“Hey, man. You’re just in time.”
Stone looked up at the little boy who was using Beau’s hair like reins, holding on tight. “For?”
Beau nudged the door open with his elbow. “We’re buildin’ a fort.”
“A fort?” Stone walked inside, closing the door behind him.
Beau took large steps, keeping the kids on his feet from falling off. Every time he moved, one giant foot thudding on the hardwood, all three of them giggled.
“Tell your cousin Stone what that is,” Beau said.
“Blanket fort!” they chimed merrily, two of them bounding up and running away.
Beau lifted the boy on his shoulders over his head and set him on the ground so he could join his brother and sister.
“Wow. They got big,” Stone said, watching as Jack, Kiera, and Aiden tossed pillows onto the floor.
“They grow like weeds,” Beau said. “Four years old, and they think they’re ten.”
“Daddy! Get in the fort!” Kiera summoned.
“In a minute, baby girl. Daddy’s gotta talk to Stone for a bit.” Beau motioned for Stone to follow. “Want a beer?”
“Sure.”
Beau led the way deeper into the house, where they found Ethan. He was in the kitchen, oven mitts on his hands, reaching into the oven to pull out a large glass dish.
“Hope you like enchiladas,” Ethan said.
“I like pretty much anything,” Stone admitted. “Especially if I don’t have to make it myself.”
“Good answer.” Ethan cast an amused look at Beau. “I’m married to someone like that.”
“Hey, I’d make it if you’d let me.” Beau looked at Stone. “The kitchen’s off limits. He’s the only one allowed to cook.”
“Because the fire department had to come out the last time you did,” Ethan countered.
“One time,” Beau huffed. “And we needed to remodel the kitchen anyway.”
Stone snorted, not sure whether to believe him. “Seriously?”
Ethan’s eyes widened, and he nodded.
“It wasn’t that bad,” Beau said defensively.
“Of course not, baby,” Ethan crooned. “The fire only took out one wall. There’re plenty more.”
Stone choked on a laugh when Ethan rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“The kids were at my mom’s,” Beau said, as though that needed to be clarified.
“He’s not allowed to cook when they’re home,” Ethan added. “He’s limited to sandwiches and the microwave.”
Beau opened the refrigerator and pulled out three beers. On his way around the island, he paused in front of Ethan and kissed the man.
Stone had always admired Ethan and Beau’s relationship. Although they’d had their share of ups and downs over the years, they’d found true happiness.
“Hey, munchkins!” Beau shouted. “Time to set the table.”
