Risingto his feet, Ethan followed his father out of the kitchen and into the livingroom. He made his way over to the couch and flopped down, letting theexhaustion consume him. This had been an emotionally trying day. And it didn’tseem to be getting any better.
“Talkto me, boy,” Curtis said with that rough grumble Ethan was used to.
“About?”he asked, peering over at his father through one partially opened eye.
Hisfather stared back at him for a minute, and Ethan figured he was going to haveto spill his guts or endure the scrutiny of his father’s piercing gaze. Beforehe could come up with a sentence, his father said, “How are things with you andBeau?”
Ethanwas tempted to ask his father what he was talking about. He didn’t. Instead, hesighed and sat up, resting his elbows on his knees. Clasping his hands togetherin front of them, Ethan looked up at his father and… smiled. “It’s good, Dad.Things are really good.”
Hewaited to hear what Curtis would say, but he was pleasantly surprised to seethat his father just smiled back at him.
Wasthat it? The conversation he’d been avoiding for most of his life? What was hesupposed to do now? Did he need to spell it out? Make sure they understood whatthat would mean for them. It wasn’t going to be pretty, he knew.
“I’mproud of you, E,” Curtis spoke, his eyes darting behind Ethan into the kitchen.“The only thing we’ve ever wanted for you is for you to be happy. That’s allthat matters.”
Ethan’sgaze dropped to the floor. “It won’t be easy,” he finally said.
“Nothingthat is worth it ever is. Doesn’t mean it isn’t worth fighting for.”
Ethandidn’t need his father to clarify that statement. Since Beau came into hislife, Ethan fully understood. Beau was worth fighting for. What they hadbetween them was worth fighting for.
Glancingbehind him, Ethan noticed Beau appeared to be in a serious conversation withhis mother.
“Didsomething happen?” he asked, turning to look at his father again.
“Wereceived a phone call from Beau’s father,” Curtis replied softly.
Ethandidn’t even need to question how that went because he could see the tension inhis father’s face.
“Talkto him,” Curtis said. “He’s a strong man, but no matter how strong he is,something like that is bound to break him down. He’s lucky to have you, son.And I know it’s none of my business, but he’s definitely going to need youright now.”
Ethan’smouth was hanging open as he stared at his father, but he couldn’t get hisbrain to function enough to force it closed. Rather than make a fool out ofhimself, he just nodded, suddenly anxious to get to Beau.
Thankfully,as though everyone in the house knew there was only so much Ethan could handlein a day, Beau walked in and looked down at him. He smiled, but Ethan couldtell it was forced. Making his way to his feet, Ethan moved closer and linkedhis fingers with Beau’s right there in the middle of his parents’ living room.
“Let’sgo home.”
Beaunodded, the smile intensified, this time for real.
Turningback to his father, Ethan nodded. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Forwhat? I didn’t do a damn thing,” he muttered, grinning from ear to ear. “If youwant to thank someone,” Curtis nodded toward his mother sitting on the arm ofthe chair beside him, “she deserves it all.”
True,Ethan thought to himself. Releasing Beau’s hand, Ethan made his way over to hismother and wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, Mama.”
“Ilove you too,” she whispered back. “And I’m so proud of you.”
Becausehe knew he was going to break down if he didn’t get out of there, Ethan took astep back, forced a smile and then reached for Beau again.
??
Beaufelt… Hell, he didn’t even know what he felt.
Partof him was numb, but even the slicing pain he still felt from his father’soutburst wasn’t nearly as prevalent as the part of him that felt loved. Leaveit to Curtis and Lorrie to right his world in ways his own parents never had.
He’dbeen appalled to learn that Ben had called them, and he could only imagine whatthe man had to say. He would have to go on imagining because both Curtis andLorrie had been tight-lipped. The only thing they told him was that he waswelcome in their home anytime. And that they were proud to call him son.
Thatpart had nearly leveled Beau. His own father had disowned him, yet Curtis andLorrie had ensured he knew he was wanted.
