Page 51 of Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them
“I’m so happy you are you,” Ian answered. “I worried so much about meeting you and your husband, afraid I wouldn’t be accepted by either of you, that I wouldn’t be worthy in your eyes. I’m glad you’re like this instead of what my fears whispered to me.”
She reached over to squeeze his hand again. “You are darling, Ian. Of course, I’m happy to have you. Don’t ever doubt otherwise. My husband feels the same way about you. He told me last night that we’re taking you on family vacations from now on.”
Ian pointed to himself in question, feeling like a gear in his brain slipped a notch. “Wait, take me?”
“He wants to know you better. Don’t be surprised if you get called over often from now on, either. With everyone’s schedules being so busy, family vacations are the only time we can all spend together. Of course, we’ll bring you too. Oh, if you don’t have one already, we need to get you a passport.”
Of course. She said “of course” as if it was the most natural thing in the world. It turned out André knew his parents well. They had taken Ian in fully without even a question. He felt like he’d gained a family he’d never had before, and if she hadn’t been driving, he’d have hugged her.
His voice was husky as he told her, “I look forward to it.”
“Good. And I meant it, too, when I said I want you and André to attend events together from now on. André mopes when you’re not with him. I don’t want you to give anyone openings to my son, either. Don’t let them think there’s an issue between you two.”
Ian hadn’t considered this. She was right, though. Sending André to events alone would give the wrong impression. Ian didn’t want to do that. But… “I don’t know how to conduct myself at those kinds of events, though.”
“Ahhh. Don’t worry, dear. I’ll coach you.” She winked at him. “I won’t throw you into the deep end and expect you to swim.”
“André really is your child,” he murmured, heartstrings tugging. “He got his giving heart from you.”
Ian heard mirth in her voice as she replied, “Flattery will get you everywhere with me, just so you know.”
It was his turn to laugh, this time in sheer relief. “I’ll gladly accept the help.”
“Good, it’s settled, then. I’ll dress you, don’t worry.”
Since she was being so charming and open with him, Ian decided to bank on this. “Actually, I could use your expert opinion.”
“Oh?”
“I want to get André and me matching bracelets for Christmas, but nothing I see in the shops is quite right. I don’t have an eye for design, either. But the more I think about this, the more I question it. Is a bracelet even something he’d wear?”
“Ian, he would wear anything you gave him.”
“I mean, you’re right. I don’t doubt that. But I want to get him something he’d be comfortable wearing too. Maybe an earring would be better? He sometimes wears a diamond stud in one ear, I’ve noticed.”
“I think he’d wear a bracelet fine, too. Do you have something in mind? A preferred style?”
“Something…simple. Sleek in design. But personalized. I…hmm…don’t know how to clarify better than that.”
Proving she was an expert in her field, Mrs. Castor rattled off a series of questions to help him narrow down what he wanted. Then she dictated notes to him so she could have the jewelry custom-made by a friend of hers who did commission pieces. Ian didn’t quite know when she took over the project but was happy for the help, as he’d broken his head against this brick wall for a good week already without results.
The rest of the drive went by so quickly, Ian was almost sad to get out of the car. Who knew taking a long drive with his boyfriend’s mother would be so much fun? Or spending the day with her at a group home would have him smiling so much?
It once again confirmed his fears were utterly groundless after all. The only things waiting for him in the Castor family were pure love and acceptance.
Chapter 14
It turned out to be a long day at the group home, but a fruitful one. The kids were delighted to have designer clothes, a luxury that had been nothing but a fantasy up until then. Mrs. Castor, to his absolute lack of surprise, was great with the kids. Like her son, she had no problem getting down on the floor at their level.
Benedict was clearly an old hand at assisting his mother, as he was right there whenever she needed something, often without an actual word passing between them.
The group home had struggled to feed and clothe the kids for almost as long as Ian could remember. Thanks to the Castors, that reality was nothing more than a memory now. Ian didn’t know how to thank them or repay their generosity.
Going along with their test seemed a good first step.
Honestly, Ian didn’t care if he was a mate or not. It seemed silly to him to even ask the question, as what difference did it make? He could tell, though, that it mattered a great deal to the Castor family. André was dying to know, so for his sake, Ian would cooperate.
He came into the mansion late afternoon with one eye peeled for his boyfriend, which was silly in retrospect because André had been lying in wait for him. The second he kicked off shoes, André pounced.
