“Yes, it does.” Fernando grinned and ran up the stairs with Beans. They went to his room and hurried to set up his laptop. The first call came a few minutes early.
“Hermanito,” Mateo said, greeting him with a smile. “Where’s this marine? I have some questions.”
“He’ll call in five minutes.” Fernando narrowed his eyes. “Don’t be mean to him. He’s not used to families, so he won’t know that you’re joking.”
“Am I joking, though?” Mateo rubbed his chin.
“You approved of Eddie, so you had better approve of Walker.”
“Eddie only looks bad on paper.” Mateo waved his hand dismissively. “Your marine may seem better, but I’m not promising anything until I meet him.”
They bickered back and forth for a few minutes, then Walker’s call came in. Fernando’s marine looked nervous.
“Hello, sir. I’m Walker Jones.”
Mateo arched a brow. “So, I’ve heard. How did you and Fernando meet? He’s been surprisingly close-lipped.”
Walker gave them a panicked look.
“Ignore him, Walker. I told him we met while I was on spring break.” Fernando rolled his eyes.
“What first attracted you to my brother?”
“His eyes,” Walker answered instantly. “I felt like they really saw me. Not just a muscled guy in a uniform.”
Mateo winced. “Not all people who are attracted to military personnel are bad, but I’ve met my share of groupies. Fernando definitely sees you as a person, not a uniform. Alright, so how would you describe your relationship with my little brother?”
“As a relationship?” Walker answered, posing it as a question. “I don’t have a lot of relationship experience, but I’m committed to making it work with Fernando.”
“I’m committed to making it work too,” Fernando said, smiling softly. “Walker is a good person, Mateo. Can’t you just trust me?”
“One more question.” Mateo narrowed his eyes. “What does your future with my brother look like?”
Walker swallowed hard. “We haven’t talked a lot about it, but I picture us living together. Maybe building a family while Fernando pursues teaching.”
Heat curled through Fernando, lingering at the tips of his ears. He could see that too. Maybe a couple of kids eventually. A home of their own.
“You career military?”
Walker looked dazed for a moment. “I don’t know. I actually need to decide soon if I’m going to reenlist or not.”
“You said one more question, and you already asked it, Mateo.” Fernando frowned. “Give my man a breather.”
Mateo ignored him. “What are your plans if you don’t reenlist?”
“Follow Fernando wherever he goes and support him however I can,” Walker answered, eyes wide. In that moment, he looked a lot like Beans when they had first found him. All sad eyes and hope.”
“Fuck.” Mateo sighed. “I like him, Ferdie.” He held a finger up. “However, if you don’t reenlist, I insist you move to Hobson Hills. Most of our family is here, and we’re close.”
“That’s where Grammy is, right?” Walker asked.
“Did I tell you about Grammy Wilson?” Fernando asked, trying to remember their conversations.
“No, but she sent me a care package and a letter.” Walker grinned. “I really like her cookies. Pug stole the scarf that was in there. He said it was so ugly it was cute.”
“Grey,” Fernando and Mateo said together. The young omega was married to one of the Wilson grandkids and was known toknit horrible creations. Fernando had his own share of scarves and beanies to prove it.
“Yeah, the letter said Grammy’s grandson had made it.” Walker blushed. “She sent a lot of stuff and said she couldn’t wait to meet me.”
