When she let go, her hands stayed on his arms. “Welcome to the family, Jacob.”
Jacob blinked once, steadying himself. “Thank you,” he said.
His mom nodded, already smiling as she moved past him, like welcoming him had been the most natural thing in the world. Liam almost laughed—of course she’d make it look easy. Like bringing someone new into the family was just another task to tick off before dinner. Still, watching her do it left him a little undone.
His father stepped forward next, offering a handshake. “Glad to meet you, son. I’ve heard good things.”
Jacob nodded, the corner of his mouth twitching again. “Appreciate that, sir.”
His mom was already wandering further inside, her voice bright. “Now, where’s my beautiful granddaughter?” she asked, peering around the room like she expected to spot Nora instantly.
“In the living room,” Jacob said. “Still asleep in her bassinet.”
His mother was already heading that way. “Then I’ll just go look at her,” she said over her shoulder. “I’ll get my cuddles later.”
His father laughed, setting the bags by the stairs. “Careful, Jacob. Once she decides you’re family, there’s no getting out,” he said, trailing after her with a shake of his head.
“Your mom’s something else,” Jacob said as Liam stepped in front of him.
“She is,” Liam said, close enough now to feel his breath. “Told you she’d love you.”
Jacob huffed a quiet laugh. “Yeah, I’m starting to believe you.”
He caught Liam by the collar and kissed him—a short, claiming press that left Liam grinning against his mouth.
He laced their fingers together and pulled Jacob toward the sound of laughter. His hand was steady in his, a quiet promise that filled every empty space inside him, pushing out fear and doubt until all that was left was love—the future finallytheirs.
Epilogue
Jacob
Four months later
Liam had stolen the blanket again, same as every night. Jacob woke to the chill on his back and the sight of him sprawled across the mattress, tangled in most of the sheets like he owned the place—which, at this point, he basically did. It was hard to believe it had only been four months since he’d shown up on Jacob’s doorstep with nothing but a duffel bag. He hadn’t left since.
Jacob propped himself up on one elbow and watched him—hair a mess, lashes throwing shadows across sharp cheekbones, and that plush mouth parted on a slow breath. It made Jacob think of a dozen ways to ruin him before the day had even begun.
He wanted to know what Liam dreamed, to know him so completely there’d be nothing left to learn. Sometimes he wondered if it bordered on obsession. Maybe it did, but it was the truth, and Jacob had no desire to change a thing.
Liam’s life had bled into his in a hundred quiet ways: books stacked on the nightstand, a photo of them half-tucked into the mirror frame, and clothes hanging in the closet beside his. Henoticed all of it—small markers that Liam was here and that he wasn’t going anywhere.
After Liam moved in, Jacob had bought the place. They’d talked about finding something new, but this house had become their safe haven. Since then, a lot had changed: new furniture, plants in the windows, and color where there used to be blank walls.
Three bedrooms belonged to the kids now. Asher and Rose had each picked a theme for their room. Rose wanted unicorns and glitter, while Asher had turned his into a jungle. And, of course, there was a room for baby Nora.
The house didn’t feel hollow anymore; it felt like theirs.
“Stop staring,” Liam mumbled, voice scratchy with sleep.
Jacob smirked. “I wasn’t.”
“You were.”
“Only because you drool.”
“Liar.” One bleary eye cracked open, full of accusation. “You’re just crazy about me.”
Jacob shrugged. “Clearly.”
