Tarius internally shuddered. The notion of throwing a huge party on a fancy estate, with dainty finger foods and piano music, gave him hives. He hated being the center of attention, even on his own birthday, or when he graduated university with honors, or when he’d been hired by Ronin Cross as a paralegal. Hug him in private, hand him a cupcake, and he was happy.
“Definitely not, no,” Tarius said. “Honestly? I think we’d both be fine with taking a few witnesses down to the courthouse, saying our vows in front of a justice of the peace, and then signing the paperwork. Maybe having a family brunch to celebrate another day.” When Liam started pouting, Tarius added, “Don’t give me that. You had more than enough fun planning Aven and Yosef’s wedding.”
Liam chuckled. “Touché. Okay, private wedding, family brunch.”
“Thank you. And I don’t want this news to take anything away from Linus’s recovery.”
“Hey, now.” Isa stood and circled the table to stand beside Tarius, then knelt to bring himself down to his son’s level. A little surprised by the gesture, Tarius met his sire’s fierce stare. “Your news is no less important than Linus’s continuing recovery. I can give energy to both things. I learned a long time ago how to split my love between all five of my boys. Yes, Linus has needed a lot more if it lately, and I’m a little ashamed I didn’t noticed you were not only seeing someone, but getting serious enough for marriage.”
“I didn’t give you much of anything to notice, Dad. Branson and I kept our relationship private, because we wanted it that way. We wanted a chance to build something without other people having an opinion.”
Dad blinked several times before his expression smoothed into a wry smile. “I can accept that. You’ve always been your own man, doing things much differently than your brothers. In terms of relationships, at least. You’re just as passionate and driven as any of them, but you prefer the shadows to the spotlight.”
“I do.”
“You know, your omegin was like that. Herris loved doing anything for his family, but he hated being praised for it. He always said deprivation and lack of sleep came with the job description as your omegin, and he was only doing what the goddess intended him to do, which was to love his mate and children with his whole heart.”
Tarius’s eyes burned with grateful tears. It was easier to talk about his late omegin now, decades removed from the man’s death. Tarius would always miss him, and he loved hearing how he’d been similar to the wonderful man who’d raised him for sixteen years. “Thanks for that, Dad.”
“Anytime.” Dad leaned in for a hug that Tarius eagerly returned. His sire was a big, bulky man, and he gave the biggest, best hugs of anyone he’d ever known.
Branson’s were damned close.
Everyone returned to their respective seats. Branson leaned over to hug Tarius, and they briefly pressed their foreheads together. Kissing in front of others was still too intimate. Their kisses were special and just for them.
For now.
“So have you boys had any time to discuss your new living arrangements?” Dad asked, forever a constable, thinking things through to the next step. “Branson’s one-bedroom would be fine for the two of you, but not you two plus a traumatized teenager.”
“Not yet,” Branson replied. “We’ve barely had time to breathe, much less dissect all the details. My lease is still in effect for four more months, but I’ll break it if I have to.”
“Or maybe the building manager will allow you to transfer the lease to a larger apartment in the building,” Tarius said. Those arrangements weren’t uncommon in the beta-heavy apartment complexes, especially when beta couples became eligible for adoption. “Or another building that they manage. We can call the first of the week and see what steps we need to take.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“What do you boys need from us?” Dad asked.
“Just your support,” Tarius replied. “And your zipped lips for the rest of the weekend.”
Dad chuckled. “Done. Although you’ve got more prying ears in this house than in mine.”
“Emory and Eriq can be discreet,” Ronin said. “We just need to curb any gossip going around about Branson being upset at the Gala, and to make sure Caden doesn’t get wind of anything. He’s tenacious when he gets an idea in his head.”
“Tenacious is a polite word for it,” Branson replied. “I’d say bull-headed to a fault.”
“Don’t forget, you used to be the biggest gossip in the pack.”
Branson snorted. “Used to be. I grew up, just like Karson grew up and gave up gossiping about all his friends.”
“And you both grew into amazing young men.”
Tarius nodded his agreement, even though he didn’t know Karson Jenks Lee very well. An omega four months younger than Branson, he was mated to an alpha named Rebel, and they had one son named Willem.
Dad cleared his throat and raised his wine glass. “You haven’t officially married yet, but I want to wholeheartedly welcome you to the family, Branson. I look forward to calling you my son-in-law.”
“Thank you, sir—um, thank you.” Branson’s eyes gleamed. Tarius squeezed his thigh, heart trilling over Dad’s open acceptance of this somewhat odd situation.
“On that note,” Ronin said, “I wish to communicate the same sentiment to you, Tarius. Welcome to the family.”
