Page 50 of The Fault Next Door

“Maybe you should keep it to yourself. It may be better to just let her go without that knowledge.”

His father shrugged. “I don’t know what is best. I just feel the need to come clean.”

“But is it worth hurting her? You can tell her after she passes.”

His father sighed. “I guess you’re right. But I wanted you to know I won’t say anything bad about you and that guy being together. You made the right choice that I was always afraid to make.”

Ryder studied his father. “Did you ever get with another guy?”

His dad’s lips thinned. “It would be dishonorable for me to tell you.”

He had a feeling that his father had snuck away on his trips to Dallas or Houston and been with a man. He couldn’t imagine living that type of life, hiding the truth and sneaking around for so long. He was glad he’d found Nolan.

His father left, and Nolan pulled up about twenty minutes later. He headed out to Nolan's car and pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly.

“Hey, are you okay?” Nolan asked when he finally let go.

“Where to start. My dad came by and told me my mother is not doing well. You were right. Alzheimer’s is much worse than either of us could have guessed.”

“Oh no. I’m so sorry.”

“That’s not all. My dad told me that the reason he beat me so much as a child was because he feared I would be gay like him.”

Nolan blinked, then shook his head. "Wait, what? Your dad is gay?"

Ryder shrugged. "I guess so. He said he didn't want me to end up like him, so he beat me."

Nolan's lips thinned, and his eyes grew dark. "Shit. That's sick and wild. I don't like it."

"Yeah. But he said that he wouldn't say anything negative about you. He supports us."

Nolan blinked, and then his mouth hung open. "Are you serious?"

He nodded, happiness winding through him, leaving him feeling like bubbles were building in his chest. "Right, it's crazy, isn't it? I thought for sure my dad would be an ass about us. But now it's like he wants to accept that we're together. He told me I made the right decision to be with you."

Nolan shook his head like he couldn’t believe what Ryder was saying. He didn’t really believe it either. He guessed he would see how his father dealt with it all as time passed.

They ended up kissing like they meant it before they broke apart and headed inside. He was ready to show Nolan how he really felt. It was totally wild that his father accepted him. Even wilder that his father admitted to being gay. It sucked that his mom was having such a hard time with her mind failing her. He would do what he could to be nice to her without risking his sanity. She would be gone soon, and he knew he would regret not saying goodbye. At least he had Nolan to support him. He may not have much to give, and he might not be the best person to be in a gay relationship, but he was going to love Nolan like no one else could. They would have a good life, and he would make sure of it.

Epilogue

2 yearslater

Ryder couldn’t believehis luck. He’d not only found a place to work, he and Nolan had found a great community in Seattle. The field he was taking care of was perfect for him. He had been hired on at a better position than he’d been in when he’d worked in Atlanta and had more responsibility.

Nolan had found a great place to work that wasn’t too far from their apartment. Both of their houses sold fast in Texas, and they were looking for a house or condo to buy here that would be close to both of their workplaces.

The door opened, and Nolan stepped in, a smile on his face. "Hey, you're home."

“I am. I couldn’t wait to see you.”

Nolan planted a kiss on his lips that made him think about bed. But they had something very important to do this afternoon.

“You about ready?” Nolan asked.

“I am.”

“Awesome. I’m ready.”

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