Page 80
“I have not been a part of their lives for a long time.”
She laced their fingers together. “That’s not answering the question.”
His shoulders slumped, and he looked at the ground. “Even after everything they’ve done, I will miss them. When things went well in our family, it felt incredible to be surrounded by so many siblings and relatives. I didn’t often feel included, but when it happened, it was amazing.”
Kendra’s heart clenched as she heard the sadness in his voice. “There are other ways to surround yourself with people who care for you. I have no family, but I have my friends. And you can always make your own family.”
Faron nodded and lifted his gaze to hers. The intensity in his eyes took her breath away. “I understand that now. I clung to the hope of being accepted and tried so many ways to get my family to love me. That is over now. It is time to try something new.”
“Who do you plan to try that something new with?”
His smile was tentative. “I was hoping you might be interested.”
Kendra pretended to think about it. “It’s a big question. And I did recently spend an incredible day with a Rolon. He opened my eyes to the opportunities that come in furry packages.”
Faron scowled so hard that Kendra couldn’t help but laugh.
“I don’t want you to be with anyone else,” he said.
“Are you asking that we become exclusive?”
“We need to have tests done before that decision is made.”
Kendra jerked back in her seat. “What kind of tests are you referring to?”
“To make sure we are suitable for each other.”
She dropped his hand. “You want to do the genetic testing rubbish?”
He smiled and took hold of her hand again. “You misunderstand me. I was thinking tests to find out what we like doing together. You call them dates.”
Kendra let out a relieved sigh. He was trying so hard to make this right. “Oh! Sure, dates! Going on dates is an excellent idea. Maybe don’t call them tests. I’m not going to pass or fail you.”
“I might fail you.”
She laughed. She’d have to get used to this new, teasing version of Faron. It wouldn’t be hard. Every second they spent together, she felt herself falling.
“Of course, if you have the genetic tests done, as well, when the time is right, it won’t be a terrible thing. For the health of our many children.”
“Yes, when the time is right. But you’re not planning on getting me pregnant today, I hope.” Her heart stuttered at the thought of getting naked with Faron.
“Not just yet. But I want a family. A big one. And I want it with you.”
Kendra sucked in a breath. “I want kids, as well. We’ll have to negotiate over the number, though.”
“I am open to those discussions.”
“This won’t be easy,” Kendra said. “We’ve got a lot of differences to overcome.”
“What did you say to me? We’re different but the same. I believe how we were raised was not so different. We missed out on a close, loving family. We both yearn for that. We can give that to each other. We can make each other whole.”
“For someone who hates talking about feelings and emotions, you’re doing an amazing job.” Kendra swallowed against the tightness in her throat. That was what she wanted more than anything. Someone who fully accepted her. Someone who didn’t change her or mold her into somebody else in order to be good enough. For Faron, she was enough.
He shrugged. “I am learning. I like you, Kendra.”
She smiled. “And I like you, too.”
“You’re right. I’m not used to talking about feelings,” Faron said. “It will take me time to get used to it. If I cause you offense, you will let me know?”
