Page 57 of Alex
“No,nothing like that. What would it take to adopt him?”
Afterhe shakes off the surprise, he rubs his chin. “Well, he’s almost eighteen. I’mnot sure I see the point.”
“There’sa point. He needs a family. Needs to know there are people who have his back,no matter what age he is.”
“True.I know it’s possible to adopt someone even after they’re emancipated. Gaycouples used to do it so they could have a legal tie to their partner. Likeeverything else though, it has to wait a few months, until he’s eighteen and nolonger considered missing.”
“Ifigured that.”
“I’llget my lawyer on it, see what has to be done. Have you asked Kyle if it’s whathe wants?”
“Notyet. I’ll let you know.”
“Okay.”It’s silent, but I can feel Mason staring at me.
“What?”
Shakinghis head, he grins and adds a piece of meat to the grill. “Alex chose well, Ithink.”
“Hellyeah, I did,” Alex says, approaching just in time to overhear.
“Didwhat?” Parker asks, butting in with Ev on his heels.
“Foundthe perfect man,” Alex brags.
“Youmean the guy you were protecting?” Parker goads, and Alex grabs him in aheadlock.
“Don’tstir up shit! You’re probably the one who told Ian the guy was gay to beginwith.”
Parkertwists out of the hold, offense stamped on his face. “I did not!”
Witha scoff, Mason eyes his wife. “I wonder who it could’ve been.”
Alexturns to Ev. “Everly!”
Parkercracks up. “Of course, makes perfect sense. When Macy and I were separated, sheset her up on a date, then called and told me she was going. The deviousmatchmaker strikes again!”
“EverlyReed,” Mason scolds, smacking her on the ass.
“What?”Her smile is pure innocence. “Jealousy is a powerful motivator. And look.” Shegestures to the back door as Ms. Den and Arthur arrive. “Another one of mysuccess stories.”
Therest of the day speeds by in a blur of laughter, drinks, and multiple games ofpool and badminton. Sitting at the patio table surrounded by happy couples andkids, it strikes me how lucky I really am. Not just because I have Alex, but awhole family now.
“Kyle,help me take this stuff in,” I tell him. “I want to ask you something.” Out ofthe corner of my eye I see Ev grab Cody’s hand when he goes to follow.
“What’sup?” Kyle asks, leaning against the kitchen counter.
“Iwant you to be my son,” I blurt.
Helooks at me like I may have lost the cheese off my cracker. “Pretty sure theDNA won’t match up.”
“Imean, I’d like to adopt you, if, you know, that’s something you would want.”Why is this so awkward? “I realize you’re grown, but I’d still like you to bepart of my family.” I glance toward the backyard that has just erupted withlaughter. “This family.” It occurs to me I probably should’ve run this by Alex.Surrounded by all this family, I got caught up, but I can’t imagine he’dobject.
Alook of confusion creases Kyle’s face. “I-why?”
“Becauseyou’re a great kid and I care about you. We all care about you. I grew up in agroup home, and after I was grown, I thought I didn’t need anyone. That I wouldbe fine on my own, but I was wrong. You can make it on your own, sure, but it’sfucking miserable. You need people who care about you to fall back on.”
I’mnearly bowled over when he gives me a fierce hug. Laughing, I cup the back ofhis head. “Is that a yes?”
