“Yup,” I grinned.
Gabe shook his head and looked at Rhys. “Stop enabling him. You know he doesn’t have to do this much.”
Rhys shrugged as he put together a penne pasta salad with mayo and salad dressing, eggs, boiled and mashed sausage, tuna, crushed bacon, diced red bell peppers, and pickles. “I think it’s great. The family is growing. New traditions will be added. Who knows? This could be one of many of Kian’s Fourth of July parties.”
“I like the sound of that. So mote it be,” I declared. Before Gabe could leave, I reminded him to set up the table outside and grab the baskets from the pantry with all the supplies.
Gabe groaned. “I should have gone over to Austin’s.” He managed a put-upon sigh before leaving us there. Rhys and I shared a look before getting back to work.
When the mac and cheese was done and topped with breadcrumbs and bacon and put in the oven, I found myself whispering to my God and my parents not to let this go wrong. Oh, and dear lord, I really hoped no one minded that the coleslaw was store-bought. I would totally blame Rhys if they did.
I rolled my shoulders before grabbing the ingredients to make my own burger sauce. It was actually my dad’s, but I hoped they’d like it. A voice that sounded a lot like Gabe’s whispered,If they don’t, they can fuck off.
I chuckled lightly. My mate was right. There was only so much I could do.
* * *
Everything seemedto be going great, Gabe manned one grill and Hunter had the other. My mate was very proud of his grills; they even had their own covered gazebo space.
I still couldn’t believe that we had two in our backyard.
I brought out yet another tray of mac and cheese and couldn’t help preening at the fact everyone seemed to be enjoying it. In fact, everything looked like it was going well.
I put the tray of mac and cheese down on the long table and checked all the other trays to make sure nothing needed to be refilled. Hands were placed on my shoulder. I turned around and found Jon.
“Everything is perfect. Take a seat, relax.” He moved me towards where the tables and chairs had been set up. Towards Gabe’s grandparents, who I’d managed to only greet and dip earlier.
I tried not to drag my feet, but I was definitely taking smaller steps.
“They don’t bite,” Jon whispered in my ears and squeezed my shoulder.
Easy for him to say. He was gorgeous and a bear. And really super nice.
“Trust me,” Jon said, and we didn’t stop until we were in the circle made up of solid log furniture with cushions.
“Kian!” A beautiful older woman with medium-length silver-grey hair got on her feet, arms stretched out for a hug. “You’ve been so busy. Come sit with us. Tell us about yourself.”
Jonathan gave me a small push, and I was wrapped up in surprisingly strong arms, then led to one of the empty seats. She sat beside me.
“This is a lovely party,” Gabe’s grandpa said.
“Thank you, sir,” I said.
“Sir!” He shook his head, “Please call me Frederic. And the gorgeous woman that has you in a death grip is my beautiful mate Sofia.”
“Hi.” I waved, then realized how dorky that was and put my hands between my thighs. “It’s nice to meet you both properly.”
“You too, son,” Sofia said. “I was sorry to hear about your parents.” She hugged me to her, and my chest tightened. “Thank you.”
“I know nothing can ever fill that hole, but you’ve got us now, and I know we’re a loud bunch, but we always show up for family, and that’s what you are now.”
Tension drained from my body, even as my eyes smarted, tears threatening.
“Oh, dear boy.” Sofia clucked her tongue.
Gabe appeared and squatted beside me. “You okay, baby?”
“I’m fine. You didn’t have to come,” I told him as he took my hand in his.
