Chapter 3
Kyle
Before they knew it, it was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Kyle and Jon were headed to Phoenix for a few days to celebrate with Jon’s family.
Their respective offices were closing at noon, and they were meeting at the airport for their nonstop flight.
Thanks to the three-hour time difference, they could leave DC in the late afternoon and still be in Arizona by early evening.
“Why am I nervous about seeing them again?” Kyle asked when they were seated at their gate.
He’d already met Jon’s family in person a couple of times when he’d visited Phoenix earlier in the year and had chatted with both Louisa and Bernie on several FaceTime calls, but he still had butterflies flitting around his innards.
Actually, it wasn’t Bernie so much as Jon’s mom who was giving him a case of nerves.
“Because you’re afraid that all Mama is going to talk about is when she can expect more nietos, that’s why.
” For some reason, Jon’s smile didn’t comfort Kyle at all.
“But remember”—Jon took Kyle’s hand and squeezed it tenderly—“she likes you, and she thinks you’re handsome, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. ”
“I hope you’re right.” Kyle spoke softly, hoping he was worrying needlessly.
“Relax, I’ve already asked Bernie to run interference if Mama gets too intense.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.” Kyle was grateful Jon was so supportive and understanding.
“Of course. And not to change the subject, but why does your dad insist on upgrading us to first class every time we fly?”
“It’s just his way.” Kyle sighed. “I did try asking him about it once, and he said I was his only son, and he could afford to do it, so I should just mind my own business and let him indulge me. I think the only way I could get him to stop would be to book our own flights and leave Sam out of it, and I don’t wanna do that.
Besides, on a day like this, when travel is so crazy, it is kinda nice to be in first class rather than in economy. ”
“That is a valid point,” Jon agreed, scanning the crowds at the gate.
After a pleasant flight, which included a meal, they arrived in Phoenix, grabbed their carry-ons, and were some of the first folks off the plane.
“I can definitely appreciate the advantages of flying first class,” Jon admitted as they strode through the airport.
Since they were only going to be there for a couple of days, they hadn’t checked bags.
Jon texted his sister as they made their way to the exit.
Bernie was waiting in the cell phone lot and texted back that she’d pick them up in a minute or two.
After stowing their bags in the back of Bernie’s SUV and receiving hugs, they proceeded to Jon’s house.
Originally, Jon had owned the house where Bernie and Jeff lived, but prior to his moving to DC, they had officially transferred the titles of their homes to each other.
This allowed Louisa to remain in the in-law apartment over the garage and also gave Bernie’s family a larger home to live in.
Jon had originally planned to rent out his now-empty house, but he’d been anxious to move to DC to be with Kyle, so that hadn’t happened yet.
Fortunately, that meant the two guys had a place to stay.
“How was the flight?” Bernie asked as she drove.
“Good. Kyle’s dad upgraded us to first class, so it was less of a hassle, and we got a meal too.”
“Nice. I was gonna ask if you needed to stop and get some food, but I guess not.”
“Thanks for picking us up, Bernie,” Kyle said. “We could have taken an Uber or taxi.”
“It’s fine. Plus, I wanted a chance to see you guys before tomorrow. Mama’s been really good lately, but there’s no telling what might happen when she sees the two of you.”
“Thanks, sis. We really appreciate you running interference for us,” said Jon.
“No problem. Okay, dinner’s at three tomorrow. Jeff will pick you up around two.” Bernie pulled into Jon’s driveway. “Now gimme a kiss, and then off you go. There’s coffee, English muffins, and a few other things in the fridge, so you have something for breakfast in the morning.”
As soon as they got into the house, Kyle turned and kissed his boyfriend soundly.
“I’ve been waiting to do that since we landed,” he said breathlessly. God, how he loved this man.
“You could have kissed me in front of Bernie, you know,” Jon replied. “It doesn’t bother her.”
“I know, but I really want to do more than just kiss you.” Kyle smiled devilishly. “Remind me again whose turn it is to try and make a baby.”
“You’re a goof, you know that, right?”
“Yeah, but I’m your goof, and you love me.”
“So true. Hey, I’ve got an idea. Maybe we can both try tonight.” Jon snickered.
“So, mi hijo,” Louisa said after the table had been cleared.
“Have you given any more thought to what we’ve discussed?
” They’d all enjoyed a huge Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the trimmings, and the adults were now settling in for some time together.
Bernie’s kids had gone off to play video games and chat on the phone with friends.
“What do you mean, Mama?” Jon said innocently.
“Don’t play dumb with me. Grandchildren, Jon.” She stared at him. “You know I love Jacob and Sabrina,” she continued, referring to Bernie and Jeff’s two children, “but would it be so bad to give your mama a couple more?”
“The truth is,” Jon began, “Kyle and I have been trying like crazy, but neither one of us has managed to get pregnant yet!” Kyle nearly choked on his wine, and Bernie’s husband Jeff actually laughed out loud.
“Don’t be fresh, hijo.”
“Sorry, Mama.”
“Actually, Louisa, Jon and I haven’t really talked about it yet,” Kyle chimed in.
“But I promise you that it’s something we’re going to discuss very soon.
You must understand that we’ve only been living together for a few months and have still been settling in.
But I understand that it’s important to you.
Jon and I will talk about how we want to move forward together. ”
“That’s all I ask,” Louisa said quietly, a smile on her face. “Talk about when I can expect my next grandchild.”
Jon just shook his head. “I think I’ll have another glass of wine.”