Page 79 of Adrift Without You
“I’m happy for you both,” she says, her eyes watering up when she looks at Ky. “It’s the fairytale ending you both deserve. I guess that only leaves on more question. Will you be moving in with us?”
I look to Ky, not knowing what I should say. This is really a conversation only for father and daughter. What I want doesn’t really matter at this point.
“Lu, Bren doesn’t want to do anything that would make you feel uncomfortable. Or feel rushed. We can talk about it together later, then you can take some time to think about it and—”
“Dad, what’s to decide? Brenshouldmove in if you both want that. You’ve waited twenty years to be together and you guysaregetting old.”
Kyle is clearly offended. “Hey, we’re not that old. Forty isn’t old!”
Lu rolls her eyes at her dad then turns back to me. “I’m serious, Bren. Don’t let me stand in the way. It’s obvious you two love each other and I trust my dad. If it makes you feel any better, it can be on a trial basis, okay? How does that sound?”
I look to Ky, his face lighting up. “Looks like it’s been decided, then.”
“Okay, trial basis,” I agree. “And Lu, if you want me to leave at any time, you just say the word and I will. You don’t have to explain yourself or have a reason.”
She stands and pushes her chair in. “As long as you love my dad and look after him then that’ll never happen. My dad’s been through enough and he deserves someone who’ll treat him right. So just don’t fuck this up, okay?”
“Language,” Ky and I say in unison, before the three of us burst into laughter.
I stand too, and Lu walks around the table, giving me a hug. “Welcome to the family, Bren.” I pat her gently on the back, feeling a bit overwhelmed, then step back, stunned by her willingness to accept me. Ky gets to his feet next, brushing a few tears from his cheeks. He’s a sentimental bitch, but I love him for it.
Lu wraps her arms around Ky next, receiving a kiss to her forehead. “Okay then, I’ve got some homework to do and then maybe later we can watch a movie together?”
“Yeah, we’d love that, wouldn’t we, Bren?”
“As long as Lu’s picking and not you,” I reply. “You’ve got shit taste in movies.”
Ky screws up his face. “You might change your mind about that when Lu makes you watch a cheesy rom-com.”
I blush because, as much as I hate to admit it, I like a good romance. “Maybe these days I enjoy watchin’ one every now and again.” I jut out my chin out.
Lu laughs. “Suck it, Dad. Two to one. We’re watching a rom-com.” She turns triumphantly and heads off in the direction of her bedroom.
“I told you, Bren. Come here.”
I walk into Ky’s open arms and nuzzle his neck.
I think of Stacey's words and smile. I guess my heart did win out in the end.
Chapter 41
Brendan
One year later
As soon as the last staff member leaves for the weekend, I start packing up, frequently checking my watch. I have big news to share with Ky, and, although I could’ve called him, I want to tell him in person. He should arrive any minute nowsince he’s already texted to say he’s dropped Lu off with James for the weekend.
We’re going out for dinner tonight to celebrate my divorce being finalised. Ky’s came through a couple of months ago so we’re both finally closing those chapters of our lives. The divorce process has been straightforward and amicable between me and Chris. He kept the house, and I kept the business. It was a fair division of assets, especially after I paid Chris back the start-up capital he’d loaned me.
Since moving in with Ky a little over a year ago, the business has grown rapidly, securing more and more commercial contracts. While much of my money is currently tied up in expanding the business further, it doesn’t change the fact that between the two of us we have more money than we’ll ever need. It makes me laugh to think that two rough, gay kids from The Pines ended up respectable millionaires.
I had been seriously worried about moving in straight away, and there were a few hiccups at first as we learned how to live together again. We argued over stupid things like whose turn it was to stack the dishwasher or take out the bins, and he hated it when I left wet towels on the bathroom floor. But we worked through it and now our household runs like a well-oiled machine.
The only thing we still struggle with is jealousy. There have been some short-lived but epic arguments over other guys. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone coming onto Ky or someone coming onto me. The possessiveness remains, perhaps fuelled by some unconscious fear that we will lose each other again. But it’s not all bad: the make-up sex is mind-blowing.
In the early days, I’d been so concerned Lu wouldn’t accept me, but those fears were unfounded. Within months, we had started to feel like a family, and now, I know we are. I love Lu with all my heart as if she is my own flesh and blood. She’s smartand sassy and welcomed me into her life without judgement. Dropping her at school or picking her up from netball training makes me feel useful in a way I never thought possible. We talk about everything, have the same sense of humour, and gang up on Ky just for fun; simple shit, like what movie we’ll watch, or where to go on holiday, or what to have for dinner. Ky doesn’t stand a chance against the two of us when we’re a united front. But, most of all, I cherish the time all three of us spend together.
“It’s just me, Bren.”
