Page 63 of Beyond the Summer

"I'm madly in love with his big heart," Ben said."And his cute blushes."

I moved a little closer to him.

Aiden crossed his arms over his chest and studied us."But why didn't you tell us?Not even at our wedding."

"We were laying low, biding our time until we figured out how to confront Sutton's dad."

"He has people everywhere," I said.

Aiden eyed me."Why would your dad's people be at our super gay wedding?"

Jay shoved his husband."Don't listen to him.We're so happy for you, Ben," he said, his voice soft but filled with genuine warmth."It's about time you found someone special.And I can tell what you have is the real thing.I saw you dancing at the wedding.It was so romantic!"

I felt my face heat again, but this time it was accompanied by a flutter in my stomach.Ben caught my eye and winked, sending another wave of butterflies through my gut as he slipped his arm around my waist."What can I say?"he replied, wrapping an arm around my waist."When you know, you know.He and I just fit."

"You must have a big dick, then," Parker said.

The room erupted into a cacophony of voices and laughter.Aiden and Parker were firing off rapid-fire questions at Ben about how he came to realize that I wasn't an asshole, while Jay and Ravi listened intently, occasionally interjecting with their own queries.

They shifted to banter, first about the wedding, then other things, each of them trying to outdo the other with increasingly outrageous stories and jokes.I found myself swept up in their easy camaraderie, the warmth of their friendship enveloping me like a comfortable blanket.

As I watched them trading quips and inside jokes, I felt a sudden, overwhelming sense of belonging.At camp, I'd been on the outside of their circle, more distant than Aiden and Jay, who hadn't even been there.But with one swift, publicly embarrassing apology, they welcomed me with open arms.For the first time in my life, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Suddenly, a throat cleared, cutting through the jovial atmosphere.The room quieted as Kaito Yamada, Aiden's grandfather, stepped forward.His weathered hands reached for mine, enveloping them in a warm, firm grip.

"Sutton," he said, his voice gentle but authoritative."I want you to know that I have my best lawyers working on your case.We're ensuring your safety and pursuing emancipation from your parents.We've also been in touch with Linda Torres.Ben's mother is helping with the case as well, of course."

My heart raced.It was all happening so fast."Mr.Yamada, I… I don't know what to say.That's incredibly generous, but…" I hesitated, thinking about the astronomical legal fees such actions would incur."Isn't that too great an expense?I couldn't possibly…"

Before I could finish, Aiden chimed in, his tone light but eyes serious."Dude.He's got spare lawyers coming out of the woodwork.It's not a big deal."

I blinked, taken aback."Still, I-"

Kaito squeezed my hands, silencing my protests."Young man, allow an old man the pleasure of helping where he can.Money is of no concern.Your well-being, however, is.Ben is one of Aiden's closest friends, and he's your boyfriend, isn't he?"

Nodding, I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat.Fuck, was I going to cry?In front of everyone?I blinked rapidly, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Thank you," I croaked out, my voice thick with gratitude and barely contained emotion."I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

Kaito's eyes crinkled as he smiled."Live your life authentically and happily.And take care of this young man."He patted Ben's shoulder."That will be repayment enough."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.Ben's hand tightened on my hip, giving it a reassuring squeeze.I looked around at the faces surrounding me—Ben, Aiden, Jay, Parker, Ravi, and Kaito—all offering support and acceptance.It was overwhelming, in the best possible way.

Clearing my throat, I found my voice again."Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving."

"Why don't we go up to the homestead?My dad texted that he's cooking up his famous pot pie," Ben said."I'm sure there will be enough for everyone.You're all welcome to join us."

A chorus of enthusiastic agreement filled the room.As everyone started moving towards the door, I caught Ben's eye.He gave me a soft smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"You okay?"he asked quietly, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand.

I nodded, feeling a blush creep up my neck."Yeah, I'm good.Just… a lot to process, you know?I've never had people who were there for me like this."

Ben leaned in, his lips brushing my ear."We've got this.Together."

Fuck, how did he always know exactly what to say?I squeezed his hand, grateful for his unwavering support.

As we stepped outside, the cool evening air hit my face.I took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave my body.Ben and I fell into step behind the others, our hands still intertwined.

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