“I want to talk to the guy dating my son,” Rocco argues.
“With all due respect, Rocco,” Les says, “after the way you treated Ryder, you have no business talking to Holden.”
“I want to know what he has over my son!” Rocco yells, slamming his fist down on the table, causing Les to jump.
“That’s it,” I growl, standing up. “You can get the fuck out.”
“No,” Ryder says, looking at me, then back at his dad, squaring his shoulders. “Holden doesn’t have anything over me. Do I look that fucking weak to you?” Ryder asks, then continues, not waiting for an answer. “Like I said, I love Holden. I love every single person in this goddamn house. And if you can’t accept that, I don’t need you in my life. Accept it or not. But make your decision wisely because I won’t have you come into our home and disrespect us like that.”
Lowering myself back in the chair, I squeeze Ryder’s arm in support. Rocco looks seconds from blowing a fucking gasket. Movement from the door catches my eye, and Holden steps onto the patio, probably overhearing the yelling. Gage and Leo shrug behind him, letting me know they tried to stop him.
Holden pulls his shoulders back and looks Rocco dead in the eye.We watch in amazement as it happens. “I love your son, Mr. Venchelli. That’s the only motive I have. You can hate me all you want, but you won’t talk to him like that, and you won’t act like that around Les.”
Rocco narrows his eyes, and I can feel Ryder bristle beside me. I squeeze his arm again in warning to let Holden handle this. “Who do you think you’re talking to?”
“Someone who just came into someone else’s house throwing his dick around,” Holden grinds out. “Someone who doesn’t give a fuck that this is tearing his son apart. Someone who can’t look past his bullshit to notice his son is happy with me. With Les. Withus.”
Les is watching this whole exchange go down with wide eyes, pride shining through that not only is Holden taking up for himself, but he’s also defending the ones he loves.
Rocco looks back at Ryder. “Is that how you’re going to let him talk to your father?”
“You’re not my dad right now,” Ryder says sadly. “My dad wouldn’t let something like this push us apart.”
“The son I know wouldn’t be with a man,” Rocco hisses. “Or let a goddamn cop lay around his house.”
“Nope,” Les says, standing up. “You’re done. I told you before Ryder ever came out here that you either respected our decisions or you could leave. It’s time for you to go.”
Ryder squeezes Les’ hand. “Leave us, please.”
“Ryder, I don’t think…” Les starts.
“Go. I’ll be fine,” Ryder smiles, but it’s strained around the edges.
Giving Ryder one last look, I follow the rest of them into the house, hoping like hell they can fix this.
Two hours later,Ryder and Rocco come back inside, finding us in the kitchen. Rocco comes straight to Les, jerking her into a bear hug. “I’m sorry,Bellissima.”
Les peeks at Ryder, and Ryder nods, letting us know they are good. “It’s okay.”
Rocco pulls back, pecking both her cheeks before turning to Holden and thrusting his hand out. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve what I said,” Rocco says when Holden clasps it.
Rocco hugs Ryder tight before saying he needs to get back to Katherine. When we hear the front door shut, Les slides her arms around Ryder’s waist. “Is everything okay?”
He squeezes her to his chest. “It is now. I wasn’t sure at first, but he said he’s going to try to accept it.” Ryder pulls Holden into the hug. “Either way, I’ll always be okay.”
I know exactly what he means. No matter what people thought about our unconventional relationship, we will always have each other. That’s all that matters in the end, anyway.
Les pulls back to peck Ryder on the lips. “I love you. We love you. We’ll always be here for you.”
“I love you too,Il mio sole,” Ryder looks at Holden. “I love you too,Bello.”
“What about me?” Gage pouts, making us laugh. Ryder rolls his eyes and opens his other arm. Gage doesn’t hesitate running to him, wrapping his other arm around Les’ back, making her laugh again.
Les excuses herself to make phone calls, and the rest of us sit down in the living room. As soon as we’re settled, Gage sits up on the couch. “I have something I want to talk to you guys about.” He waits for us to acknowledge him. “I think we should ask Les to marry us.”
“How the hell is that supposed to work?” Leo asks with a frown.
“A commitment ceremony,” Gage announces proudly. “It’s not legally binding. It’ll mostly be for us, but I think it’s something she might want.”
