“I will. I promise.”
I walk towards the house, feeling slightly lighter than I did a few minutes ago. I find Kian and his mum, Sharon, in the kitchen, creating dessert pots from meringue swirls, sliced strawberries, and cream.
“Hi,” I say.
Sharon turns. “Jett. How lovely to see you. I think Rufus is outside.”
“I know. I’ve just been talking to him. I came in here to say hi to Kian and to ask if you need any help.”
Sharon frowns, but her expression clears as I stand behind him and kiss his cheek.
“Hi.”
He presses his back against my chest. “Hi, you. I was not expecting that greeting, but I like it.”
“Have I missed something?” Sharon asks.
“Oh, yeah, we’re a thing,” Kian says.
Sharon raises her eyebrow. “Just like that?”
He grins. “Not exactly ‘just like that’, but yeah.”
His smile is infectious.
“And I didn’t know about it because—?” Sharon says.
“That’s my fault,” I say. “I wasn’t out as bisexual. I guess I am now. I just spoke to my parents. Now everyone who matters knows I’m bi and that we’re together.”
“Except for Dad,” Kian says.
“Oh, yeah. Fuck.” I scratch my beard. “Sorry,” I say to Sharon.
She laughs. “You are far too old for me to scold for your language.”
“You scold me when I swear,” Kian says.
“That’s because you’re my baby.”
“I’m twenty-two.”
“And my youngest. So you’ll always be my baby.”
I put my hand on Kian’s hip. “Do you mind if I steal your baby away for a few?”
Kian pouts at me, which is utterly adorable.
“Of course,” Sharon says.
I take Kian’s hand and lead him outside to the barbecue, where his dad, Jim, is plating up the first round of food.
“Ah, Kian, great timing. The halloumi is ready. Hi, Jett. There’s a burger with your name on it right here.” His gaze drops to our joined hands. “Awesome. Congrats. I wondered why Kian had barely been around the last few weeks and why he’d had a silly grin on his face when he was.”
This is why I love Kian’s family. They take everything in their stride.
“Thanks for making my son so happy.”
“At least he didn’t call me his baby,” Kian mutters.
