening.

Something’s up. I just can’t figure out what the hell it is.

* * * *

Malcolm forced himself to maintain a measure of calm as he and Seth made their way back to the suite after dinner. He hoped like hell the hotel staff had followed his requests to the letter. Seth would be happy no matter what happened, but Malcolm wanted everything to beperfectfor his husband-to-be.

A thrill coursed through him at the thought.

“Are you all right, Daddy?”

“Huh?” Malcolm regarded Seth in confusion. He was staring at Malcolm as if he’d grown another head. “Why?”

Seth chuckled. “You’re grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I’ve never seen that expression on you before. Are you hiding something?”

Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck. It was a good thing he wasn’t a poker player. “I’m just excited we’re finally here in Cannon Beach. And wasn’t the restaurant incredible?”

---