Byron was likely in his forties. A little stiff and formal.
Carter, whose skin was about my color, sauntered with a bit of swagger—but not in a bad way. Just a guy who appeared really happy. He stuck out his hand. “Anderson, great to see you again.”
Anderson grinned. “Nice to see you too. So glad your book came out last month. We’ve all read it.”
“I appreciate that.”
“And the girls are thrilled they all own signed copies.”
He ducked his head. “Well, nice of Dickens to host a signing for me at The Owl’s Nest.” Then he straightened. “The next book in the series is finished and on my editor’s desk.”
Anderson’s eyebrows shot up. “So soon?”
Carter chuckled. “Remember that it takes over a year from submission to publication. The book you just read? I finished writing it almost two years ago. I feel like I’m slower these days.” He pecked Byron’s cheek. “Probably because I love spending time with my husband and our two pups.”
“Ah yes, how are Sheffield and Rosebud?”
Byron, whose cheeks were still a little pink after Carter’s kiss, offered a shy smile. “Both doing exceedingly well. Just happy dogs. Helps they have two dads who spoil them.”
Carter laughed. “I love being a dad.” He paused. “Oh, how could I forget? We’re fostering a rescue dog right now. Her name’s Mei. She’s the cutest thing. Looking for a forever home.” He batted his eyelashes at Anderson.
He laughed. “Not right now. Adele’s heading to university, and I’m looking at having the house to myself for the first time ever. I’m not certain I want to be tied down with the responsibility of a dog.”
“That’s fair. The brood are with my family. Rosebud is Tansy’s favorite.” He pivoted to me. “My sister.”
“Ah.” I bit back the question on the tip of my tongue.Are you going to have children?That question always popped into my head when I met a gay couple who didn’t have kids. Probably because I wanted them so badly myself.
“I had considered getting a dog.” Anderson shrugged. “Between Adele, and Shaw’s dog Rufus, I’ve got enough chaos in my life.”
“The shepherd, right? Doesn’t he shed everywhere?” Byron tilted his head.
“Yep.” Anderson grinned. “And he’s Shaw’s problem. The last time he and Damien snuck away, Adele and I went to stay at their house. So although my clothes came home covered in dog hair, I didn’t actually have to worry about my house.”
Right. Well, he’s not going to want to be around a guy who works in barns and deals with goat shit.
“Anderson? Jarrod? Your booth is ready. Last one on the left-hand side.”
Anderson blinked. “Oh God, I haven’t even introduced you. Carter, Byron, this is my old friend Jarrod. Well, he’s not old. I mean not as old as—” He winced.
Byron chuckled. “I’m notthatmuch older than the two of you. Nothing like the age difference with my husband.”
Carter beamed. “And yet he still puts up with me.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Even below the music, Byron’s words were clear. “We’ll leave you to your dinner. Jarrod, I hope to see you around again. Anderson needs more friends.” He cleared his throat.
Carter grinned, threading his arm through his husband’s. “Night.”
They escaped through the door, and a blast of cold air blew through.
Anderson shivered. “Let’s get to the booth where it’ll be much warmer.”
As predicted, the booth—at the back of the restaurant—was much warmer. I wanted to tuck him beside me, but decorum dictated we sit across from each other. The booth would’ve been a tight fit with the two of us next to each other.
We shed our coats, and each grabbed a menu.
“Are you going to have a milkshake?” I waited for him to gaze up from the menu.
He did.
