Page 89 of Forbidden Moon
Marco’s face lit up, and he raised his hand.
“That’syourname, too! Uncle Jonah said so.”
“Yes, it is. Most people call me RJ, which stands for Rascal James.”
Dawson pointed gleefully at Jonah.
“Papa told me his name is Jonah ELWOOD Blair!”
Jonah turned red and groaned while RJ laughed and gave him a one-armed hug.
“Is he kidding, or for real?”
Ben walked into the room and answered the question.
“Unfortunately, it’s true. Both my parents’ middle names began with “E”, and for some reason they refuse to explain, decided their children should have the same. I got stuck with Emerson, and then there’s Meredith Ellen, Connor Edmund, and Avary Ernest. We’re still trying to forgive them.”
RJ failed to keep a straight face and busted out laughing. Jonah gave up and joined him, now that the genie was out of the bottle. At least his big-mouthed brother shared in the humiliation. Ben announced dinner, and they all got up to make their way to the dining room. Jonah squeezed his hand.
“Sorry, Rascal. They can be pretty direct sometimes.”
RJ planted a kiss on his cheek.
“No worries. They’re sweet, just like their uncle.”
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RJ FINISHED HIS SUPPERlong before the others and leaned back to observe and visit with the family. It amazed him how much these people could eat, even the children! Ben apologized for the simple meal of hearty beef stew, fresh-baked bread, and buttered vegetables. Apparently, their chef, Cody, whipped up something fancy whenever the Blairs invited guests over. RJ found the food delicious and said so, seeing no need for apologies. Lance asked him if he enjoyed cooking for himself.
“I do. My mother taught me, and we made a lot of great food and memories in the kitchen. It’s one of the things I miss the most.”
Soon he and Jonah were comparing notes, looking forward to trying out family recipes on each other and their guests. RJ realized they were discussing the future as if it were already decided, and he very much wanted a life with Jonah. Could it really be this easy? Perhaps he’d been clinging to unfounded fears of moving things along too fast, but then, a lifewithoutJonah now seemed unimaginable. How didthathappen?
A knock on the front door attracted everyone’s attention, and Jonah leaned over to explain.
“Ben invited some friends over for dessert. I don’t think you’ve met Jack and William yet. They have twins and are also bringing their friend, Walter, who is visiting from Arizona. I hope that’s all right.”
RJ shook his head.
“I don’t mind, Jo. If they’re important to you, I want to meet them.”
RJ volunteered to help Lance clear some of the dishes and make room for a dessert of turtle brownies topped with vanilla ice cream. It required salad plates to hold the enormous servings, and RJ brought them out to the table two at a time. Once he’d served everyone, Jonah introduced him to the new group, and conversation resumed as they ate. Jonah sat to his right, holding Evie in his lap, and Walter now sat to his left instead of Lance.
As he and Walter were the only guests, they naturally asked each other about work, home, and family. RJ found him friendly, intelligent, and easy to talk to, though unsure how he’d befriended Jack and William. Walter explained why he came to town.
“I wish I could have shown you the pieces Katrine produced for the museum. Remarkable! Have you ever seen any of her work?”
“The wolf artist, right? I saw some of her prints at the LRC gift shop. I’ve been interested in wolves since childhood, but her paintings are so life-like it’s almost as if they posed for her!”
Walter’s expression curiously warmed, as if he were about to share something important.
“Wolves are beautiful and intelligent creatures. You are fortunate to have them on your doorstep.”
Once dessert ended, they made their way to the living room, where the twins played with the older children under Lance’s watchful eye. The rest found places to sit; RJ ending up next to William and Jack on the couch, with Jonah sitting on the floor between his feet. William didn’t waste any time engaging RJ in conversation while Jack surreptitiously sampled the man’s thoughts as they spoke.
Without even thinking about it, RJ casually stroked his mate’s neck and hair,needingthe constant contact and knowing on some level Jonah wanted it. It pleased Jack to see their bond progressing nicely without further intervention. The love and desire between them burned hot, sending roots ever-deeper into hearts that nearly beat as one. Given enough time and encouragement, the pair would be inseparable, as they should be.
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