Page 109 of Liam

"What's even better is that Avery is out of their house," I said. "They have moved into our new youth housing area. We have five kids living there now. They're going to need counselling but at least they're in a positive environment with the full support of me and the volunteers."

"I wanted to talk to you about the youth shelter," Owen said to me. "I'd like to donate some money. Maybe buy some colourful bedding and whatever else you think would make life fun for them again. Those kids deserve to feel loved, accepted, and celebrated."

I touched my hand to my chest. The generosity of this group of men was astounding.

"Thank you so much, Owen. I have ideas. The kids will be thrilled."

"It's the least I can do. I'll text you." He offered me the first smile I'd received from him.

"Mm." Ethan leapt in place, grinning. "Liam's belated birthday present." He bounded out of the kitchen. Liam had told me that the name of the game was gag gifts. I snorted as Ethan set a badly wrapped wriggly mass of what looked to be a small dragon dildo on the counter.

Liam lifted it and wobbled it around. "Jeezus, guys."

Ethan leaned on the counter, his elbows spread, his chin on his folded hands. "My question is who's going to be using it on whom. Liam looks like he's eyeing it up."

"None of you damned business, Ethan," Noah responded.

Liam raised his hand. "No, I owe you guys an apology. For years I've been hassling you all about being needy bottoms." He took my hand and squeezed it. "I've joined the club."

Swear to God, Ethan squealed in stark contrast to the stunned silence that struck the rest of the group around the island. "See! We told you! Best thing ever!"

Liam chuffed out a laugh as the others in the room came out of stasis and started heckling him. Seemed as though Liam had been staunchly against bottoming his entire life.

After Liam accepted some serious teasing, theSalish Sea Societymen turned to preparing dinner like they'd been doing it for a lifetime, working as one. They had a routine. The rest of us were simply swept along with it. Brody, Daniel, and I looked at each other and smiled.

These four men had built an incredible foundation that we were blessed to become a part of. The love in the room was palpable. This was a joyous place of acceptance and belonging.

Family.

Liam had a family, and he'd invited me in.

February came faster than I'd been ready for. Liam had been helping me pack up my room. Most of my clothes, my books, extra bedding, pictures, and towels. I didn't have much else. We'd be using my bed and dresser in the main bedroom and Liam's in what was the guest room for the moment. We would rearrange it in a few years after we decided to have kids.

There were cupboards in the kitchen closer to the floor, but some were up above the counters as well. The upper location was important for us to store everything. Liam had taken most of the items we needed for our kitchen from his place. Alesia had been excited to buy all new stuff.

She was here, helping with the move-in. I'd become quite friendly with her, starting when Liam had invited me over for dinner at his place. We had begun staying over at his place as often as we stayed at mine. His bathroom had been a challenge for me, but we'd managed.

The past month had been glorious, practically living with Liam. We'd become achingly anxious to make it official. To have our own place. Now we were here.

I reached into a box Alesia had set on the floor for me. I was unloading the plates and bowls into a cupboard. Liam was putting the bed frames back together in the bedrooms. He'd already set up the living room. We'd bought a sofa, end tables with lamps, a bank of shelves, and an electric fireplace that was designed to act as a wide television stand as well. We'd bought a new massive screen for it. My television would be set up in our bedroom.

"How are you doing with that?" Alesia asked.

"I'm ready for another box."

"On it." She took the empty box, broke it down, and fetched me another. This one had mixing bowls, drinking glasses, and some cutlery and knives. Liam and I had picked up some drawer organizers for everything. It had been fun shopping for our home.

"Our bed is done," Liam exclaimed as he entered the kitchen. "Just gotta find the bedding."

"I saw the bedding box near the closet," Alesia replied. "I'll find it and make the bed."

"Thanks, buddy." Liam grasped her face and kissed her on the forehead. I loved how physical Liam was with his friends. His love for them was deep and it showed.

"How are you doing?" he asked me.

"Tired. I'm glad you have the bed set up. I think I'm going to be napping soon." The movers had brought the last of our belongings in an hour ago. We had started early, and all the commotion had worn me out. Another couple of boxes and I was going to be fully spent.

"I hear you. Once Alesia leaves, I'll join you."

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