Page 39 of Cedarwood Manny

Chapter Six

Adrien paid the bill and waited for Kyle and Nathan to return to the table. He gathered the plates before he left his seat. Colt strolled over to the table.

“I’ll get that,” Colt said. “But thanks.”

“It’s a habit.” Adrien left the tip under his water glass. “Colt?” He had to ask someone about the group. He’d held out long enough. “Do you have a moment?”

“Sure.” Colt left the plates on the table. “Was something wrong with your dinner?”

“No,” Adrien said. “I have a question about the support group.”

“Are you considering joining?” Colt grinned. “Do you want information about the meetings?”

“Yes.”Holy shit.He’d not only asked, but he’d agreed to attend. A weight lifted from his shoulders. There would be people there he knew, who understood what he was dealing with and wouldn’t make light of his situation. “I’ve been doing this on my own for so long.” He frowned. “Strike that. I’ve got Nathan, but I feel like I’m the lone gay parent. I know I don’t live in a vacuum and there are others, but I spend so much time at work that I don’t see them.”

“Doesn’t the manny help?” Colt asked.

“No, he does. I meant I want to hang out with other gay parents. I want to know being attracted to Nathan is okay, even if he works for me, and that I’m raising Kyle right.” His hands shook. “Does that make sense?”

“It does and you’re fine.” Colt clapped Adrien on the shoulder. “We all have doubts, but we’re in this together. I’ll text you the information for the next meeting. Bring Nathan and Kyle. We’ve got sitters and maybe if you’re there together, you’ll feel more comfortable about your choices.”

“I’d like that. Thank you.” Relief washed over him. He’d done the right thing by taking this step. “I’m excited to be included and be somewhere besides a dental convention or the office.”

“We’re more fun than a dental convention.” Colt’s grin widened. “So yes, join us.”

“I will.” He hugged Colt. “Our dinner was fantastic. Thanks for the great food and the information. I need to find my son and manny.”

“They’re playing games in the foyer.” Colt nodded. “Have a good night and see you again soon.”

“We’ll be back.” Adrien ensured his phone, keys and wallet were accounted for, then headed into the foyer. Nathan and Kyle were on each side of the twin motorcycle game. He stood behind them. “Are we ready?”

“Yep.” Kyle slid off his seat. “Can we have ice cream?”

Nathan left his side of the game. “Don’t push.”

“You can have ice cream later.” Adrien ushered Nathan and Kyle to the car. “I’m ready to be home.”

“Me, too.” Nathan fell into step beside him. “You wore me out playing that game, Kyle.”

“I won,” Kyle said. “That’s why.”

“You did.” Nathan grasped Kyle’s hand. “If we’d have had quarters, it would’ve been a fair fight.”

A million thoughts rushed into Adrien’s brain. He didn’t owe Nathan any explanations and Nathan didn’t owe him any, but he wanted to discuss the phone call with Gerry. He wasn’t sure he wanted Gerry to see Kyle. Would Nathan see the problem from a different angle? He hoped so.

Nathan said little on the way home and once they arrived back at the house, he took the lead with Kyle. He bathed the child and got him to bed on time. Adrien checked in on Kyle twice and kissed him good night.

Anticipation slithered through his brain. He wanted time alone with Nathan and needed his kiss.

“He’s asleep.” Nathan strode into the master suite. “He was so wound up, but he’s happy.” He flopped beside Adrien on the bed. “He said he’s got three dads—two that care and one that ran away. I corrected him. I’m not his dad. I’m Nate.”

“He’s accepting you. That’s huge.” He rolled onto his side and faced Nathan. “Run with it. You’re doing well with him and he’s rewarding you.”

“You sound like me.” Nathan splayed his hand on Adrien’s chest. “I like it. But then I like how you’re coming into your own.” He tangled his legs with Adrien’s and tugged him closer. “I want you.”

“Do you?” He sucked at coy, but he’d do his best.

“Yes.” Nathan crawled on top of him. “I’ve wanted you all day.”

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