Laughter erupts from the crowd like thunder rolling across a stormy sky.
I stare at her, wide-eyed.
All eyes are on her now as we once again begin moving.
But not for long.
Microphones are shoved in her face, like punches being thrown in a fight.
“Ana, would you like to comment on your dad dating Alexander Jarrell?”
Emilee’s chin smacks into my shoulder. We’ve stopped. Again. This time, the jolt yanks me out of my trance. I blink, suddenly aware of everything and everyone. It’s like I’m seeing them for the first time.
“My dad thinks Alex issuper-hot!”Ana boasts.
The shouting continues?—
“Ana, are you cool with having three gay men in your life?”
“Don’t answer that,” I rasp, finally finding my voice.
But she ignores me. Leaning into the microphones, those serious green eyes spark with mischief.
“I’m totally cool with it. Who would have thought I’d end up with not two, butthree, gay dads?” Her voice is bold, unwavering—playing the crowd like a pro. A smile as bright as the sun. “I mean, can our family get any gayer?”
Fucking Ana.
Laughter erupts in waves across the packed crowd.
They eat her up.
And so do I.
She’s everything a father should be proud of, and then some.
I watch her, stunned. Awed by the strength in her voice, fire in her eyes.
Confident.
Proud.
Sassy.
Fierce.
Fearless.
Everything Elijah is… and more.
She glances my way, beaming. And in that moment, it hits me?—
She captivates me too.
I can’t believeI froze up in front of the cameras.
The girls had been in my direct line of sight. I wasalmostthere, more than halfway to the entrance of my apartment building—when my brain short-circuited. Shut down. Refused to communicate with the rest of my body.
“Alex, where is your boyfriend?”
