His mom placed a hand on her hip. “If you think I’m any less proud of you for doing piercing, then you’ve misjudged me and your father. Our goal was always to raise our kids into happy and kind adults. That’s it. We’re coming to the convention to support—mostly just to embarrass you.”
“Hell yes, Brannon takeover,” Ollie called out with a hoot.
“This is your fault, you know,” Rory mumbled at me, even though his eyes were the slightest bit glossy.
“I take full responsibility,” I responded.
“Is anyone going to come get this food?” another guy stepped in, slender like Rory but with glasses. “I’m going to dig in if you all insist on yammering in here. Dad’s already started on the cinnamon rolls.”
“No fucking way,” Aislin said, bursting past us to bolt for the door, presumably leading to the kitchen. “I missed out last time.”
“That’s Declan—my older brother and Noah’s boyfriend.” Rory leaned in to explain. “Though, we should follow, because we’ll miss out on the cinnamon rolls otherwise.”
“I’m okay,” I said. “Not much of a sweet tooth.”
Rory arched a brow. “You know if I leave you behind, my siblings will mob you with questions, right?”
I glanced around the room, but the second Aislin led the charge, most of the folks who had crowded in the room started migrating into the kitchen. “Who’s left to mob me?”
“Oh, shit.” Rory yanked me forward, and a grin lifted my lips as I stumbled after him. We rushed through what looked like a welcoming kitchen—all wooden surfaces, white walls, and bright light streaming in through the big windows—and then burst into the total chaos of the dining room. Food was splayed out everywhere on a big oaken table, and no one bothered to sit down. Everyone just grabbed a plate and started filling it.
“So, this is Rory’s boyfriend?” An older man stood at the opposite end of the table, who I presumed was Rory’s dad. Truthfully, I could’ve guessed from the similar features to both Ollie and Cormac, all broad shoulders, big build, and bearded. “Come here, son.”
This entire family made me feel young again, and I adored it. When Harper had moved out, when Susie and I had decided we were getting a divorce, I’d thought for sure I was entering into the twilight years of my life. We’d raised a human being together, and even though we hadn’t been in love for most of that relationship, it at least hadn’t been a hostile one. We’d co-parented well.
However, now I had this chance to start over, and it was thanks to Rory.
I slipped my hand into his as he grabbed one of the cinnamon rolls, and we walked over to his dad.
“How’d the two of you meet?” his dad asked, and I groaned internally.
“I gave him a piercing,” Rory said, waggling his brows. Dammit, this was going to be a thing from here on out. Except I sort of lovedit. Dating someone like Rory demanded a unique story, and ours was perfect.
“Based on that look, I’m fine not learning about the piercing,” his father said, shaking his head. His gaze switched to me. “I don’t know you, but I know Rory. If anyone is good at discerning someone’s character, it’s him. He would never have brought you here if he wasn’t a hundred percent serious.”
My chest warmed, and I squeezed Rory’s hand again. These people had a way of welcoming me in that burrowed deep into my soul.
“Don’t make me regret bringing him around,” Rory muttered.
Aislin punched him in the shoulder as she settled beside us. Rory had somehow finished the cinnamon roll while we’d been talking to his dad, and now he grabbed a plate, loading it up for me, and then grabbed another one for himself.
“I’m glad you’re here, Wyatt,” his dad said. “Welcome to the family.”
“I’m glad to be here,” I admitted, the realization settling inside me. This was everything I’d been searching for, that I wasn’t sure I’d ever find. And with a guy I never could’ve dreamed I’d fall for—but I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.
“If we had to weather the Brannon inquisition over significant others, then you can too,” Cor said, a smirk on his lips as he nudged Rory. “Though it helps that we’ve already met the guy.”
I couldn’t believe I hadn’t put two and two together given the shared last name, but everything with Rory had been a whirlwind romance. We’d met, he’d changed my world, and I’d completely fallen in love with him.
The truth burned inside me, one that I longed to share, even if I understood it wasn’t the time yet.
We were too new, too shiny, and I was just grateful Rory was willing to take the leap with me.
However, if I had it my way, he’d be mine for keeps.
Chapter twenty-three
Rory
