“How’re you doing?” I asked Brody.
“I’m good. Just thinkin’ about my daddy and what he woulda thought of me.”
This was new. Brody rarely talked about his father. “I’m sure he would’ve loved you no matter what.”
Brody leaned against the wall, pensive, and figuring he was working out something in his head, I waited, giving him the time he needed.
“And I can’t stop thinkin’ about Theo. I was so wrong, Dev. All those years Momma and Theo were married. I shoulda given him a chance. He wasn’t a bad guy—I woulda resented anyone who came in and tried so hard to be my daddy. I thought I’d have time to talk to him, but it just slipped away. And now he’s gone, and I never got a chance to tell him I was glad he was there to make Momma happy.”
Guilt was a crushing weight to bear, especially for someone who possessed such a soft and loving heart, like Brody. While it was true that he’d never given Theo a chance, I couldn’t imagine how hard it must’ve been for a little boy to lose the father he loved, only to have another man try and take his place.
“Maybe now’s the time to tell your mother that. She always wanted the two of you to get along. It would probably bring her some peace. But don’t beat yourself up over things that can’t be changed.”
Brody listened, but being the stubborn man he was, I knew he’d gotten that perception of himself ingrained in his head, and it was hard to change his mind. Only one person could do that. When it was apparent he wasn’t going to respond, I decided to change the topic and nudged him.
“Look at Vette and Dora Lee. He sure is crazy about her. Reminds me of the first time I saw you.” That day in the Waves’ locker room, at our first team meeting, I was so damn nervous, knowing I was the backup quarterback to the number one college player in the country. Then I saw Brody, and a different kind of nerves blossomed in my stomach. “I couldn’t believe I’d have to play with a guy on my team and worry about getting a hard-on every time I’d step out on the field.” I ran my knuckles along Brody’s jaw. “I took way too many cold showers all those years, thinking of you and that gorgeous body under me. But the connection was instantaneous. So many times I wanted to say something, but I held back.”
“Instead, you teased me. Callin’ me choirboy.” A dimple popped out on his cheek. “And I remember checking you out in the showers. Wishing I could run my fingers over those tats. Feel your skin.” His eyes grew heated. “Now they’re mine.”
“You’re still my choirboy. So good and honest.” Unable to resist him, I kissed his lips, feeling them soften beneath mine. “You’ve made me see God plenty of times.”
“You better stop ’cause it’s about to get X-rated if you keep it up.”
“Oh, I’m gonna keep it up. All night long.” I winked and patted his cheek just as Ezra came by and grabbed Brody’s hand.
“Come on, big guy. Let’s boogie.”
Roe leaned against the wall and held up his hands. “I’ve had enough. He and my ninety-five-year-old grandmother can wear me out. Please take him.”
We watched as Ezra and Brody danced alongside Momma and Vette while Dora Lee took a video. Roe accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
“How do you feel being a married man?”
I thought about it for a moment. “Not much different than before. I know Brody didn’t really understand why I wanted to do this so badly, but it means a lot to me, someone who didn’t grow up with a sense of family like he did, to have us legally formalized.”
“I’m very sorry your parents aren’t here. They’re missing out on seeing your happiness, and it’s a shame.”
I gazed at Brody laughing as he, Ezra, and Vette now took control of the floor. Ms. Faith had given up and stood with Dora Lee, watching Brody.
“I think it’s shameful on their part, but there’s nothing I can do to change their minds. They’ve never tried to understand me, and I’ve given up trying.” The waiter passed by again with flutes of champagne, and this time I took one.
“I understand how frustrating it can be. Ezra’s parents were similar—they didn’t think I was good enough and wanted him to marry a girl, have kids, and run the family business. They did everything they possibly could to keep us apart. In the end, they came around because they saw how badly Ezra and I wanted to be together and how much we loved each other. I’m hoping the same will be true for your parents.”
The bubbles from the champagne tickled my nose as I drank it, mulling over how to put my emotions into words. I knew Roe was trying to make me feel better.
“There’s a difference. Ezra’s parents loved him. In their heartless way, they thought they were doing what was best for him. My parents simply don’t give a damn. They don’t care if I’m happy. They don’t care at all.” I gulped the rest of my bubbly. “If they did, they wouldn’t have spurned every single invitation I’ve ever sent them, including my college graduation.” My smile was paper thin. “I know what you’re trying to say, but the only way my parents would ever accept me is if I followed in their footsteps.”
“And they don’t know you’re gay.”
A bitter laugh burst from me. “Not a chance. I’m sure that would be another failure on my part. Another rejection from them. I’ve had enough already, thank you. They don’t get to diminish me or my love for Brody with their snobbery and arrogance.” I blinked to clear the tears from my eyes. “That’s enough serious talk for the night. I have to say it again, thank you so much for putting this all together for us. You have no idea how much we appreciate it.”
Roe hugged me. “Yeah, I do. It’s one of the most important days of your life, and you want to spend it with people who care about you.”
Which should include my parents, but that wasn’t going to happen. “Come on. Let’s get some food.”
When I checked, Brody had left the dance floor and was sitting at one of the small round tables with his mother. I hoped he was planning on talking to her about Theo. At least one of us deserved to heal.
Chapter Fifteen
