“Is this for real?”
“I checked it myself. It’s legit. Just waiting for you to make contact.”
Jason felt the tears roll down his cheeks. Grant had found his sisters. Not only did he have contact information for them, but they were in London, studying at Starhaven University. The same place he’d met his brothers.
“Why did he do this?”
“I think it’s his way of saying he forgives you,andthat he’s sorry.”
Jason put the paper down and held up his arms. Patrick lifted him up, carrying him back to bed. There was no place he’d rather be.
EPILOGUE
PATRICK
Two months later
Why did this seem more terrifying than negotiating with a mobster?
“You’re not nervous, are you?” asked Jason, his voice teasing.
“Of course not. I’ve met them all before.”
“I know, but this is just you, with the five of us.”
He was nervous, and he didn’t understand why? It was just a meal with Jason and his brothers. Although it wasn’t just any meal; it was the infamous brunch. His rite of passage, as Sebastian had unhelpfully called it. It was something all the boyfriends and husbands had done in their relationships with this special group of friends. Now it was Patrick’s turn.
Since the wedding, Jason had practically moved in, but not officially. He stayed with Patrick at least five nights a week, and usually more.
“How are you feeling about tomorrow?” asked Patrick.
“I’ll be fine. Stop trying to delay. We’re going in.”
Jason was starting his new job the next day. The aftermath of his quitting was even more dramatic as they’d scrabbled to convince him to stay. That was one thing about Patrick’s boy:when he made his mind up about something, he didn’t back down.
Once they knew he wasn’t staying, they’d offered to pay him off, which he wouldn’t accept either. It had been a lot of money, but having grown up with nothing, he didn’t put significant value on it. His principles were worth more to him. Now they were shitting themselves, thinking he was going to make a tribunal claim. He had no intention of doing that, but they didn’t need to know. Patrick was so proud of him. His arsehole boss was still there, but Gabriel had quit and followed Jason to his new company. Jason was going to be the Chief People Officer for another insurer. It was UK based, and smaller in terms of employee numbers, so it wouldn’t be as overwhelming for him. It was the perfect move, as he could step up yet still be close to the people, which is what he loved. Patrick knew he was going to be brilliant at anything he did, not that he was biased or anything.
“Patrick!” the brothers all shouted when he walked in.
This caused the other patrons to stop and look at him. Jason had a shit-eating grin on his face, so he’d clearly planned this.
“You’ll pay for that later, boy,” he whispered in his ear.
“I look forward to it,” he said, still smiling.
“You won’t be smiling when I lock your cock in a cage and make you go to work tomorrow with blue balls.”
The smile disappeared from Jason’s face. Feeling victorious, he walked forward and shared hugs and handshakes with them all, depending on their preference. Charlie and Paolo were the huggers.
“Good morning, Patrick,” said KC, offering him a menu. “Big day for you, isn’t it?”
“It would appear.”
“And less than a year since Sebastian had his brunch here. I can’t believe all my boys have grown up.”
She got visibly choked up, but laughed when Jasonbounced over, knocking a chair to the floor and almost toppling KC to the ground when he hugged her.
They all got comfortable, and Patrick had been pre-warned that he would be the centre of attention, which he didn’t mind. He loved all these guys. He’d do anything for Jason, and they came as a package deal. Even when they moved out of the flat, they would still be constantly in each other’s lives.
