“Because you gave him a copy of the report?”
I nodded.
“That was brave of you.”
“Nothing in there but the plain facts. And nothing about me. Obviously. I suppose if he tells those people about himself then I can deal with that when the time comes.”
“Sounds like a plan. Not to borrow trouble, as Marty used to say.”
“My mother used to say that as well.”
“If she was young when she had you, then she and Marty would’ve been close in age.”
“Is that weird?”
He laughed. “Uh, no. That I’m older than you by a bit bothers me.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Really? I thought we were okay.” Panic encroached.
“We are okay.” He grasped my hand. “But you might want to find someone closer in age.”
“Aren’t most Daddies older than their pups or boys?”
“I don’t know the statistics. I suppose…but that’s not relevant to us. We need to go with what feels good. What you’re capable of handling.”
“I want more, Zahir. I say that as a man and not as a puppy. But I have to watch out for your feelings too. It’s not just me and—”
A knock sounded at the door.
Our gazes held.
“You get that while I check on dinner. I’ll meet you in the living room.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek, then gently spun me so I could head to the front door.
I did, of course. Nerves be damned—I would do whatever he wished. I never wanted to disappoint him. That would break me.
Alaina and Keegan stood at the threshold while Jai and Demetrius were a step behind. The young woman held out a tray covered in foil. “Nanaimo bars. I hope that’s okay and goes with whatever you planned. Or you can just save them for later—”
“Nanaimo bars are the best thing ever.” I took the tray. “Thank you.”
“I’m just bringing salad.” Keegan rolled his eyes.
“Salad’s very important.” I stood back. “Come in.”
The kids entered with their fathers following.
Demetrius relieved Keegan of the salad bowl. “Sorry, we should’ve checked.”
“I think we prepared Caesar. More salad is always a good thing.”
“Why don’t I take this into the kitchen?” He gestured to the tray as well.
I nodded. “You know the way.” I pivoted to Jai and the kids. “Shall I show you to the living room? It’s such a lovely house.”God, I sound like a real estate agent.
“That would be nice.” Alaina offered a genuine smile. “I love these old houses. Not that I don’t also love our newer house.” She caught Jai’s gaze. “We have tons of space, which is nice. But I like cozy too.”
“This way.” I led the small group into the living room as Demetrius peeled off and headed to the kitchen. “Yes, really cozy. I grew up in an apartment, and I have to admit I like—” I was cut off as Daphne barreled into the room. She must’ve been out in the backyard and a pang of guilt hit me that I hadn’t noticed her absence.
Both Keegan and Alaina dropped to their haunches.
