Page 55 of Bond Strength

“Does anyone else want to share some groundbreaking news today?” Rory asked with unnecessary arm flailing.

“I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking,” Mom said. “I always assumed if Declan found the right person, he wouldn’t be restricted by gender.”

“Well, why didn’t you share that information with your beloved children?” Rory plunked down on the side of the couch next to Mom.

“Probably because she knew you’d be dramatic about it,” I said.

“Welcome to the circus, Noah,” Felix said with a shit-eating grin.

“Mmm, I’ve been around this brand of chaos for years,” Noah said. “Doesn’t scare me too much.”

“How did this happen, though?” Liam glanced between Ollie and me. “Are all the Brannon men just incredibly dense when guys are hitting on them?”

“Don’t lump me in with them,” Cor called out.

“Or me,” Rory said. “I make my intentions very clear.”

“Nah, you just send dick pics on Grindr.” Aislin found a spot to lean against the wall. “That’s not clear communication.”

“Are we going to eat or talk about Rory’s unimpressive dick for the next hour?” I walked toward the dining room.

Mom popped up from her seat. “I will do just about anything to escape a conversation about my son’s dick, thanks.”

“You’re not used to this by now, Mary?” Dad teased and headed over along with us.

“Oversharing is caring,” Ollie sang.

“Except it’s not.” Liam elbowed him in the side as they followed us.

Ollie clapped a hand on Noah’s shoulder, and we both stopped. I refused to let go of his hand. Not with this bunch.

“Noah, are you able to pick up any side jobs? We’re getting more requests for mason work, and we don’t have anyone who specializes.”

A grin spread on my lips. “What did I tell you?” I muttered to him.

Any hesitation in Noah’s features melted away, and my gorgeous man lit up like a supernova. “Well, about that. I just quit working with Brandon, so I’ve got a wide-open schedule.”

“Asshole was taking advantage of him.” I stepped in, mostly because Noah would never badmouth him.

Ollie’s brows drew together. “I’m not surprised. You can do a whole lot better than Brandon. I won’t bog you down here, but tomorrow, give me a call, and we’ll talk.”

I squeezed Noah’s hand, relief pouring through me. While I did think he could do better than his old employer, I understood the stress of sudden unemployment and curveballs. That could be a different brand of hell, and the fact that Noah had unprompted gotten an offer from my brother—fuck. I trusted that Ollie and Cor would treat him fairly, far better than his old boss.

“Thanks, Ollie,” Noah said. “I definitely will.” He leaned in and brushed a kiss against the side of my head. “Don’t think I missed you smugly beaming over there,” he murmured.

“Clearly, I’m a monster for being happy my boyfriend has job prospects.” I led us to the big dining room table laden with food. “Are you sure you guys didn’t—”

“No one wants you to bring food, Declan,” Cor said, bypassing me as he and Felix found their seats. “We value our stomachs. Just bring a case of beer next time.”

“Beer for breakfast? Sounds good to me.” Rory plonked into his usual spot.

I gunned for mine but stopped. Right, I had an extra person with me today. “Let me grab you a seat.”

“Already done.” Mom dragged a chair to us and nudged it next to my spot. Her eyes warmed as she scanned me over. “I’m thrilled for you, sweetheart.”

“Glad we’ll be seeing a lot more of you, Noah.” Dad cut into the cinnamon rolls.

I settled into my seat, letting go of Noah’s hand, even though I was loath to do so. He sank into his and leaned forward, chatting with Cor like he’d been sitting around this table the whole time. Granted, he had known our family for ages, so his comfort wasn’t an extreme leap.

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