Page 53 of The Boyfriend Gamble

He eyed me. “I suspected you were gay. Or maybe bi, since it seemed like you and Josie were going to tie the knot. And I’d have supported you,” he quickly assured me. “Just like I’m supporting you now. You being gay doesn’t bother me. Jacob being gay doesn’t bother me either. Kind of wish I’d known, though.”

“You never said homophobic things, Wally, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

The look of relief on his face, including the little smile, assured me I’d nailed his discomfort.

“Look, I probably should’ve known I was gay. Just…I never really felt physically attracted to anyone. I thought something was wrong with me—”

Wally cleared his throat. “But you and…”

“Yeah.”

“So you’re…”

“Yeah.” Heat crept into my cheeks. “Well, not entirely—”

He held up his hand. “Yeah, that’s all I need to know. I wouldn’t want to know about you and Josie any more than about you and Jacob. You’re my younger brother. We used to take baths together.” He punched me lightly in the arm. “And look at us now.”

I tilted my head. “You’ll meet someone.”

“Yeah. Maybe. In time.” He didn’t look convinced, and today wasn’t the time for this discussion.

I made a note to have it later.

Laughter filtered up from the backyard.

“I think I’m ready.”

Wally straightened my jacket lapels—which I was quite certain didn’t need straightening—and grinned. “Yeah, I think you are.”

About thirty people mingled in my backyard, many holding drinks. The day promised to be pretty hot. Good thing Josette had planned a midday ceremony. I’d be able to shed my jacket soon after the photos were taken.

Mom was the first to embrace me.

I cleared my throat. “Thanks for holding down the fort.”

“We figured you needed time.” She pointed to Christie, who was trying to wrangle Opal, our flower girl.

Justin and Stanley’s daughter was just the cutest thing ever.

Angus just grinned. He had infinite patience for the little girl.

Justin was conversing with Nita and Tanner while Stanley was deep in conversation with Ronald, Jacob’s father.

August and Julian stood off to one side, examining a tree.

Ben and Isaac held hands and gazed intently at each other.

Other friends filled in the spaces, including Jacob’s crew—looking all spiffy and presentable—as well as Aunt Bertha, Uncle Keller, and three of their kids. Oh, phew. Cousin Bradford was nowhere to be seen.

Josette appeared by my side. “The officiant is ready.” Her blue eyes sparkled. “Are you?”

I stood a little taller. “Yeah, I am.”

She pressed her lips to my cheek. “Great. I’ll get Opal settled, you stand by the arch, and your groom will be joining you in mere moments.”

Okay, this shit’s getting real.

Chapter Twelve

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