“I’m making your father a special dinner.” Mary double clacked her tongs in Colton’s face.
“There’s enough here for a week of dinners.” Colton laughed.
“Food is the key to a man’s heart, my son. You’ll learn that if you ever decide to settle down with a nice girl.” Mary smirked with a wink and another clack of her tongs.
Colton inhaled sharply. He realized his mother was right. Whether he meant to or not, Dean had taken residence in his heart, not only with his charm, beauty, and wicked sense of humor, but his skills in the kitchen totally sealed the deal.
“That’s kind of why I’m here today. I need to talk to you and Dad about something pretty important,” Colton said nervously.
Mary’s eyes danced with excitement. “Sure thing! Your father’s in the back yard.” She abandoned the massive cooking project and led Colton out the glass French doors by his arm.
Peter, Colton's father, was on his knees and elbow deep in dirt, tending to his garden.
“Hon, Colton's here and he needs to talk,” Mary called to him.
They each pulled out a chair and took a seat at the large, round glass table on the spacious patio off the back of the house.
“This must be something special,” Peter joked as he sat. “You only visit on holidays.” His eyes suddenly widened. “You didn’t get someone pregnant, did you?”
Mary gasped, her eyes widening to the size of golf balls.
“Jesus, Dad! No!” Colton scoffed.
Peter exhaled and Mary studied Colton. “Youdolook quite nervous, Colton. Would you like some water?”
Colton emitted a skittish laugh. “Maybe something a little stronger? Bourbon?”
Mary lifted her eyebrows. “Oh my! This is going to be one ofthosetalks. I’ll get a round for all of us.”
Mary hurried off as Peter eyeballed Colton. He let out a light chuckle.
“What’s funny?” Colton muttered.
“The last time I saw you this jittery was when we had the sex talk. You were so uncomfortable.” Peter smiled with a wink.
Colton smiled too, “Well, it’s weird, isn’t it? Talking about sex with your dad.”
Peter laughed and squeezed his shoulder. “I suppose so. But it had to be done, Son.” He winked.
Mary returned with a glass of bourbon for everyone.
Colton took a big gulp and a deep breath…no turning back now.
“First, nothing’s wrong. I can tell by the looks on your faces that you’re worried. Everything’s fine.”
Mary and Peter both exhaled, their shoulders relaxing.
Colton took another big sip and another big breath.
“I need to tell you something, something very important. I’ve started seeing someone. We’ve been together for almost four months and I’ve been keeping it from you, as if it’s something I’m ashamed of. But I’m not ashamed or embarrassed. In fact, I’ve never been happier with anyone. And I don’t think I’ve ever laughed or smiled more in my entire life. I came here today to tell you about who I’m dating, and how happy it makes me, but I’m fairly certain you’re going to be a little shocked when I tell you who I’m seeing.” Colton exhaled sharply.
Peter smiled and reached across the table, placing his hand on top of Colton’s. “Is it Dean?”
Colton sighed as relief washed over him. “Yeah. It’s Dean. I think I’m falling in love with him.” He smiled. “This must be love, or something…because I’ve sure as hell never felt this way about anyone else! I feel like I’m floating twenty-four seven.”
Mary looked at him as a tear rolled down her cheek. She didn't look happy and she didn't look angry…something in between. She stood and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Peter enveloped Colton on the other side, for a Merrick family sandwich, and Colton laughed with happy tears.
