Page 85 of Born Daddy

“I do. With all my heart.”

“Okay.” Seb nodded slowly. “Then that’s good enough for me. I know you’re not one to be taken in by a pretty face.”

Seb’s expression lightened, his eyes crinkling with the hint of a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. Rogan smiled back, the special anxiety he’d reserved for his brother’s acceptance finally lifting.

He clapped his hand on Seb’s shoulder. “Thanks, man. Your support means a lot.”

“Of course.” Seb nudged Rogan’s side with his elbow. “You know I’ve got you.” He angled his body and braced himself against the wrought iron railing. “So, tell me what the hell happened with Mitch? The dude had Dad all worked up.”

Rogan frowned. “The fuck? No one mentioned anything about that to me. What the hell did he say?”

Seb chuckled. “No one mentioned anything because we didn’t want to get you riled up again.” He sighed. “Listen. We know you and Mitch have always been hotheads. The guy’s never known when to leave well enough alone. But I’m glad you stopped by today with Tate, and yes, I’m anxious to meet him.” Seb squeezed Rogan’s arm. “In a good way.” He folded his arms. “Now spill. Don’t leave out any details.”

But Rogan did leave out one detail. While the whole world seemingly knew some version of Tate’s and Cam’s relationship—be it Daddy/boy, Dom/sub, Master/slave, depending on which publication you read—Rogan didn’t feel the time was right to reveal too much about his and Tate’s private connection. Someday he would, but only after Tate gave him permission.

Rogan recounted everything that had transpired between he and Mitch, including the conclusions he’d reached regarding what he believed were Mitch’s hidden bigotry. Once he finished describing the scene he’d walked in on that night at his apartment and the subsequent brawl, Rogan fell back against the railing. The adrenaline coursing through him at the memory of Mitch about to punch Tate, his boy cowering on the ground in terror, had jacked up his heartrate.

“Fuckin’ A.” Seb shook his head. “What a dick. So that’s it? The friendship’s over?”

Rogan let his head rest against the metal rail, his gaze drifting upward to the wisp of a cloud traveling across the otherwise clear blue sky.

“Probably. I don’t know. I’m not sure he’ll ever apologize, but even that might not be good enough.” He regarded Seb again. “You’re right. He’s always been a hothead. But this went beyond that. Never mind the lack of respect, I won’t tolerate anyone who’s capable of that level of violence in my life. He was completely out of control, he threatened Tate. I honestly believe he could’ve killed him. That’s unacceptable.”

“Wow.” Seb let out a long breath. “Who knew? But you’re right. No one needs someone like that in their lives.”

Despite the melancholy discussion about Mitch, the day had taken a turn for the better. Deep inside, the reassurance he’d been seeking from his family had been realized. Without the worry of whether his family would accept his relationship with Tate hanging over his head, he could give all his attention to his boy. They could move forward and be less encumbered by the judgements of those closest to him.

“All right,” said Rogan. “Your turn. When are you going to make Violet an honest woman?”

Seb rolled his eyes. “Jesus, give me a minute. We’ve only been dating five years. What’s the rush?”

They shared a light laugh and Seb filled Rogan in on the latest news in his life. The easy conversation soothed Rogan, carrying him farther away from the ugly tale of Mitch’s treachery. The familiar buzz of motorboats on the lake along with the chorus of spring birds added to Rogan’s sense of calm.

This was what he’d been craving, why coming to the lake with his family had always meant so much to him. Whenever he found himself in a dark place, he sought the comfort of what being at the cabin inspired. At the lake, his happy memories were easily resurrected.

But while those memories were wonderful, they were also part of another life, one that didn’t exist anymore. Now that he’d found Tate, they could create their own memories. Being at the lake would take on a new meaning, would be part of a new life. Rogan marveled at how the death and evil at Cam’s hands hadn’t been able to mar the love he and Tate had discovered in each other.

Seb barked out a laugh, startling Rogan from his thoughts.

“Bro, are you even listening to me?” Seb’s words had been in a joking tone.

Rogan gave him a lopsided grin. “It’s great to be here, Seb. Great to get the chance to catch up.” He smacked his brother’s knee. “Come on. I want to introduce you to the man I love.”

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