Page 37 of Cedarwood Manny

“Yeah.” Kyle slumped into his father. “You can like anyone you want.” He threw his arms around Adrien’s shoulders. “Is he your boyfriend?”

“Would it be bad if he was?” Adrien asked. He met Nathan’s gaze. “Nate? What do you think?”

Nathan’s hands shook. He’d never been so nervous in his life. “Kyle?” He knelt next to Kyle and Adrien. “I like your daddy. Would you mind if he and I are boyfriends?”

“I want a boyfriend, too.” Kyle sat on his father’s lap. “Can Nate be my boyfriend, too?”

“You’re too young for a boyfriend,” Adrien said. He hugged his son. “But he’ll still be your manny.”

“I can’t be your boyfriend,” Nathan said. “But I am your dad’s boyfriend. Will that be okay?” He ruffled Kyle’s hair. “I hope you say yes.”

Kyle nodded, but stayed tucked into Adrien.

“Thank you,” Nathan said, relieved. He sat on the floor. The massiveness of the moment hit him. He’d not only acquired a boyfriend, but his boyfriend’s son approved.Hell yes.“Should we go to dinner to celebrate?”

“Yes.” Kyle brightened and let go of Adrien. “Can I have a hot dog, too?”

“Whatever you want—but not dessert first.” Adrien stood. “Get your shoes on.”

Nathan left the floor and grasped Adrien’s hand. “I didn’t know you were going to do that, but it went better than I expected.” He squeezed Adrien’s fingers. “Spur of the moment?”

“Yeah.” Adrien blushed. “Are you okay with that step?” His brow crinkled. “If we moved too fast…say so.”

“We’re fine.”And getting better with every moment.

“Good,” Adrien said. “Then let’s go. I’m starving.”

“I should’ve made you a jelly sandwich.” Nathan put on his shoes, then tucked his wallet and phone into his pockets. When Kyle returned, Nathan helped him into the back seat of Adrien’s car. Nathan sat beside Adrien.

Adrien grinned. Once he’d backed out of the garage and down the driveway, he closed the garage door. He grasped Nathan’s hand. “Ready?”

“Yeah,” Kyle shouted from the back seat. “We’re going to the Diner.”

Nathan nodded and settled back on the passenger side of the vehicle. Life was good. He rode in silence, save for Kyle’s singing. As they made their way across town, he rubbed the back of Adrien’s hand with his thumb. He should’ve known at the coffee shop he’d encountered the right man. Adrien was stable, sweet and handsome—everything he’d ever wanted in a man. Then there was Kyle. The little boy was good, but feisty and he loved him. He’d wondered if he’d made the right decision by coming to Cedarwood and now he knew—he belonged with the Ellet family.

He said nothing as they parked, then entered the Diner. A man Nathan didn’t recognize stood at the hostess podium.

“Adrien, Kyle.” The man strode over to them and grinned. “You must be Nathan.” He stuck his hand out. “Nice to see you and meet you.” He paused. “Nathan, forgive me. I’m Colt Harrison. I’m the proprietor of the Diner.”

“Nice to meet you.” He shook hands with Colt. “I’ve never been here, but I’ve driven past the place a lot. It’s exciting.” Did he sound silly? He wasn’t sure what else to say.

“I’m glad you’re here.” Colt waved his arm. “I’ve got the half-moon booth with your names on it.”

“Thanks.” Adrien led the way after Colt.

Nathan directed Kyle to the booth. Being in this situation was oddly comfortable. No one stared at them or whispered. They appeared to be a family out for dinner. If anyone thought he was out of line for being the manny and acting like the father’s boyfriend, they weren’t talking. He sat beside Kyle and Adrien took his place on Kyle’s other side.

Colt placed menus in front of them. “Enjoy your dinner and let me know if you need anything.” He rapped his knuckles on the table, rattling the silverware, then left.

Adrien flipped the menu over. “You’re getting a hot dog, right, Kyle?”

Kyle nodded. “With carrots.”

“Deal,” Adrien said. “When the waitress arrives, you can give her your order.” He met Nathan’s gaze. “Order whatever you’d like. My treat.”

“Adrien.” The Diner didn’t offer a wide array of dishes, but he’d still be reasonable. Once the server arrived, he placed his order. He draped his arm across the back of the booth and caressed Adrien’s shoulder. He shouldn’t have done something so bold in public, but couldn’t help himself.

“Nathan?” Adrien frowned.

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