38. Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Ryan
S imeon was not the worse cook in the world. I’d be in the running for that title. Even with the lessons I’d gotten, I still could barely crack an egg.
Which was why I took Chia for her morning constitutional while Simeon did the honors. I’d have to learn, of course. I wanted to be an equal partner in our…relationship. Today, however, wasn’t the day for me to try to learn. My brain was too full of sex, kisses, shower hand jobs, and trying to figure out the next step.
Maddox had texted Simeon, asking him to ask me if I was serious about the job.
I told Simeon to text back a yes and then confirmed he’d bought me a smart phone for Christmas.
He had. He just hadn’t been certain if he was going to give it to me, or if it was going to wind up being a first-anniversary gift. Which warmed my heart because it meant both that he saw us staying together for a long time and that he was willing to respect my boundaries when it came to technology.
I’d never fly a drone again. But answering a text? Composing an email? Ensuring against a breach? Those were things I could manage. Thanks to Justin. Thanks to Angus. Mostly, thanks to Simeon. He hadn’t charged in and rescued me. Instead, he’d stood by me, held my hand, and had offered unconditional support. I might not have made it if he, or anyone else, had pushed. Instead, everyone gave me the space I needed. If I never relinquished the flip phone, that would’ve been okay with the folks who cared about me.
Simeon mentioned a shelter, Lissa’s House, that took in abuse victims. Apparently they were always looking for phones that could anonymously given to people so they could communicate without the chance of being traced.
I made a note to contact them in the new year. Donating a flip phone felt so insignificant. Maybe I could convince Dad to make a donation as well—he was always looking for worthy charities so he could ease his tax burden. Which might’ve annoyed me before. Now I saw what a difference the donation he’d given anonymously to Healing Horses would make. They could see clients who didn’t have funds. They could do more good.
That meant something.
Chia shook herself.
Hell, I hadn’t even noticed the snow starting to fall. Where’d the sun go? Sheesh. Too much in my head. That used to be a place I hated being. Now being alone with my thoughts didn’t scare me nearly as much as it used to.
I clicked my tongue.
Chia turned, and we headed home.
Home.
When I’d been overseas, in the middle of a war, I’d realized I could never go home. At least not back to my father’s house. Not just because it had all the latest technology—which I’d come to hate. No, because I couldn’t abide by the extravagant lifestyle. The absolute excess. The grotesque shows of wealth.
Now, though, I could stomach the idea of perhaps going to my father’s home for dinner. With Simeon, of course. I’d mentioned him to my dad…just so we were absolutely clear on where my allegiances lay. And that I was unquestioningly gay. I’d hidden the hookups from him. Had never shared my secret.
He’d assured me he didn’t care.
I’d believed him. He’d changed. I’d changed. Our relationship would, thank God, never be the same again.
The break in the trees let me know we’d made it back to the house.
Without being instructed, Chia turned up the driveway and guided me to the first place in my life where I’d felt true acceptance. True love. And there’d been others now. The ranch. Maddox and Ravi’s home. Adam and Dean’s castle. Eventually, Justin would release me from his care. He’d carefully kept that barrier up when we socialized. Perhaps we should’ve terminated the relationship, and I should’ve moved to Kennedy or Avery’s care. I hadn’t wanted to. Justin had respected that. When we ended the professional and therapeutic relationship, though, I planned to invite him, Stanley, and the kids over. Maybe I’d buy a wicked gaming system and teach Angus a new game. I’d have to figure out what Opal might like. Probably a book. Whatever toys we bought would need to be good quality because the twins would have a go at them shortly.
And maybe your own kids?
We entered the front door. I grabbed the doggie towel and tried to dry Chia off as best I could. She made a beeline for the kitchen—undoubtedly to check to see if Simeon had dropped anything.
With care, I removed my coat and boots. My chest didn’t hurt, but I wasn’t taking any chances. If something did happen, it might curtail our sex life. Simeon wouldn’t mind, of course, but I might. Now we’d actually had sex, I was looking forward to more. Marcus suggested, if I wanted to bottom, that I ride Simeon. That wouldn’t put pressure on my chest.
I kind of liked that suggestion.
He poked his head out of the kitchen. “You o-okay? You’re flushed.”
I grinned. “No, that’s rosy cheeks from the biting wind that’s picked up. And it’s snowing.”
“Yeah, I n-noticed. Come into the t-toasty kitchen and get warm.”
He didn’t need to extend that invitation a second time. I slid my feet into a pair of Bops’ old slippers he’d loaned me and headed to the kitchen. “Can I help?” The heavenly smell of cooked waffles tickled my nose.
“You can c-cut oranges into sections. And one grapefruit. D-doesn’t mix with Nanny’s meds, but Bops c-can have one.”
I winced. I’d tried a grapefruit in the hospital. Because I’d been bored? I couldn’t remember the reason. The damn thing had been gross. Just…gross. I sat at the table with the cutting board, a knife, and a pile of citrus fruit. With a grin, I got to work.
Chia dropped herself onto my feet.
“We should call Torah. See about getting Chia into therapy dog training.”
Simeon grinned. “I t-texted yesterday. She said she’s got a new c-class in January and a spot w-with Chia’s name on it.”
“Oh, perfect.” I smiled. We really were on the same wavelength on so many things.
“She’s f-fixed, so we don’t need to worry about that. Dr. Zephyra emailed her m-medical records, so I’ve got them. We’ll keep seeing the vet, of course.”
“Another Dixon sister.” I laughed. “I think I could almost name them all.”
