Chapter 26
Jay
While the circumstances aren’t ideal for a family reunion, I’m glad Aiden gets this chance to reconnect with them.
For once, I get to support him, instead of the other way around. He’s done so much for me over the past year, first as a steady, faithful friend and then as the most devoted boyfriend I could ever ask for. I love this man, and everything about our life together.
Tuesday morning, we leave early with the sun barely above the horizon as I drive us to the Portland airport. Aiden keeps checking his phone, tracking their flight. The closer they get, the more anxious he becomes.
“Hey,” I say softly, reaching over to link our fingers. Touching him seems to soothe his tension a bit. “You doing alright?”
He exhales and nods, giving me a tight smile as he squeezes my hand. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just nervous. I know where James stands, but I don’t know about Luke. What if he doesn’t accept me?”
I glance over at him, my voice steady. “Aiden, whatever’s going on in Luke’s head, it doesn’t matter. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for who you are. And he’s walking into our home, surrounded by people who love and support you.
“If he thinks he can show up and spew sanctimonious, homophobic bullshit, he’s going to learn real fast that it won’t fly. Especially not with my sister in the room.”
That earns a genuine laugh from him. “You’re right. Heather would eat him alive.”
We arrive at the airport early with plenty of time to spare. My mom meets us here since there isn’t enough room for everyone in one car.
We sit on a wooden bench in the newly renovated terminal, and she turns to Aiden and offers a suggestion.
“I think it’d be best if I hold back when they arrive,” she says softly. “I don’t want to overwhelm your mom too much all at once. This is going to be an emotional moment for her.”
Aiden nods, looking grateful. “That’s a good idea. Thank you. It means so much that you’re willing to support my mom like this.”
“There is nowhere else I would rather be,” she replies.
My mom is one of the most remarkable women I’ve ever known. No matter what life throws at her, she remains kind and steady. I know this is hard for her, losing her friendship with Susan all those years ago, and going through her divorce without her. I know she missed her friend.
Aiden’s phone buzzes in his hand, and he shows it to me.
James: Off the plane, headed your way.
He immediately tenses up, stands, and begins pacing. My mom moves to the seating area across from us, while I remain seated onthe bench, waiting for him to greet them first before he reintroduces me. They still don’t know we’re together.
I spot Susan before she sees us. She’s aged for sure, but she’s still a beautiful woman with kind eyes and the same long, blond hair. Even in casual travel clothes, she looks poised and well-put-together.
James and Luke aren’t identical twins, but they look alike. They’re the same height, with lean builds, olive skin, and unmistakable family features that mirror Aiden.
Even from a few feet away, I can hear Aiden’s voice as he approaches.
“Hey, Mom,” he says, wrapping her in a warm hug. “God, it’s so good to see you.”
Through tears and a trembling voice, she chokes out, “I missed you so much, Aiden.” Her shoulders are shaking with sobs as she clings to him for several moments.
James and Luke watch, misty-eyed, with James clasping his girlfriend’s hand.
Once Susan finally releases him, there’s a long-overdue bear hug between Aiden and James, and a tentative hug between Aiden and Luke. James introduces Shelly before Aiden turns toward me and beckons me over.
“I’m sure you all remember Jay,” he says, reaching for my hand.
Susan stares at me for a moment, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You found each other?” she exclaims, and before I can respond, she pulls me into the tightest hug I’ve ever received.
She’s sobbing so violently that her body shakes against me, smearing tears and snot all over my shirt, but I don’t care.
After a few deep, shuddering breaths, she pulls back just enough to cup my face in her hands. “You deserved so much better than how we treated you, Jayson. I am so, so sorry.”
