“Did Mom tell you anything?” I ask.
“No. She just said you have something important to tell me, and I need to keep an open mind. So,” he prompts. “What’s going on?”
“I have a boyfriend.”
There are a few beats of silence on the line. “And that’s what you wanted to tell me? That you’re…not straight?”
“Is that a problem?”
“Of course not,” he says dismissively. “But this doesn’t seem like something you need to announce to everyone over the phone like this.”
“It’s not. Him being a guy is only part of it. The other part is that he’s a member of the Keepers.”
The silence over the line is heavy and oppressive, but I just wait it out while everyone processes what I said.
“Who is it?” one of my uncles asks, and based on his voice, I think it’s Killian’s dad.
“Damon Cosgrove. His father is Andrew Cosgrove.”
“You’re dating Andrew’s bastard?” one of my uncles, and I think it’s the twins’ dad, says.
“He prefers being called his father’s illegitimate child,” I say dryly.
“And it’s serious with him?” Dad asks.
“Yes.”
“Have you thought about this?” he presses. “Reallythought about this?”
“Yes. I know it’s complicated and it’s going to cause trouble, but this isn’t just a fling or an experiment or anything like that. I love him.”
“And he feels the same way about you?”
“Yes.”
“Can we trust him?” the twins’ dad asks.
“Yes. I’ll send you the dossier Jace compiled on him so you can see for yourselves, but I trust him with my life.”
“And you’re sure this is what you want?” Dad asks.
“Yes.He’swhat I want.”
There’s another silence.
“Okay. If this is what you want, then we’ll figure out what we’re going to do,” Dad says. “Have you talked to Jordan and the boys about this?”
“I did, and I’ve got their support.”
“Good. That will make things easier.” There’s a pause. “Send us the dossier, and I’ll call you back when we have a plan.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll send it as soon as I hang up.”
“Does he make you happy?” he asks, his voice strangely quiet.
“Happier than I’ve ever been.”
There’s another pause. “We’ll figure this out, just leave it with us.”
