Page 20 of Finding Ash
My boys.
How was it those words held such freedom? Like the chains that had held me back were removed, and the black cloud blew away with the wind.
Poor Ash, his face matching his name. He drew in a deep breath and spilled the tea, as the kids nowadays say. At least the ones on social media did. He did it in a solo burst of breath, and I fearedhe’d pass out.
“We’re dating. The three of us. And we’re happy about it.” My sweet boy defiantly tipped his head up as though he dared his brother to argue with him.
“How’s that gonna work exactly? I mean, I’ve had threesomes, so that part I’ve got down.” Ash blushed at Kit’s words. “But what if one person gets jealous?”
“Kit, I can assure you we’ve agreed to an open line of communication.” Though we really hadn’t, Ash’s earlier words to Remy in the back room assured me it was a non-negotiable, as it should be. “Any issues will be dealt with head on.”
Kit started to say something, then stopped himself, and took a couple of seconds before he spoke again. “I just don’t want to see my brother get hurt.”
“Neither do we,” Remy replied. “Ash and I are in total agreement when it comes to dating McClain. We understand there will be challenges, as there are in any relationship, especially a non-conventional one. Any one of us could be hurt, though I prefer to go into this without worst-case scenarios in mind. I’d rather embrace and nurture than condemn and curse.”
“Wow, color me impressed,” Kit teased Remy. “Just keep those very words in mind. Ash, you’re my brother and I love you. I’m always here for you.”
“Thank you, I love you too, but I trust Remy and McClain.”
“Fair enough. Now, do you know what you want to order?”
“Could we have a few moments, please?” I’d not had a chance to peruse the menu and wasn’t in the mood for a burger, though Kit was right, it was a damn good burger.
“Sure, Ash can run your orders to the kitchen when you’re ready.” Kit wandered off toward his daddy, who immediately drew him into his arms. Their exchange was wonderful, they were a truly beautiful couple.
“Are you both okay?” I’d never been a daddy before, but my protective claws were out like one.
“Yes. I understand where Kit’s coming from and why he’s protecting me,” Ash fiddled with the bent corner on the menu. “This, well, Remy and me, and then this is, or are, my first relationship.”
Wait, was he saying? My eyes met his, and he nodded, then I turned to Remy, and he did the same.
“Oh, my. So, this is both your first relationship? No dating or…” Dare I ask? I better, because it’s a huge answer that held weight within our relationship. “Hookups?”
“No to either for both of us,” Remy replied. “This will be our first everything. Well, except for kisses. We were each other’s firsts for that.”
“You two haven’t fooled around with each other?” They blushed and shook their heads. “Good to know. We’ll take private things at your speed. You let me know when you’re, um, feeling something?” It came out as a question, which I wasn’t sure had been my intention.
“Thank you for understanding,” Ash finally spoke up. “Things just didn’t work that way on the commune. All of that was saved for marriage.”
That made far too much sense, and many questions I had clicked into place.
“What about you, Remy? Didn’t you grow up in Sacramento?”
“I did, but after my dad died I kinda became the man of the house and watched my sister while mom worked. Then I got the job with Queen and went to school while working, so there wasn’t time or really any desire to date.”
Fascinating. These boys truly were a wondrous anomaly.
The boys diverted their attention to their menus, as did I. Really, there was nothing more to be said on that subject, at least not in public nor with prying ears. They were virgins, and while I wasn’t, this was a step in our relationship I’d have them navigate. They’d let me know if, or when, they were ready for more. In the interim there was much to learn about each other and honestly just being aroundthem made me happy. With or without sex, I was excited to embark upon this new relationship journey with them.
“Well,” I set the menu down. “I’m going with the pulled pork sandwich, but instead of fries I’d like a salad with Italian dressing and a beer, please.”
“I’ll have the same but with a soda,” Remy said. “Please.”
Ash jotted the orders down on the pad Kit left behind. “I’ll be right back.”
“I don’t know him as well as you do, Remy, but are you sure he’s okay with all of this?”
“Yeah, I do. He’s really comfortable around you and always smiling. He looks forward to work every day. Not that he doesn’t smile with me, because he does. Besides, you heard what he said in the backroom. We,” he gestured between us, “make him happy. This life may be new to Ash, but he’s not the type to play the field, and neither am I.”
