Page 827 of End Game

Maybe because whatever you want has not historically been the easiest sentence for my family.

“There is one thing I need to be really clear about.”

Griffin looks at me.

So do Ronan, Micah, and Dex.

I meet each of their eyes before I continue.

“Ronan, Micah, and Dex are part of this. Clay is standing with me, and Dex will too. Ronan and Micah are standing with Griffin.”

The silence on the phone lasts longer this time.

Not angry.

Just processing.

Mom exhales.

Dad answers first. “Okay.”

I wait.

He does too, apparently realizing one word isn't going to be enough.

“I don't understand all of it.”

“I know.”

“And I'm probably not going to pretend I suddenly do by summer.”

A laugh slips out of me before I can stop it. “Fair.”

“But they're important to you.”

“Yes.”

“And Griffin?”

I look at my husband.

He gives me a small, certain nod.

“He wants them there too.”

Dad is quiet another moment.

“Then that's the wedding.”

My throat closes completely.

There it is.

Not approval of every part of my life.

Not some miraculous ideological conversion where my parents wake up and announce they've read three books on ethical nonmonogamy.

Just respect.