Page 108 of The Boyfriend Gamble

“Oh, my boy. So happy you’re here.” She hugged me tightly, then pulled back. “Now, how was Jeremiah? Behaving?”

I blinked. “I didn’t know Cameron’s father didn’t always behave.” The man was distinguished, handsome, and a little scary.

We’d eaten Christmas brunch, joining Nanny, Bops, Ryan, and Simeon. Yes, Simeon’s grandparents insisted I call themNanny and Bops. As apparently everyone did.

Therapy dog Chia sat placidly at our feet, quite content to watch all the goings-on at the retirement home.

Cameron chuckled. “She’s teasing. He sends his love.” He pressed a kiss to Donna’s cheek.

Every year she invited Jeremiah.

Every year he declined.

My boyfriend worried about his father’s deteriorating health.

Jeremiah assured me he planned to stick around until at least Cameron was married, if not with kids. He’d let that little bombshell drop while his son had been talking to Ryan.

I’d blinked.

He’d winked. And assured me he didn’t give two shits if his son was gay.

Happy.

He just wanted Cameron happy.

Apparently, I made him so, and therefore I passed muster.

“Hey, come inside.” A jolly-looking man with graying-brown hair stepped into the entryway. “Good to see you, son.” He clapped Cameron on the upper arm. Then he pivoted to me and held out his hand. “Rob. Or Dad. Either works.”

I shook his hand.

In that moment, something opened inside of me. Something I’d held close to my chest for a very long time. “Thanks…Dad.” I glanced at Donna. “Uh, Mom.”

She blinked. “Oh, I’m going to love having another chickadee.”

Before she explained her comment, she hustled inside and disappeared.

I met Cameron’s gaze.

He blinked a couple of times.

And so went the rest of the afternoon.

This sense of unreality. Like I was seeing my entire life playing out before me. Loved by Donna, Rob, and all their kids. Uncle to the babies.

And potentially father to one or two of my own.

Cameron had said little things a couple of times now. Not to put pressure on me—our relationship was way too new for that. But just statements that let me know he was open to having kids, but would be okay if we decided not to.

We had made two huge decisions.

Which, given this relationship was only twelve days old, felt monumental.

Over breakfast, Cameron said he wanted me to move in.

Then he passed me a mug of coffee as if he hadn’t just rocked my world.

I waited six-point-eight seconds before accepting.

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