Page 37 of A Case of You
“I’ll miss both of you, too. But someone has to stay home and keep an eye on the two supervillains. Make sure they don’t poison Gotham’s water supply, or short-sheet our bed.” He smiled. “Go have fun. Enjoy spending time with your sister. Don’t wear Master out too much.”
“That’s whatI’mworried about,” Brandon teased as he stepped in to hug both of them. “I might be begging for mercy by the time we fly home.”
“You can always safeword,” Jeff reminded him.
“True, but it’s a matter of pride at that point.” He smiled down at Stuart. “If nothing else, this’ll be fun, getting to spank you in a hotel room.”
Stuart blushed a little. “Yes, Master.”
Stuartwaslooking forward to that.
Even more, he was looking forward to turning over all worries about the weekend to Brandon, trusting him to make sound decisions about what was happening.
For the first time in his life, Stuart didn’t feel like he was having to face down his family alone.
That was…huge.
He wasn’t scared.
Concerned? Yes, absolutely. Worried about their reactions? Somewhat, but he knew he couldn’t control what they said or thought and it wasn’t his job to do that, anyway. What they said or thought was a reflection uponthem, not him. After his talks with Eileen, at least he knew she was on his side and had felt similarly isolated while growing up.
He was happier than he’d ever been in his life, living with two men who absolutely loved him for exactly who he was. He had a good job with a boss who was happy with his work, and coworkers who respected him and with whom he got along pretty dang well. Some of them had even become friends.
They had kinky friends in the Suncoast Society.
He had two daughters, considering Grace was their bonus daughter. Just like she considered them “bonus dads.”
There was Tracey, who had finally become a friend, too, now that she’d dumped Pat and was working on rebuilding her life in a healthy way.
Stuart had no complaints and only wished Jeff had his health back, but that was beyond Stuart’s control.
After one long, last hug, Stuart stepped back so Brandon could have Jeff to himself for a moment.
“Don’t overdo things, okay?” Brandon warned him. “Let Em and Grace help out.”
“I will. I promise.”
Grace had permission from her parents to spend the whole weekend, including Sunday night, at their house. The two of them would be studying for mid-terms, since Emma didn’t have swim practice or meets for a couple of weeks because of Thanksgiving.
“I’m sorry you can’t go with us, but I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“It’s okay, Bran, seriously. I’m good. I’m more worried about you two dealing with his stupid brother.”
“If Eileen’s right, her fiancé’s friends will help keep the peace,” Stuart said.
“I hope so. I’d hate to have to hop a flight and go kick someone’s ass for putting hands on my Master or my boy.” Jeff smiled.
“I’m no hero,” Brandon said. “I’ll call 911 and smile as people get led off in fancy metal bracelets.”
One more round of hugs and kisses andI love youslater, Brandon and Stuart got in his car and headed north, with Brandon driving.
“If at any time this weekend you feel you can’t deal with them, you say the word and we leave,” Brandon assured him. “I mean it.”
“I’m not going all the way up there to chicken out.”
“You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I love you.” He reached over and patted Stuart’s thigh. “This is about celebrating your sister’s wedding, meeting your new brother-in-law and his family, and letting everyone see what a hot hubby you have.” He smiled, finally coaxing a laugh out of Stuart.
Stuart had never flown before. Brandon held his hand as they sat at the gate and waited for their flight to board.