Simeon laughed. “See? You’re a t-true Mission City resident. H-home.” He gestured around the room.
“Home.” I echoed the word. And had a flash of our future. Sitting here and doing this with kids. Our kids? Foster kids? Didn’t matter. I’d have to attend parenting classes, or watch videos, or whatever. Because I only knew about what not to do.
Something to ask Justin about. He and Stanley had become guardians of Angus when the kid had been ten. Steep learning curve as the boy had been grieving losing both parents within a short span of time. He’d lucked out with an uncle who loved him and a counselor willing to relinquish that role and move into parent. An adoption later, and they’d been a family. Then fostering Opal and another adoption, and suddenly their family was full of love.
I flashed to the kind lawyer who’d gently delivered the news to Stanley. Arnav? Someone whose path I hoped to cross. “Hey, are we going to Quinton’s New Year’s party?”
Simeon snorted. “It’s g-going to be s-something.”
“Is that a yes?”
He nodded.
“Great.”
“What’s great?” Nanny asked as she and Bops entered the kitchen.
Simeon kissed each on their cheeks as they made their way to the kitchen table.
“Oh, this is such a treat.” Nanny made a big production of sitting.
“Great is having you here to enjoy the labors of your grandson’s hard work.” I passed a plate of fruit. “Well, I helped.”
Bops winked as he snagged a wedge of grapefruit. “We can see.”
“Trust me—you don’t want me anywhere near a griddle.”
“I’m g-going to teach him.” Simeon shot me a look. “W-within a month, he’ll be w-whipping up gourmet meals.”
Nanny laughed. Then pressed a hand to her lips. “Sorry.” She managed to get that around her hand.
“Are you saying you don’t think I can learn?” I pretended affront, all the while loving the sparkle in her eyes.
“Well, maybe with Simeon showing you. He’s the best teacher.”
Simeon placed a plate of waffles on the table. “B-because I learned from the best.” He blinked. “I love y-you both.”
Bops snagged his hand. “Same goes, young man. Don’t think we’re not going to miss you terribly. We expect regular visits. When you’re not too busy with work,” he quickly added.
Because he would never heap guilt on a grandson who had given so much—and received so much in return. The love in this room was palpable. Like a physical entity. A welcome guest.
Will I ever be like that with my dad? Maybe not. But I can be like that with whatever kids I’m blessed to have. I wanted to ask Nanny and Bops to make sure they stuck around for any potential great-grandchildren, but that wasn’t fair. It might take years for Simeon and me to have kids. His grandparents might not have that much time. Or knowing what perhaps could come might be an incentive to keep them going.
Simeon met my gaze. He took a deep breath. “Uh… Ryan’s s-staying. And we, uh, t-told each other that we l-love each other.” He squinted. “I d-didn’t say that right.”
I rose and moved to him swiftly. I caught him around the waist.
He moved his hand, holding the spatula, out of the way.
I kissed him soundly on the mouth. “You said that perfectly. You always have just the right words.”
“Boy reads a lot.” Nanny eyed a slice of orange. “Gives him a good vocabulary.”
“Oh.” I nearly smacked myself on the forehead.
“O-oh?” Simeon frowned.
“I left something in my car. I have to go get it.”
He pointed to the pancakes. “R-right now?”
“I might forget.”
“We can always remind you.” Bops grinned and tapped his noggin. “Still got it. Whip-smart. Sharp as a tack.” He wrinkled his nose. “Did I get that right?”
I didn’t stick around to assure him one way or the other. I darted to the front hall, removed the slippers, and shoved my feet into my boots. Yeah, I could wait until we formally exchanged gifts, but this was too damn important. I scooted out to the car, removed the package, then headed back inside. I swapped out boots for slippers and was back in the kitchen in no time.
Simeon sat at the table, with his grandparents, forking a pancake onto his plate. He eyed me. “T-this can’t wait?”
“Nope.” I gestured for him to rise and take the parcel.
He did. Clearly confused, but always willing to follow my weird and chaotic lead.
“Open it.”
Gently, he untied the rope. When that was freed, and he’d dropped it on the counter, he tackled the brown wrap.
“I daresay it’s a print or a painting.” Nanny beamed. “I like the idea because we’ll be taking a few of our favorites with us.”
“Hear, hear. Charming idea.” Bops pressed a hand to my forearm. “Well done.”
Simeon gasped as the last of the paper fell away.
“Oh, show us.” Nanny might’ve demanded that.
“It’s s-stunning.” Slowly, Simeon turned the painting to show his grandparents.
“Now, I know there aren’t grizzlies in Mission City. So a bit of license is being taken. But bears live here, and this painting was just so—”
“Majestic.” Nanny pressed a hand to her chest.
“Realistic.” Bops’ contribution.
“Over the couch,” Nanny added. “Pride of place.”
“Or over the bed,” Bops added. “Also pride of place.”
She swatted at him.
Simeon strode from the room.
I gazed back and forth between the two people who knew him best.
“Nowhere in here for him to put it down.” Nanny nabbed the butter. “He’s going to come racing back in here and give you a hug.”
Which Simeon promptly did. He appeared to be ready to give me a wild hug when he glanced down at my chest and slowed his movements. He held open his arms, leaving the decision to me.
I stepped into them. Knowing he’d care for me. Knowing I’d be okay.
We stood like that for several long moments.
Bops cleared his throat. “You’re going to have to microwave the food to heat it up.”
Simeon laughed. A little damply. “W-we’ll manage.”
Yeah, we would.
We were going to be okay.