“I didn’t either.” Jai pursed his lips. “My parents would’ve lost their minds. With some mutt dirtying their home.”
Snippets of Jai’s family life before he’d come out of the closet had filtered back to me. So different from his friend Arnav. Who’d been accepted as being gay, while Jai’s parents hadn’t taken the news kindly. I didn’t know the actual reason for the estrangement—but Jai made it clear he didn’t have parents anymore, and that was just fine with him. He had a family of his own, and that found family was the best thing ever.
Alaina stepped into the room first. She waved. The sunlight streaming in from the front bay window caught her blonde hair, and her blue eyes sparkled. “Uncle Andre. So nice to meet you.”
“Yeah.” Keegan entered the room next. He had the same fair coloring as his sister. “And wow, you really look like Dad.”
“Yes, the resemblance is remarkable.” Jai stepped forward. “I suppose you know all our names by now. Cute how our dogs ensured they got introduced first.”
I chuckled. “They know how to make an entrance. Same as Daphne.”
“We’re so glad you brought her.” Alaina nearly bounced with enthusiasm. “Gus especially likes her.” Gus was Alaina’s while Gizmo was Keegan’s. Jai had explained they wanted the kids to each learn responsibility and wasn’t it perfect the shelter had a bonded pair of schnauzers just looking for a home?
“She’s glad to be here. Today, though, is about you meeting your uncle.” I wanted to subtly remind Andre of his role. He’d understoodfrom a theoretical perspective, but obviously not a practical one as he continued to stare at the kids.
“We’re really excited to meet you.” Alaina was always the most outgoing of the family.
Keegan never appeared to mind sitting back a bit to let his sister take the lead in some things.
“Uh, thank you. It’s nice to meet you too. It’s been clear to me, from the beginning, how much your dad loves you.” He pivoted his attention to Jai. “All of you.”
“Us meeting was serendipitous. Like we were meant to be a family. And now you’re here. I hope I’m not being presumptuous.”
Andre bit his lower lip.
“I think it might be overwhelming after having been alone.” I caught his eye before returning my attention to Jai. “I know I would be totally overwhelmed if I suddenly discovered I had family. It’s great that everyone is so accepting.”
“Oh, are you gay like me?” Keegan stood a little taller. “Oh, uh, bi like Dad.”
“Keegan.” Jai’s tone was soft.
“Crap.” The teenager winced. “I know better than to ask. That might out you and you might not want to be.”
“But you’re excited at the idea of having another gay relative?” Andre slowly nodded. “Yes, I’m gay like you.”
“And me.” Jai stepped a little closer to Keegan.
“I’m the boring one.” Alaina rolled her eyes. “Girls are nice, but I don’t want to, you know, kiss them.”
“That might change when you’re older.” Demetrius smiled. “You might meet someone. Or you might just stay the way you are. Either way, we love you.”
His daughter beamed. “You guys are the best.”
“Speaking of the best—” Jai grinned. “Who’s up for burgers and hot dogs?”
The teenagers shot their hands up immediately.
Demetrius chuckled, then caught Andre’s gaze.
I also looked the young man’s way.
Slowly, he nodded. “I haven’t had a hot dog in forever.”
“Jumbo.” Jai continued to smile. “With lots of condiment options.”
“That sounds lovely.” He pivoted his attention to me. “If that’s okay?”
“Perfect. I can’t think of anything more perfect.”
