“Don’t be,” his dad said, patting his back. “Just be yourself, show them the real you,” Julian advised. “Let them see the person Brenden fell in love with.”
He nodded and then froze just realizing the bomb his dad dropped on him and how pivotal it was. “Oh shit,” he gasped.
“What?” his dad asked in shock. “Is it the baby? Are you okay?”
“You’re getting married!” Stephen said shocking himself.
His dad smiled. “I think we’ve already established that already.”
“Oh no!” he moaned. “Marilyn Hamilton will want to plan something huge, I know it.”
His dad finally caught on to what he was talking about. “Fuck, let’s hope Mark and I can talk her out of it.”
“Do you really think that’s going to work? Christen and Jaxson said the same thing, And I’m sure Ethan and Tyler also did and look how well that turned out.” Stephen was sure that Mark and Julian would not be able to talk Marylin Hamilton out of anything once she had her mind made up.
“Maybe Mark and I can elope.”
“Yeah, good luck with that,” Stephen snickered. “I’m sure she will have someone watching you guys just to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“If she hasn’t already, I’m sure she’s already got the church picked out, that woman is scary,” his dad said worriedly then looked at him. “So how about you and Brenden?”
“What about us?”
“Are you guys planning on walking down the aisle?” his dad asked.
“I already told you, I’m not going to get married. Plus, I don’t think Brenden is ready to get married again.”
“Is that an assumption or did he tell you that? Don’t make the same mistakes twice, Stephen. Talk to him,” his dad advised and got up, going back to his packing.
I don’t need to speak with him, I already know he doesn’t want to get married. And I’m fine with that.
** ** ** ** **
Brenden pulled up to his parents’ home and parked the car in the driveway. He turned to look at Stephen, who had the deer caught in the headlights look on his face as he stared at the house. It wasn’t large in any sense of the word. It was a modest four bedroom, two bathroom with a two-car garage that his parents bought after his mother found out she was pregnant with Marisol.
“Are you ready for this?”
“No,” Stephen told him. “Are you sure we have to do this today?” He brushed a lock of hair, tucking it behind his ear. “I should have gotten a haircut,” he groaned.
Brenden chuckled. “You will do fine; they like you already, trust me.” He tugged gently on a few strands of Stephen’s hair. “I like your hair that length.”
Stephen didn’t seem fazed by his compliment and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Brenden looked back at his parents’ house and was not surprised when he saw more eyes peeking out the window. He groaned mentally when he saw his cousin Vinnie’s face in between his sisters Carmella and Marisol. If Vinnie was there that meant his avo, Amalia, and nonna, Gemma, were there.Maybe Stephen has cause to worry.
“I thought I was only meeting your mom and dad,” Stephen squeaked.
“Ah,” Brenden said, looking back at his lover who looked as if he was about to throw up. “Yeah, me too. But it seems word got out, and everybody wanted to meet you.” He looked back at the house, and everyone was standing outside.
How the hell did they move that fucking fast?
“Come on, let’s get this over with.” Brenden opened the car door and got out. He went around the car and helped Nicholas out of his seat while Stephen took his time. He grabbed Stephen’s clammy hand, squeezing it, giving his lover some assurance. “You guys didn’t need to meet us out here,” Brenden told his family once they were standing in front of them.
“Oh, hush,” his mother chastised him. “You guys were taking forever, and I’m eager to meet my little grandson.” She reached up and took Nicholas out of his arms and peppered his face with kisses, and telling him how adorable he looked.
His son didn’t seem to mind all the attention he was getting. Brenden looked at Stephen, who still looked as if he was about to bolt if Brenden released his hand. He turned back to the rest who were staring at him and wasn’t surprised to see Vinnie’s longtime girlfriend, Francesca, staring at Stephen like fresh meat she could easily chew up then spit out. He wouldn’t tell her that this meat would bite her back.
“Bren, are you going to introduce us to your friend?” Francesca asked.
“Everyone, this is Stephen, my partner.” He heard Stephen gasp beside him, but didn’t turn to look at him. They’d yet to define their relationship. But after earlier that morning when Julian announced he was getting married to Mark, Brenden decided not to waste time. Marriage was out of the question. He’d heard Stephen speaking with his dad earlier that morning. It was something they both agreed on without even talking about it, he did not want to get married. But they were a couple, and that was all that mattered to him.
