“No, I don’t think I’d make a very good phone holder either.”
How the hell did I get into this situation?
Lillian swallowed visibly and gave Ladd a sad look “Oh dear, then maybe I could make a business card holder. I could make the Petit Dick Stands just for you, honey!” She gave me a sympathetic pat on my arm.What the fucking hell!
I turned as red as Ladd and couldn’t look her in the eyes. At this point, Ladd sat down and put his head between his knees, and I caught sight of Taylor and Remy leaning all over each other so they wouldn’t fall down. When he finally got himself together, Ladd stood back up and put his arm around my waist.
“Oh, no, Aunt Lillian, Connor is definitely a tablet, maybe even a flat screen TV stand, so no worries on that front. I just don’t think he’d feel comfortable having his junk on display in your front window. To be honest, you might cause a riot on Main Street, so maybe you’re better off without him.”
Lillian gave me another head to toe sweep and then jumped at Ladd and gave him a huge hug. “Oh, God, I was so worried. I’m so happy for you, Ladd. You hit the cock jackpot, sweetie!”
Dear God, what is it with this fucking family?First profound truths about love and life now congratulations on cock sizes. I’d dropped into the twilight zone of families.
The hug was finally broken up by James yelling from the kitchen.
“I’m sorry Gwen couldn’t come tonight but, no, really, Aunt Helen, I have everything under control. Just go relax, and I’ll let you know when everything is ready.”
“Whoops, that’s my cue to get my ass in gear.” Lillian let go of Ladd and swooped into the kitchen yelling, “Helen, don’t you dare touch anything in that kitchen. You know what happened last time you helped with the rice, we had to eat the gumbo without it, and that’s a travesty I will not have at Connor’s first family dinner.”
Remy and Taylor followed after her, presumably to watch the show that was about to happen in the kitchen between the sisters. And just like that, we were finally alone. I pulled Ladd into a quick kiss, and just as we were moving apart, a text notification sounded, and I cringed. With Ladd looking on intently, I pulled out my phone and checked the message. Just as I thought, it was yet another from Troy. He wasn’t giving up, and I needed to end this. It was bothering me, but I also knew it was really bothering Ladd. I didn’t need my ex causing problems with my current relationship.
Troy:I’m so sorry, I cheated on you, Connor! I know you’re mad. I miss you! Just the thought of you still makes me smile. I think I still love you!
“It’s him again, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, he just won’t give up.”
I gave my phone to him and let him read it.
“What do I reply?” I asked him. Ladd seemed to have a clearer head where this situation was concerned. He didn’t have any history of over thinking things where Troy was concerned.
Ladd stared at the screen for a full minute in thought, then began typing.
Connor:This is Connor’s new man. Connor spent six months after you left him praying to receive this message. Then he spent the next three months trying to accept the fact that it would never happen. The last month and a half, Connor has spent dating to finally get over you. And it’s worked! We’re together now, and it’s too little, too late. Lose Connor’s number and never contact him again. You told him he wasn’t enough for you. Now, you’ll never be enough for him!
After reading his message, I was overwhelmed with emotion. This gorgeous man was putting a claim on me. I wasn’t sure I deserved him, but I wanted him. I had the impulse to tell him I loved him right there in his family’s dining room. I wasn’t sure when I had fallen for him so completely, but I felt the truth to my soul. I held back again though. He’d think I was crazy. So instead of yelling my devotion to the rooftops, I scooped my man into a huge bear hug and kissed the hell out of him. We were both smiling when we pulled apart as we rested our foreheads together and just breathed each other in. It was a perfect moment until we heard a shriek from the kitchen.
“Freaking hell, sister, I told you that pan was hot. Did you listen? Noooooo. Now you’re gonna have to tell Gwen why your right hand is out of commission for the next few days and you can’t finger…” All we heard after that was muffled noises—Lillian presumably—and uncontrollable laughter—Taylor and Remy…and probably James and Rhett, too. This family was nuts, but I really, really liked them.
After all of the drama in the kitchen, I was happy to find out the dinner was fucking amazing. I’d never had gumbo so good, and the crazy company was even better. But as we were serving up the apple cobbler Remy had brought, my phone dinged again. I immediately went still, and so did Ladd. Everyone at the table noticed our sudden silence, but I had to see what the message was this time. I pulled out the phone and read.
Troy:I don’t know what game you’re playing, Connor, but it’s not funny! It’s just sad that you would pretend to have a new man when I know you’re all alone and just too proud to admit it. Just give in and admit you want me back and save us both the drama your little hissy fit is causing! I’m taking matters into my own hands since you can’t admit the truth!
“That little shit! I don’t know what I ever saw in his pampered prissy ass. All he wants is someone to take care of him. He wants a sugar daddy, not a relationship. The hell if I’d ever want someone like him again after finding the perfect man in you.” I reached over and grabbed Ladd’s hand temporarily forgetting where we were and the company present.
“Oh Lord, that’s so sweet, Connor. I knew you’d be perfect for our Ladd.” Aunt Helen said with her hand over her mouth, blinking back her tears. Then Lillian got up out of her seat and came over to give me a peck on the cheek.
“You’re a good boy, Connor. We’re lucky to have you, too.”
I hadn’t actually realized I’d said all that out loud until their reactions. Looking over at Ladd, I watched as the smile on his face lit his eyes like diamonds, and I was lost in them for at least a minute with the goofiest grin on my face. I came back to the present when James asked what the text had said. I felt no problem explaining the situation to them all at that point. Hell, maybe one of them would have an idea to help.
As I was finishing my explanation, my phone rang. Glancing down, I saw my mother was calling me, so I answered immediately. Maeve Douglas hated talking on the phone except for business and never called her kids unless it was an emergency. She was strictly a text or email woman.
“Mom, what’s wrong?”
You could hear a pin drop in the dining room, every person at the table going silent at my tone.
“Connor Michael McDaniel, ye tell me right now, are ye datin’ anyone right now?”
