Page 139 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Whew…what an evening,” Rod sighed. “When we stepped off the plane at SFO four days ago, I didn’t realize we’d be mobbed on Castro Street, treated like celebrities at the support group session, and acting like marriage counselors for your best friend in high school.”
“Kinda makes the drama back in Blackfield seem insignificant, doesn’t it?”
“Boy howdy!” Rod laughed. “Now help me clean up the dinner dishes so we can go to bed.”
With everything cleaned up and put away, they headed for the bedroom. They stripped and slipped between the sheets, and Wyl spooned Rod in his arms.
“Babe, I love you so much it hurts,” Wyl whispered to his husband.
“Ditto,” Rod mumbled as they both drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Thursday, they took a ferry to Napa and joined a winery tour. That took all day. Then, on Friday, they visited Coit Tower and then returned to Pier 39 to buy souvenirs.
After a busy day, they strolled down the street to their building. Rod took Wyl’s arm as they walked. “How about after dinner, we curl up with a glass of wine and a good movie tonight? I’m tired, and curling up with you sounds like a perfect evening.”
“Any time I can curl up with my husband, I’m all for it,” Wyl said. “I bet we can find a good movie.”
“Perfect.” They strolled through the tower lobby, waving at the security guard. They took the elevator to the penthouse.
“I need to call Stewy,” Wyl said. “I want to check to be sure Lefty and Rebekah made it in.”
They kicked off their shoes and got comfortable. Rod picked out a bottle of wine while Wyl called Stewy.
“Hey Stewy, did your folks make it in okay?” Wyl glanced at his husband.
“They’re here, and we’ve done nothing but hug and get reacquainted,” Stewy said. “They adore Matthew and asked a million questions about the last 25 years. I’m so glad you made me call Dad.”
“I figured they would be happy to see you, Stewy. It’s good that they can be a part of your life with Matthew. Treasure those parents for as long as you can. Neither Rod nor I have parents we can share our lives with.”
“Mom and Dad want to see you and Rod. Are you free Sunday night?”
“Sunday night? Sounds perfect. Let me check with Rod to be sure.” Wyl muted the phone.
“Babe, I know Sunday is your birthday, but is it okay if we get together with Stewy and Matthew and Stewy’s parents that night?”
“Yes,” Rod said. “Tell Stewy we’re looking forward to it.”
“Sunday is fine, Stewy, and we’re eager to see your mom and dad.”
Wyl heard voices in the background on Stewy’s end. “Okay,” Stewy said to someone. “Wyl, Mom said to tell you they owe you and Rod big time for reuniting us. I’ll second that motion. Matthew and I are excited about having you as guests in our home.”
“Tell Rebekah we can hardly wait to see them. We’ll call you on Sunday to confirm and get your address. See you then!”
* * *
After dinner, Wyl noticed Rod attempting to mask a coy expression. “Okay… what’s up?” Wyl raised one eyebrow.
“What?” Rod feigned an expression of surprise. “Can’t a guy smile at his husband?”
“Yes…a guy can smile at his husband,” Wyl mocked. “But your face hasthatsmile.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Rod adopted the most innocent expression he could muster.
“Uh-huh,” Wyl said dryly. They went to sit on the couch, glasses of wine in hand.
“In case you thought I forgot that today is your birthday, here’s to a happy birthday to the most wonderful man in the world.” Rod raised his glass.
