“Not even a little. So if she’s not okay with this threesome right now…well, a bundle of joy just might solve everything.”
Beck had to grin. “Trust me. We’re working on that. Judiciously.”
Carl winked. “I’m sure you are.”
Beck turned to Seth, and they fist-bumped. Relief was all over the big PI’s face.
Grace’s acceptance wasn’t guaranteed, but having Carl on their side… That was more than they’d had ten minutes ago.
“Thanks for listening,” Seth said solemnly. “And not judging.”
“Anytime. And if you’re going to…make more inroads toward that baby this morning, keep it down, huh? I’m getting married to a beautiful woman today.”
Then Carl started down the stairs, heading for the coffeemaker. As soon as he disappeared around the corner, Beck let out a pent-up breath. Beside him, Seth did the same.
“Holy shit,” Beck muttered. “That…went better than expected. At least you’ll have an ally.” Since Seth intended to face Grace without him or Heavenly by his side.
He understood the woman, but her beliefs couldn’t be the reason Seth became estranged from his family. He hoped like fuck she loved her son more than she hated the life he’d chosen.
“Thank fuck.” Seth slumped against the wall.
Behind Seth, Heavenly cracked the door to Seth’s room wrapped in a towel, water droplets beaded on her shoulders. Her gaze darted between them, concern creasing her brow. “What’s going on? I heard voices.”
Seth crossed to her and cupped her face, his voice quiet and steady. “Carl knows. About us.”
She gasped. “Oh, no. How did he find out?”
Beck winced. “He caught me leaving your room. But…he’s okay with it. In fact, I think everything is going to be all right.”
And for the first time since they’d arrived in New York, he actually believed that might be possible. At least he hoped so. Carl was in their corner. But after Seth confessed all, would that be enough?
Seth sat alone in Grace’s kitchen, cradling a cup of coffee between his hands. Upstairs, he could hear the house coming to life—water running through the pipes, footsteps creaking across floorboards. But for now, he had a few minutes of quiet.
He needed them.
His early morning conversation with Carl had gone better than expected. Hell, better than he’d dared hope. Carl was in their corner, and that was huge. Now he just had to get through today—talk to his brothers during the reception, feel them out, and pray they were as open-minded as he hoped they’d be.
But first, he had another potentially awkward situation to navigate.
In a couple of hours, he’d be meeting Hudson’s mother at a diner off I-95. They’d go over the custody arrangement one last time, sign the papers, then head to a nearby bank to get everything notarized. His attorney in California had worked with Laura’s in Connecticut to hammer out the details. Primary custody to Seth, generous visitation for Laura—two weeks in the summer, every other Christmas, and at least part of every spring break. Hudson had agreed, and both he and Laura thought this arrangement was for the best.
Barring any unforeseen difficulties, he’d officially be Hudson’s father by noon. Meeting Laura on his mother’s wedding day wasn’t ideal timing. He’d be racing to get back in time, but it was the only day that had worked for everyone’s schedules.
With one potential snag: he was bringing Beck and Heavenly with him.
Seth refused to be less than honest with Laura. He was done pretending. Done acting like he was ashamed of the people he intended to spend his life with. Laura deserved to know who would be part of Hudson’s life, helping him raise the kid, going forward. If Laura had a problem, they’d deal with it. But he wasn’t going into this arrangement with secrets hanging over his head.
Besides, withholding the truth had landed them here. He hadn’t been honest about his age that summer. She’d never told him she was pregnant. So now had to be different.
Seth took another sip of coffee, letting its warmth settle in his chest.
Beck entered the kitchen and made a beeline for the coffeemaker, pouring himself a generous cup before dropping into the chair across from Seth.
He took a long sip, then exhaled with satisfaction. “How you feeling?”
“Better now that I’m caffeinating.” Seth lifted his mug in salute. “It’s going to be a long day.” He leaned closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. “And hopefully a long night alone with Heavenly.”
Beck smirked. “Amen.”
